Air Cleaner Base OAI vs Non-OAI
#1
Air Cleaner Base OAI vs Non-OAI
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
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
#2
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 ?
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 ?
#4
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
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
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
#5
I bought the parts place full kit for both my cars (BBO 71 442 & SBO 70 Cutlass) - very happy x2. Pics of each:
5mRmLhY.jpg
ob7ZdCZ.jpg
The base for the 442 has been modified to fit with the Torker intake - a few pics:
9t64Ifk.jpg
GUYlpFp.jpg
Thankfully all those mods fit perfectly around my go EFI 8 throttle body swap:
oqlldQY.jpg
ZurBA0Y.jpg
5mRmLhY.jpg
ob7ZdCZ.jpg
The base for the 442 has been modified to fit with the Torker intake - a few pics:
9t64Ifk.jpg
GUYlpFp.jpg
Thankfully all those mods fit perfectly around my go EFI 8 throttle body swap:
oqlldQY.jpg
ZurBA0Y.jpg
#6
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
-Joe
Last edited by 71 OLDS; August 28th, 2018 at 05:13 PM.
#7
#8
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
-Joe
#9
#10
#11
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
-Joe
#12
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
-Joe
#13
Just an Olds Guy
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB. And "I am Can 'eh' jun - eh"
Posts: 24,525
- I notice the 455 has cowl lacing but the 350 doesn't. Is that anything to do with a fitment issue on the hood?
- 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?
#14
I bought the parts place full kit for both my cars (BBO 71 442 & SBO 70 Cutlass) - very happy x2. Pics of each:
The base for the 442 has been modified to fit with the Torker intake - a few pics:
Thankfully all those mods fit perfectly around my go EFI 8 throttle body swap:
The base for the 442 has been modified to fit with the Torker intake - a few pics:
Thankfully all those mods fit perfectly around my go EFI 8 throttle body swap:
#15
I have 2 questions for you.
- I notice the 455 has cowl lacing but the 350 doesn't. Is that anything to do with a fitment issue on the hood?
- 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?
#16
I have 2 questions for you.
- I notice the 455 has cowl lacing but the 350 doesn't. Is that anything to do with a fitment issue on the hood?
- 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?
2. The 3 separate screens is just an aftermarket option so you don't have to deal with the factory metal mesh.
#17
-Joe
Last edited by 71 OLDS; August 31st, 2018 at 12:44 AM.
#18
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..
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
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
#19
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
-Joe
#23
Last edited by asx455; August 16th, 2019 at 08:09 PM. Reason: text
#25
#27
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.
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.
Last edited by VC455; December 27th, 2019 at 01:05 PM. Reason: Snorkel size note
#28
#29
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