Air Cleaner Color

[Want-A-Vert]

All,
Im in the process of decontaminating and repainting my engine compartment. What color should my air cleaner be? Someone painted it black, but there seems to be red paint underneath and chrome on the lid. Whats the deal?

It also look like this air cleaner is pretty restrictive, should I ditch it and get an open air one? Im trying to stay somewhat original, but it look like this air cleaner is very restrictive. I am planning to stick with the 4 bbl ROACHester and stock intake manifold.

Its a 69 cutlass with the 350/4bbl

[Want-A-Vert]

Heres what Im starting with...look up filth in the dictionary, this picture is next to it...

[Oldsguy]

It seems someone has been changing, or at least re-paiting engine parts. You have a blue engine, with gold valve covers and a black air cleaner cover. I would go with the colors you like if you aren't trying to restore your car. The aftermarket chrome air cleaner would look nice and probably offer less restriction but unless you plan on rebuilding your engine and going something other than stock then it really wouldn't make that much difference. I can't remember what engine Oldsmobile painted blue. Anyone????

[texasred]

I've seen worse....

Part of the purpose for the horn on the air cleaner is to direct cooler air into the carb. Open element definately flows more freely, but your air charge will be a lot warmer...except when the motor is cold and you WANT it warm.

Head out to the junkyard and look at mid 70 and up Ch#vy and G&C pickups. They used QJets and a lot had a less restrictive dual horn...one inlet toward each side. And you can still use your pre-warm tube off the manifold. Probably be pretty handy up there in NY during the un-summer months.

JMHO.

C.J.

[Want-A-Vert]

Originally Posted by Oldsguy

It seems someone has been changing, or at least re-paiting engine parts. You have a blue engine, with gold valve covers and a black air cleaner cover. I would go with the colors you like if you aren't trying to restore your car. The aftermarket chrome air cleaner would look nice and probably offer less restriction but unless you plan on rebuilding your engine and going something other than stock then it really wouldn't make that much difference. I can't remember what engine Oldsmobile painted blue. Anyone????

Yep, the previous owner tried to dress the engine up. You can still see the gold underneath the blue. The motor is at the engine shop now and Im in the process of cleaning all the components.

[Want-A-Vert]

Originally Posted by texasred

:

Head out to the junkyard and look at mid 70 and up Ch#vy and G&C pickups. They used QJets and a lot had a less restrictive dual horn...one inlet toward each side. And you can still use your pre-warm tube off the manifold. Probably be pretty handy up there in NY during the un-summer months.


C.J.

Good tip. I have an air cleaner off an 85 Monte ss, but I dont think the pre warm tube will match up. Its nice because it has a nice wide opening and a dimple in the back to clear an HEI if I decide to go that route.

[crazy'boutOlds]

My 69 air cleaner is red, as well as the whole motor.

[redoldsman]

Another air cleaner that is pretty cool is off the 66-67 Toronado. It is dual snorkle air cleaner. I have one I am going to use on my 72 Cutlass.