First Truck

[Thermal Izod]

Hey all,  I was wondering what kind of air cleaner everyone recommends?  it's an 82 k10, 305.  I know the bug eyes aren't so great, but I was thinking some kind of open element must help, as the stock cleaner seems closed off and restrictive...So, what does everyone else use?  It's a daily driver, but I'm looking to breathe more, like everyone else, u know?  thanks!

[JJSZABO]

Open elements let in more air but the air is "warm" engine air - which is less dense and will not produce the same HP as cooler air.  Now that being said, I don't think you will feel any difference in the "seat of the pants" test.  I run a 14 inch Spectre open element filter for the time being.  I am eventually going to switch over to a K&N open element filter. 

[eventhorizon66]

For a daily, I would keep the stock air cleaner for the cold air.  It is unlikely that it poses any restriction until you really drop the hammer and open the secondaries.  An open air cleaner will improve power on the top end, but at the cost of low end throttle response (much more important for a daily driver). 

You could always find another stock air cleaner, cut its snorkel off, and graft it onto your air cleaner.  Then you improve breathing on the top end and get cold air.  Here's an excellent example on HAULIN IT's rocket-powered '86.

[Thermal Izod]

I like that idea....where can i find an air cleaner assy cheapest?  and how would i attach the 2nd snorkle, exactly?

[eventhorizon66]

Used parts/salvage yard is where I got mine.  Expect anywhere from $15-30 (I would try to get one for $20 or less since you are only after the snorkel).  To remove the snorkel, drill out the spot welds that hold it on.  To attach it use either spot welds or rivets (what I will do on my project).  Cutting the hole before attaching the new snorkel is the trickiest part.  I'm using a metal hole saw and a cutoff wheel on the dremel.

[Stewart G Griffin]

1) First off i recommend the stock air cleaner if it's a daily driver for efficiency.
a) what is "bug eyes?"
b) if you want it to breath more, you might try flipping the air cleaner lid (if you are using the stock one) over.

2) i noticed in the picture that not only are there vacuum lines running to the snorkles on the air cleaner assembly, there is a heat tube connected to the exhaust manifold going into the snorkle(s?).  Is this correct?

[HAULIN IT]

Stewart, Yes, When I first made the air cleaner (in 1998, I think) the truck was used year round. Think winter... 455,posi, sand bags & snow tires! Anyway, I took a piece of 2" square tubing about 4" long & capped the ends with tabs going outward to mount the "box" to the front Two header bolts, then cut the bottom out to match the header tube & drilled a hole in the top, welded in a piece of exhaust tubing for the hose (this created a heat plenum so to speak). The Left snorkel had the hole welded shut on the bottom. It worked pretty well. Now before you ask if I'm running heated air to it while I'm racing... No! All of that is not functioning any longer. A couple years ago I tapped a freeze plug in the bottom of the "hot airbox" (the last time I had it off, I left it off) & cut the flappers, ect. out of the snorkles. Lorne 

[JJSZABO]

1) First off i recommend the stock air cleaner if it's a daily driver for efficiency.
a) what is "bug eyes?"

This is what is meant by a "bug eye" air cleaner: