Is the air cleaner base the same on non OAI cars and OAI cars (1970)?

Thorntons & Fusick sells just the top where as The Parts Place sells top & bottom together. Fusick also lists the bottom as a separate item.

https://www.thepartsplaceinc.com/pro...nt-holes/53829

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1970-72-OLD...ry!11762!US!-1

 

Pretty sure different in a couple ways:
OAI
wider snorkel
holes drilled for water drainage
additional hole punched for crank case vent?

I also think the non OAI bases will function but just look different ?

 

x2 different, but will work

 

You do realize that dewell92 is the ebay page to Thorntons? The link page you posted shows the complete setup

 

I bought the parts place full kit for both my cars (BBO 71 442 & SBO 70 Cutlass) - very happy x2. Pics of each:

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The base for the 442 has been modified to fit with the Torker intake - a few pics:

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Thankfully all those mods fit perfectly around my go EFI 8 throttle body swap:
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Bottom line is you can buy the Parts place full setup and you should be good to go. Also one added benefit - pull the rubber piece out of the parts place breather top and gain an additional 1/4" drop over an NOS top. My Dad had an original so I tried both. If you're running a stock setup (stock intake) this won't matter but if you're using a performer or Torker this 1/4" really helps. BTW - I hand painted the white letters on both and added the tube with the white line on it. Just love that look. Last unusual note - if you go with the modified drop base you can't run the small dish top that goes on top of the air cleaner. Long explanation there but not relevant if you're going with the stock setup.

-Joe

 

I know that's Thorntons. They don't include the base, just the top.

 

Thanks for all that. I have stock intake & air cleaner. My base isn't beat up so its just a question of how correct I want it. Hmmmm

 

 

Post a good pic showing the snorkel on your air cleaner...then you'll have your answer.

 

You did nice work. How does the white lettering hold up over time?

 

I used the white tire makers sold at the parts stores to touch up raised white letters. Makes it easy since it's got a pointed end on it. Just trace inside the lines. Put one coat on and let it dry overnight, then repeat one more time and you are good. Holds up to the engine heat in the engine compartment and last for years. Haven't touched either one of mine for a few years now and it still looks perfect.

-Joe

 

I have 2 questions for you.

1. I notice the 455 has cowl lacing but the 350 doesn't. Is that anything to do with a fitment issue on the hood?
2. I've not seen cowl vents covered with 3 separate screens from the factory, just a solid metal mesh. I know PP sells both. I'd like to know if this is an aftermarket vendor idea or whether it was OEM and from what factory?

 

That drop base looks like horrible air restriction. Do you have any dyno information with and without the air cleaner?

 

Chevy

 

1. Good catch on the pics - no fitment issue. That pic for the 350 was taken before it was added. It's on there now.
2. The 3 separate screens is just an aftermarket option so you don't have to deal with the factory metal mesh.

 

Sorry I don't know what air restriction you are referring to. I've driven the car with a stock air cleaner and no breather and as you see it in the pic with the drop base and breather and there is no difference in performance or feel via the butt dyno. The only difference is in the sound when the flapper on the breather opens up at speed. I have heard about guys who can pick up a tenth at the track in the 1/4 mile by removing the breather completely but I'm not worried about that. I think the OAI setup makes the engine compartment look like a 442 should and I love how the white OLDSMOBILE letters are the first thing you see when you open my hood.

-Joe

 

I saw a 1970 4 bbl sx air cleaner (non OAI). Same wide snorkel , no drain holes , DID have provision for valve cover breather on both sides..

 

Sounds like you've got it taken care of. The restriction I was referring to is that the large drop base swell up to the air horn ring is directly in front of the air filter element. When the top is on, I don't imagine much room between the drop base swell and the top. However, I'm an overly picky engineer, and it seems like the performance of the engine is not limited by that, so, good stuff, carry on.

 

Where are the Holes drilled in the base for water drains?

 

 

Thank you!

 

Yes you did. You saw one of these. It's the exact same air cleaner base as the OAI unit but without the holes for drainage. It's the standard 1970 442/SX W-32 4bbl air cleaner pan.

 

want to sell it LOL or where can I get one just like that.

 

If you're referring to mine posted right above, is not for sale. They are quite difficult to find in nice shape. You might find it easier to get an OAI base.

 

I don't want the holes in the bottom the partsplace sells them for $249 I'll keep searching.

 

If you have more time than money, you can make a nearly-perfect replica by starting with a standard 4-bbl air cleaner base. The snorkel is the same size.

Use a hole saw to cut the opening for the second breather tube. The holes are symmetrical around the Thermac sensor.

Cut a washer from plumbers' standard copper tube with the same thickness as the rolled sheet metal around the factory breather opening. Solder or epoxy in place. The rubber adapter will cover the washer; it won't be obvious.

Drill the five drain holes (optional for you). First hole goes opposite the Thermac sensor. Look at pictures on this thread to see what layout diameter to use (middle of the debossed ring near the outside).

Remove the Keep Your GM Car... decal and buy the correct one for your application from junior supercar on this site.

Viola... an easy craft project to make a low-dollar copy.

 

Gary - what are you referring to when you say "a standard 4-bbl air cleaner base"? If you mean from a regular Cutlass or a 88 or 98, then those are not the same snorkel size.

 

Well, I just left out a small step.

Yes, Patton, you are correct. I did this so many years ago that I had forgotten that I grafted a correct snorkel from a mangled 442 air cleaner on the the body.