I recently started the mod process on my car and I my next step is the open element assembly. I also know there are quite a few posts in here about open elements. I've been searching all over this board to try to get a definitive answer as to which type I should buy. It seems to be a matter of opinion, but I really don't want to have any coil problems or have to return anything if I order online. Do I go with the drop or non-drop base? I know it's an age old question, but I really couldn't get a good answer as to which one will fit on my stock TBI (which I just recently rebuilt...it was pretty dirty...) without hood clearance problems. I see "just buy a non-drop and put it on without the spacer." But I also see "I have a drop base that works great." I am under the impression that the drop base has throttle linkage clearance problems and is closer to the coil. I'm just getting confused in my research as to which is better. Like many others I'd like to follow the Ultimate's method, but I also want a smooth installation. I hear it will clear and it won't. Someone please help me out here! I'm goin crazy...thanks for any advice guys. I love this board and I am learning so much here. You guys rock!

 

Just buy a non-drop base open element and call it a day. Take it from someone who bought a non-drop first, and then got dissatisfied with it after a while.

Both a non-drop and drop base (with the spacer ring) will clear the linkage, no problem. But, as you mentioned, keeping a drop base away from the coil is a problem, which is a problem you don't have with non-drop ones. In case your interested, most auto parts store should sell Mr. Gasket air cleaners, and they are almost always non-drop. Be sure to double check, of course.

A 14"X3" non-drop base open element air cleaner will fit under the stock hood of a Camaro. It may touch the hood insulation, but that is also not really a problem.

For example, I'm running a non-drop 14"X3" open element, with the Edelbrock TBI intake (which is 1/4" taller than the stock intake manifold), and I have somewhere between 1/4" to 1/2" of hood clearance.

Hope this helps.

 

you can always relocate your coil like i did, i bolted it up side down to the top lip where the hood seal is, just a thot

 

I had the same questions as you when I went with an open element air filter. I ended up buying a flat base air cleaner from Summit. I just took off the space ring and it fit fine. I did have to flip the lid upside down becase the stud was too short, but if works fine like that. The part number is SUM 239431, $39.95.

 

i got the drop base one from autozone on mine and its works fine, i kept the spacer ring on it, the coil is close, but a little bit of modification and it works fine...

 

Just for future reference, you can usually just unscrew the stud out a little bit from the TBI unit to get the length you need. Or, you could go to a junkyard and get an air cleaner stud from a TBI truck, they are a good bit longer than our studs, if needed.

All I had to do was just unscrew the stud about 3 turns and the non-drop air cleaner fit perfect.

 

Thanks guys! I knew there was a reason I started using this board. I just needed a little reassurance from people who are using them. I really do appreciate the feedback. I guess I'll go ahead and order a non-drop from Summit. They seem to work well for you guys. I looked for non-drops in the auto parts stores. We have Pep Boys, Autozone, and Checkers Auto out here in Vegas. Checkers and Pep Boys have just about nothing and Autozone only had drop base Edelbrocks. Thanks again!

 

Yep just unscrew the stud a tad, i am lucky enough to have a ton of those things laying around so i ended up with a 3/4 ton truck stud which is a lot longer since i am running a 14x4 element but i have a 4' cowl hood so clearance is not an issue for me, good luck

 

Anyone know where to get a replacement filter at? Like the Fram Part # or anything? No parts store I go to has a replacement.

 

Just to make sure, are you referring to a stock replacement air filter or a 14" by 3" air filter?

 

I have a drop base 14X3 with two spacers on the TBI. I've added additional insulation to the distributor coil to ensure that no grounding occurs on the coil. I've also stripped out the element stud with the wing nut. Need to find a replacement (not carried by GM anymore).

If I was going to do it all again, I would be getting the non-drop base.

89BlueRS... welcome to the forum, man.

 

I would go with the non drop base. I just slapped my on and everythings been fine for about 2yrs. Clears the coil fine.

If you use the drop base than you have to use the spacer.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong on this, but doesn't using the spacer restrick air flow?

 

That's what I heard John. That's why I decided to go with the non-drop. It should be here this week. Thanks for the advice guys and I'm glad to be here!

 

You are correct. From what I understand, TBIs take in air from the sides (the pretty much have to, since the injectors are in the way), so if you keep that spacer ring on, it forces the TBI to only take in air from the top. A non-drop air cleaner without the spacer allows the TBI to take in air from all sides.

 

The 14x3

sorry if its a dumb question.

 

The only dumb question is the one not asked.

Anyway, I couldn't find a FRAM part number for a replacement 14X3, but any auto parts store should have some replacement 14X3 paper filters in the same aisle and location as the open element air cleaners. I see them all the time there.

 

the fram one i use while im cleaning my K&N was 3 bucks at wal-mart... i forgot the part number, but its not even a 14X3.. its more like a 13.5 X 3.. its an odd size... but it works

 

That's the Fram I got, p/n CA136. I dont know why its smaller, but I wont run it because it looks too small on the base. Pennzoil PZA12 seems to fit fine on a 14" base.

FYI, a filter for a 1980 Cadillac Eldorado 350 Diesel is 14x3"

 

Well I got my element from Summit. Put it on in about 15 mins. Made sure my wires were clear. Fits like a glove. I love the sound, it's so throaty. I feel quite a bit of boost now. I can tell the engine is breathing much better. Makes me wonder why I didn't do it sooner... Great mod! I love it. Looks great on top. It seems bigger than what I saw in pictures. The non-drop was the way to go like you guys said. Thanks for helping me out! I'm a happy camper....time for the next mod...