Hey guys...
I have a 72 cutlass 350 I have the flapper lid kit but I dont have a base as the car came with and open filter type. Would the original base for a 350 work with this lid?
Was there 2 different sizes of breathers and lids from small to big block?
Where does the vaccum line connect to?
I cant seem to find pics or diagram how the air breather goes together or where to hook the vac too.
Any info or pics would be great
Thanks

 

The bases for non OAI are a different base than OAI. (non OAI Part number 7487376, code NG. OAI Part number 6487339, code NJ) The OAI air cleaner has 2 side holes for the valve cover tubes, and also has large drain holes drilled in the base to let any water coming in through the hood scoops to drain onto the top of the manifold.

You were kind of generic with describing the car as having a 350. 350 2bbl or 4bbl? Those are both different air cleaners too. I looked at your profile pic and it shows a 3687 body style. Those cars came standard with the 350 2bbl, but could also be ordered with 350 4bbl or a 455 as well.

Do you have the 1972 Cutlass Assembly Manual? The foam on the 350 is taller than the foam on the 455, so make sure you have the right one for your application. Have a look at Section 6-1, Page 138 of the AM.

 

Thanks that link was awesome. The lid is big the bottom I was given with the car is too small. Looks like im shopping for a 4bbl base. You were dead on with the car. It was 350 2bbl but now 350 4bbl and duel exhaust.

 

While the O.A.I. and non-O.A.I. air cleaner bases have different part numbers, the non-O.A.I. works fine with the plastic adapter. Yes, you need a 4bbl base. You also need a small diameter top for the air filter. You can buy repros, but on my first car with an O.A.I. hood, I just used the top from a cheap aftermarket open element air cleaner. It worked fine.

 

If he's going for the stock application on the OAI, he'll also have to drill another hole in the side of the air cleaner base (in addition to the drain holes) for the additional valve cover breather and pipe to the AC base. Not 100% sure, but I believe those pipes for the 350 were the same size for all 350 4bbls, but were longer for the 455 4bbls.