cold air intake

[SUX2BU99]

I don't think though the benefits of better atomization from warmer air outweighs the performance benefit of a denser oxygen charge you get from cooler air.  Look at how nitrous oxide works. It's incredibly cold when it's sprayed but it's also very densely packed with oxygen. Colder air always makes more power vs. warm air.

That all being said, a 14x3 open element air cleaner has less restriction where it brings the air into the carb than does bringing it all through a 3" tube. And since it's round, like the carb inlet (more or less), you get a more uniform airflow into the carb throat which also helps a little.

[VileZambonie]

Nitrous Oxide doesn't work solely on the principle of cold air it creates more oxygen which = higher cylinder pressure which = more force on the piston.

edit* I don't want to start a huge debate here but it really also depends on what type of driving you are talking about here. If you are using it as a daily driver warmer air = less wasted fuel for daily driving in most engines.

Edited by: VileZambonie  at: 1/3/07 4:57 pm

[SUX2BU99]

^ Right, warmer air does use less fuel.  Same reason why the heat valve is on stock air snorkels to get warm air off the exhaust manifold into the motor to make it warm up faster and improve cold-start emissions. And running coolant through the intake manifold helps it warm up quicker too.

One thing I always like though is that extra torque when the motor is nice and cold in the mornings.....and then the intake manifold and underhood air warms up and power fades off some  

[260z]

Went to the junkyard and found a stock original air cleaner box,hose and the plastic piece that goes in panel next to radiator. All were in good shape, came off a suburan. (91 I believe complete less than 20 bucks) I also have an orginal set up on my 79 chevy

I like the suburan set up better. It's a little long, has a slight bend in so it curve's away from the engine better. When I put the carb air intake on my 79 it ran better and I believe i get better gas mileage but have not checked. That's why I got another for my 78c10.

If you are running your air cleaner box without the carb intake hose I would recommend one, my 79 ran alot with it on. If you only need the hose and round plastic It's about 10 bucks from your local pull a part. May not look as nice as aftermarket but is cheap and works well.
 

[jseifert]

Check out http://www.ramairbox.com/ they have some set ups that would work nice with our model trucks...

Knock out the other 3" cap on the radiator support, and you can run dual hoses...

Here is a picture of it on a '57



May not be a cold air intake, but it might be something to look in to... Would not be hard to fab one either, at least for a carbed motor...
TPI would be a different story, but it could be done...

Whatever you come up with,post some picks... I am converting to TPI, and would like to know how it turns out!!

Good luck

[Captkaos]

This is a write-up of the ramair box on a 73-87 truck: http://www.73-87.com/7387garage/drivetrain/ram_air.htm

[jseifert]

This is a write-up of the ramair box on a 73-87 truck: http://www.73-87.com/7387garage/drivetrain/ram_air.htm

Forgot all about that.... Thanks for the post Chris...