I want to put an Open Element on my 1992 Camaro RS with the 5.0L V8. I purchased a 14x3 with a 1.5" dropped base and it didnt fit quite right. IT either sat up too high with the adapter i had for it, or the bottom rubbed the ignition coil wires. The lid of the air cleaner had somewhat of a dome shape to it. I'm going to buy a different air cleaner to try and put on the TBI unit, what are some steps I can take to make it fit properly, and what do I need to do with the air temperature sensor and the vacuum tube on the original air cleaner?

 

Mine is an Edelbrock 14X3 with a drop base, I forget how much it drops, but I did use a spacer (1" I believe) to clear the ignition coil and throttle bracket.

For the IAT, the base may have a punch-out for it. If not, you can drill a hole in the base for it - It's been a few years, so I forget what size hole it requires, but with the right size it should snap right in. The vacuum line can be capped at the TB as it is for the thermac valve on the original air cleaner, no longer needed.

 

How can I make sure that its not touching the hood and is clear of everything beneath it?

 

Mine sits higher than the fender height as shown in this picture. The hood is higher in the middle, so there should be room. I have a friend whose cleaner sits a bit highrt than mine and still clears a flat hood.

 

The Open element I have on my car now came with a drop base bottom but I swapped it out for a flat base bottom and it clears the hood. Its also a 14X3 inch filter. Its fairy close to touching but it still clears.