OK, so I'm rebuilding my 289 2-V, turning it into a 4-V, and was wondering: What is the surface area of the oval, Cobra-type air cleaners ? They seem pretty restrictive, because of the size (1.5 inches tall ?) compared to the big factory air cleaners that hang down over the carb, and that must be 3.5 inches by 14 inches in diameter ?

I'm trying to make sure the carb and motor have enough air supply, especially since I am putting new heads, a 4-barrel, and a new intake. So, do you guys think that the oval air cleaner will restrict the air flow at all, or will it breathe alright for a 4-barrel ?

Thanks.

 

PS I have seen guys stack two oval air filters in these cleaners but I don't think I have the hood clearance available.

 

I have always thought the same thing, but I bet it is fine, because the dual quad setups use the same top.

I don't know about stacking filters. It might not seal up that well. It also might hit the hood.

I'm not really a big fan of the oval air cleaner with a single carb. I like this air cleaner, but it can be hard to find. This one is a bit pricey but will give you an idea. I have the same thing but it says Mustang on it instead of the Ford oval.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/FORD-...Q5fAccessories

 

i use the long oval one. it looks just brilliant with the matching valve cobers. basically 3 long things that look similar. does'nt seem to have any problems breathing. with a 1" spacer under the carb and edelbrock performer rpm intake, demon carb I'm exactly at the limit. at the front are a few scratch marks at the bonnet and aircleaner. so it seems to hit occasionally. probably on load change

 

Well, You're trying to compare a Ford/Cobra oval air cleaner to a Chevy LT1 air cleaner. Besides, I'm pretty sure the oval is more than an inch-and-a-half.

 

You can just imagine that the air cleaner surface is a rectangle if it weren't wrapped around an oval. Length x width if I remember right is how to find surface area. So if is say 1" thick and measure all the way around it is say 24" then the surface are would be 24 square inches.

 

Yeah, I think the surface area of the thinner oval filter is probably at least as much as the round ones. I do like the look of the oval one too. I just think it would look aweseme with dual quads under it.

 

Here is mine with the round one. I really do like that matching valve covers for either oval or round.

 

Thanks everyone for the responses. Guess I'm gonna go with the oval, but the "Cobra" verson in natural aluminum finish.

Hope I don't have to buy a new hood; I'm kinda leaning toward a semi-hi-rise manifold that might not fit under my "turn signal hood".

I have to order the intake tonite for sure because my engine builder is ready for it and asking me to come pick up the grimy old parts ! ! (Too bad the car's not ready for the motor ! )

I'll try to get some pics once things start coming together.

Thanks again for the posts.

 

PS Tx65Coupe, Nice engine compartment !