My '81 is missing the temperature sensor mounted in the air cleaner which controls the vacuum operated flaps in the air cleaner snorkels. I have no idea what it looks like, or where to get one from. All clues appreciated !
Thanx, Chris.

It's just a small unit that has two vacuum lines attached.

It senses the air temp in the air cleaner.  Then allows or prevents vacuum to the blend door on the snorkels.  This in turn draws cool air from the outside, or hot air from the stove around the exhaust manifold.  The purpose is to maintain an equal temp in the air filter, and thus the intake manifold.

This allows the car to operate better cold by providing better cold fuel mix, and also allows a more consistant intake on a warm engine.  Air temp is related to air density.  So the carb can keep a more consistant fuel mixture, and a more consistant operation.  It's good for mileage and emissions, as well as cold operation.

It may not always be the best for performance.  Cool intake air is best for that, providing the carb and engine set up will also handle it properly.

That being said.....( Hi, Ken!) I would think that you could find one in any GM air cleaner from around 78-82 or so. I have been looking for you, but I haven't seen one in any of my catalogs. You might have to take a trip to the "BoneYard", or a swap meet, to find one.
If you're looking for an 'original', there are some 'Vette 'salvage' yards, and some vendors ( Zip, Paragon, etc.) that have used & reconditioned parts available. Just call & ask.

Thanx for that, I'll keep hunting on the net... not too
many vette boneyards here in NZ !
Chris

Guys, I've found this sensor on ebay which looks like it might be the right item... could I ask you to check this link out please and let me know ?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd= 1&item=7984992139&category=50459

If you want to get the correct part, check here for the information. I am not endorsing Doc Rebuild, but I do think he has some of the best illustrations available for our cars. You can get these from just about all of the Vette vendors or GM suppliers.

http://www.docrebuild.com/dr-r-web/AIR-CL2.pdf

Good Luck

 

 

Willis7638541.2244675926

Perfect!! The part # 3402522 ( "K" in the Dr. Rebuild pic) should be what you are looking for. Hope you can get this stuff down yonder!!

Here's a clickable link to the above post from CeeDee:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd= 1&item=7984992139&category=50459

That might be the right part on e-bay, but I would go with the Doc, because it would more likely be correct. Adams' Apple38541.797650463

Thanx for that everyone. I'm off shopping at the Doc. I hope. Wee query for Ken re the cold air for max power thing... Ken, if the Air Cleaner thermostat set up is working correctly, once the engine is warm would not the air supposedly be only coming in through the cold route anyway at that stage, with the warm air option completely closed off by the flap ? Or does it still mix some warm stuff in there anyway.
(He asks without the air cleaner sitting on his knee in front of him to look at !)
Chris.

FYI - The Doc's customer service can be trying at times, but you never know. He's not as involved any more (semi-retired), but does have a couple of very nice laddies on the desk that will help in getting you the parts you need.