I was experimenting with the open element air cleaner I have and notice that my car pings really bad when using it. If I use my stock air cleaner, I have little or no ping at all. I run 87 Octane now due to high gas prices and have the timing at 0 degrees factory spec. I have the 305 TBI setup. Everything is stock.

Has anyone else noticed this at all?

I thought I solved my pinging problem awhile back but now I think its all because of the open element air cleaner. I was using my stock one for awhile and decided to try my open element again and now have pinging.

I also read somewhere that the TBI setup doesn't have enough fuel pressure to use an open element air cleaner "too much air, not enough fuel" causing sensors not to adjust right and then pinging.

I was just wondering if anyone else knows about this because I see alot of people on here using Open Elements.

 

Just as a comparison, I haven't had any problems with my open element or pinging, and I've always run 87 octane and 4* advance timing.

Anyway, I know that this is a stupid question, but are you sure it's pinging that your hearing? Also, how many miles are on the motor? Just curious because sometimes pinging is caused by carbon build-up in an engine, which can accumulate over time.

 

Yes, Im sure its pinging im hearing. I even had confirmed it with a mechanic. 93 Octane and above stops it from pinging depending where I get the gas at. The car has 112000 miles on it. 92 Camaro RS. Like I said before it only seems to ping when the Open element is on it. I also notice that when it does ping, it does it when im slightly on the gas, if I floor it or half throttle it, the pinging goes away. Never pings at idle.

 

Have you checked your egr for carbon buildup?