I picked up a filter housing from a 2.8 Camaro, the one that fits between the nose cap and the top of the radiator. I was think I could make it fit in my 1992 3.1 Firebird. However, from the looks of it, the housing will fit right over the radiator, sealing up the area between the rad and the hood.

Will this make the car overheat? When I had a bra on from Wolf, the temp would hit 220+ on the highway, because the bra sealed the seam between the hood and the nosecap. Apparently, the car gets air through this small opening. Would the same thing happen with the new air cleaner?

Has anyone else ever done this? I'd like to, since it seems to me more cold air would come from the bottom of the car than where the stock air filter is located.

 

That shouldn't be a problem... in fact that spot should be sealed anyway, to direct max airflow thru the radiator. I don't know why your car overheated with the Wolf bra... the f-bodies suck air in from under the car. It's blown up by the black driveway-scraping air dam.

You could also check for leaves & other crap between your radiator & air conditioning condensor. remove the top radiator support, & lean the radiator back towards the engine. Then you'll see the condensor and any crap in between the two.

The problem with the air cleaner would be getting the clearance needed between the hood & top of the radiator support. Let us know how it goes! If it fits, it should be an excellent mod.


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-Tom P (Hot rodded 1986 Firebird 2.8l) from http://www.f-body.net/mailbag/3rd/3rd_mailbag.html message boards

 

Tom, my roadkill-scooper is long gone, if it ever was there... I didn't think of that when I had the bra on, and I did think it was mighty odd that it should cause overheating.

I will be fashioning an air dam out of sheet metal, unless I can find one in a boneyard (will other model years fit my 92?).

Before I put in the new air cleaner, I'll test fit the top half by removing the air duct currently in the car. If all goes well, I'll put together a quickie site with pics of the whole process

 

hey bandit, hit up the junkyard for that air dam. i got one from an '85 iroc and put it on my '90 RS. the design was different but the holes still lined up. plus it only cost 3 bucks

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Dan
100% stock 1990 RS 3.1L
and VERY slow

 

The 2.8 box won't make your car get hotter, unless you ram air it. Before you put it on chop off the lower half of the lower air box assembly. You'll notice a difference in power from before and after. I did when I had my 2.8.

FYI A new air dam only costs 20 bucks from your local GM dealer.

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My car is the perfect women. She's braless, won't talk back and loves a good beating.
1989 Camaro RS L03 w/ WC T-5
http://350.StreetRacing.org
ICQ: 61342629 AOL IM: BlackSunshineZ28

 

Damn, I can't believe I paid $10 for my old, ugly air box then.. oh wait, I never did give back the money to my friend, so I guess I haven't really paid anything yet, huh?

Cali, remember this is going from a Camaro to a Firebird, so a bit of sheetmetal removal will be involved. Other than that, it does seem like the holes will line up, so it should be an easy enough install.

GB, cutting into the lower half will expose the filters alot, almost like an open element.. hey, I really like this idea! Thanks.

Now, should I get K&N filters, or just some Frams?