Seems like it would do the job ok...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/?cmd=...K%3AMEWAX%3AIT

What would I need to put this on an 86?

 

Where does the intake end go? Drilling required?

The stock firebird with MAF sensor already ingests cold (relatively) air. The air filter inlet is aimed at the rear of the right headlight, where the air is slightly cooler than underhood air.

 

It goes in the same spot...its simply an open air filter element that will allow sucking in more air. The ducting and filter will allow for that.

 

I was looking at the same design intake on Amazon & it says 88-89. But I'm not seeing how it could not fit the earlier MAF cars too.

The only conclusion I can come up with is about the metal bracket that hangs off the top of the radiator holder to the intake box. That aftermarket one does appear to have a bracket like that. I suppose they could be claiming to not fit earlier, just to cover themselves.


Could V-belt vs. Serpentine cause a no-fit issue?
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...A3J8QWF5YYF7ZE

 

I remember someone posting a long time ago that if I wanted to use a factory '88+ air intake on my '86, I needed to change a shield or something on top of the radiator? Its hard for me to picture it right now, without the car in front of me.

I was figuring I'd buy one for my '88, and see how well it did or didn't fit my '86...I'd prefer a K&N on the end of it, though. I imagine I could measure this filter and find a generic K&N to fit...

 

Sounds like that little bracket that mounts on top of the radiator hold-down, wraps over & holds up the box-like portion of the intake tubing.

 

that cold air will work just fine with a your maf I have one similiar on my 89 firebird

 

88-89 isn't what I'm worried about...its the 85-87-style air intake I want to replace as well. Something about it is different enough, which is why the discussed intake isn't listed for those years.

 

sorry about that than not sure

 

I've got one on my 89 GTA with a MAF. Works quite well. You get a nice sucking sound a little more throttle response.

 

I've also read they work on earlier birds but I wouldn't know

 

I asked the Seller about it fitting a 87 & he replied:
"hi,
the kit actually fits the 87 model as well, I got confirmation its the same setup. Thank you."

Since 86 intake is the same as a 87, your good to go with it.

 

'Similiar' is the key word. The one above will "work" but the MAF ends up with less than 1/4" clearance to the alternator pulley. I don't need something rotating at thousands of RPMs eating my MAF.

Don't buy the one above. Buy one made to fit right the first time. I have to make it work, since I already drilled the hole for my relocated IAT sensor.

 

BlackenedBird,

Thanks for the research! Glad to hear it will work...my 86 could use a little more giddy-up!

 

I think I worded everything as "Mine sucks, but I'm stuck with it & making it work."

It actually works pretty dang good & I repositioned things to end up with plenty of clearance between my MAF & the alternator. I do sometimes wish the filter sat lower & under the "battery" tray, but that could lead to water ingestion by the engine which is certainly not a good thing.

All in all, I am happy with it & don't regret buying it. For the relocated IAT, I was able to drill a hole just undersized & use a tap the thread the metal tube itself for the sensor to thread it to. So there turned out to be no need to get a mounting bung welded on, like you would for the O2 sensor in an aftermarket exhaust (if it didn't come with one). Even though the tube is thin, it has been holding the sensor in perfectly tight & hasn't loosened any. So, here is what I bought, which is the same as what the OP bought. http://www.ebay.com/itm/330548988551...84.m1439.l2649

 

cut a 3" hole in the battery tray and run the filter under the tray..thats what i did

 

I've seen them done like that, but if I did it I'd make the whole bottom tray removable to get to the filter. Don't want to need ramps to reach my filter & with it being my dd, not wanting to take the 1% chance of sucking in water. I think a simple wall to section the filter off is enough to limit the amount of incoming hot hair it'd get.

 

this is true!
i have a true CAI running the same kit as your thinking about buying. ive taken it the next step and measured, cut, weld paint, hole saw a partial fabed cai, and fliped around the long 90deg pipe from the kit and using the factory tb boot. ive sucked up water one time because i decided to take my car to work (its not my dd) and was caught in the rain. started stumbling on my street and parked it and promised i will never drive in the rain again.
i would not advise leaving your filter exposed to rain, gravel road dust...
im not sure this mod is worth the trouble, for me im glad i did it because is just a fair weather car. i can really feel the 5 extra hp, lol.

btw, the day i recieved the kit in the mail i looked inside and i noticed metal shavings. nice!! im sure it was magical dust of sorts. check inside the tubing!!

 

Attachment 228235

Attachment 228236

 

Not thinking about getting, done! I've had it for like 2-3 weeks now. No shavings, except for when I cut & shortened 1 piece & had to drill a hole for my relocated IAT sensor.

 

Oops...missed this comment the first time. Does anyone make one that will "fit right the first time"?

Haven't bought one yet...

 

Read all the posts before replying. Look at #15.