Topic: Air Cleaner Clearance
in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems
Already a Member?
Click Here to Login
Not yet a Member?
Click Here to Register for Free!
So I haven't put the hood on yet so I don't know for sure, but it sure looks like I'm going to have air cleaner clearance issues. My plan was to use my OEM '76 base and snorkel assemblies with a '73-'75 top (which I already have) so I'd have a quasi-open element in addition to cold air from the snorkel. But, I think the metal part of the snorkel that's attached to the base is going to hit the hood. The Vortec intake I'm using is only 'bout an inch taller than the stock so I didn't think I'd have problems, but it just doesn't look right.
Assuming I'm correct about the clearance issue, I think the plan is to go to a true open element assembly, possibly with a shorter K&N element than my current 3.5". I'd like to still use the '73-'75 top because it's brand new and I like the looks of it - problem is it's 12" and all the aftermarket stuff is 14". Anyone know where I can get a drop base air cleaner (all I need is the bottom plate) for a 12" dia. element??? Other idears?
1976 Silver/Firethorn. L48, 4spd. Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)
2011111017209r.jpg)
corvette440hp
corvette440hp
Looks awesome! A little more than I want to spend, but it would be a lot less than a L88 or Stinger hood. I'm actually thinking about using my OEM ass'y as a base - just going to take a little work with a jig saw. I'll cut it a little smaller than the filter element so the ugly edge won't show. But....I hate to cut into the original ass'y. Going to think about it a bit....
1976 Silver/Firethorn. L48, 4spd. Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.
Lifetime MemberDeBerry, TX - USA
Joined: 2/27/2002
Posts: 1006
Vette(s): 1971 383 Stroker- mille miglia red...5 speed
corvette440hp said:
I saw one of those on a vette, an early c-3, last year a Eureka Springs. I thought it looked exotic, cool too...lol Didn't know they cost that much tho. Do you know how much more hood clearance they give? I have a 2"x14" now with only about 1/2" clearance with just an Edelbrock Performer
I know the voices aren't real, but they have some pretty cool ideas... 
Yeah, I'm wondering about the added clearance, too since most of that unit's height is on the sides, possibly beyond the bubble part of the hood. But it probably adds at least some clearance.
Longhorn, glad to know about your clearance situation. My original plan was to go with regular heads and a performer intake and there was a time when I had both manifolds, along with the stock one and measured them all together. If I remember right the ebrock and the vortec had very similar heights (approx. 1" higher than stock) so your situation should translate about the same to mine. My plan is to use a 12" dia, 2 1/2" element so I should be very close, but OK. I hope....
1976 Silver/Firethorn. L48, 4spd. Original 2 bolt, vortec heads, 9.4:1 CR, Speed Pro Cam: 224/224@0.050, 112 LSA, Eagle Steel Crank.
longhorn294 said:
I saw one of those on a vette, an early c-3, last year a Eureka Springs. I thought it looked exotic, cool too...lol Didn't know they cost that much tho. Do you know how much more hood clearance they give? I have a 2"x14" now with only about 1/2" clearance with just an Edelbrock Performer
I'm really not sure of the clearence with a stock hood. I have an Edelbrock fuel injected ZZ4 engine with vortec Edelbrock heads (RPM E-Tec 170) The throttle body (1000 CFM) sits on top of a Edelbrock RPM Airgap manifold. I had to go with an ACI high rise hood to accomodate the extra height of everything. The hood is larger on the sides to accomadate the air fiters. here is the hood that worked for me...........corvette440hp said:
I saw one of those on a vette, an early c-3, last year a Eureka Springs. I thought it looked exotic, cool too...lol Didn't know they cost that much tho. Do you know how much more hood clearance they give? I have a 2"x14" now with only about 1/2" clearance with just an Edelbrock Performer
corvette440hp
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20214
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
The Penguin (Spielman5) has one of those on his '76. Looks neat, and give more clearance. His car also has an aftermarket hood that is prolly a foot taller than stock, so he prolly really dint need the extra room.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Lifetime MemberDeBerry, TX - USA
Joined: 2/27/2002
Posts: 1006
Vette(s): 1971 383 Stroker- mille miglia red...5 speed
I've thought about going with an early LT1 hood so I could keep the wiper door and get a little more clearance for maybe at least an RPM intake but I've gotten the impression that those hoods don't really give you much more room and I really don't like the big rise in the other hoods. Maybe someone makes a little short carb? 
Or... I could blow some big bucks on fuel injection! Gotta recover from this latest reeming first tho...
Or... I could blow some big bucks on fuel injection! Gotta recover from this latest reeming first tho... I know the voices aren't real, but they have some pretty cool ideas...
in Forum: C3 Fuel, Emission Control, and Exhaust Systems
SPONSOR AD: (Our Sponsors help support C3VR)