air filter questions...

41panelmark

41panelmark

Well-known member
I have looked through some earlier threads on air filters and would like a bit more information from those in the know.

Stock 59-a, stock 97 carburetor. I would like to know about air filters and or options for this set up.

Is it true that having a larger filter (dry type) can help with air flow to the engine?

I understand that certain filters are to restrictive and so I want to find a clamp on filter to fit the carburetor that will filter the air without so much restriction that it hinders performance and or makes the engine run rich.

Originally the car had a large oil bath, heavy duty set up mounted to one side, I took that off and noticed a difference in performance so I tried a smaller oil bath type. This too seemed to alter the overall performance of the engine.

2 options I could try to help with the least restriction with optimum filtration.

1 buy an original dry type filter or...

2 buy some kind of chrome hot rod type of filter from one of the suppliers.


What are my options and part numbers for doing this?

thanks guys.

Mark
 
The change over from Stromberg to Chandler-groves (then yr later a 1939 Holley) was in 1938. 59a would have had a Holley 94... technically. I like the strombergs. Although the opening was the same for both. I've used oil bath, open frog mouths, and little aftermarket air cleaners. I'm not sure I ever saw a significant difference.


You could probably make up an oil bath with a kn filter setup, if inclined.
 
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been there wound up back with the original filter those small ie hot rod filters [4" dia] just dont pass enough air and if they do youd be better off with flyscreen [wont stop fine dirt ] i even tried double stacking the elements . Stock carb flows around 160cfm so a filter thats going to give any service life needs to be at least 450 cfm new but remember this will drop dramatically as its used. The beauty of wet filters is that they dont rely on particle size the down side there messy
 
The best approach is to take the mounting base from one of the cheap little chrome filters and use it to adapt a modern filter from another car with a similar size engine. (something in the 200 to 250 Cubic Inch range. Filters from '60's and 70's 6 cylinder cars work pretty well.)
 
To me the best way to reduce restriction and retain the original look is to modify the original air cleaner to accept a dry filter of your choice.
A selection of filters can be found here------
https://www.knfilters.com/dimsearch


This is an example of what can be done.


picture.php

picture.php
 
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I personally do not like K&N filters. In my experience, they are expensive, more restrictive than a comparable pleated paper filter, and require regular maintenance (oiling).

The above is a good way to go, except I would replace the K&N with a quality name brand pleated paper filter.
 
Depending on which air cleaner you currently have you can convert them to the dry element. There are a variety of round elements that will fit inside the stock air cleaner. You just need to know the inside diameter and height of the filter that will fit inside with the stock air cleaner top. I think there may be a post or two in the archives here and on the V-8 Club website that will give you some ideas on how to modify your air cleaner to take the dry element and it will still look original.
 
I modified mine just like 51-merc shows. I found a Fram CA3998 or K&N E2553, which fit a Suzuki Samurai, fit just right. With the lid on there is about 3/4" gap all around for air intake.
 

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K&N does have a filter that can be cleaned and re-used but does not have to be oiled,
my son runs one on his race car. They are expensive compared to the dry paper filters.
 
I will admit to running one on my vintage dirt modified, but I spare no expense protecting that engine (and they only let us win about once a year anyway).
 

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I modified the oil bath on the 8ba in my '39 p/u. Ran it until a buddy gave me a more compact unit off I believe an old Chevy 6 banger. I believe I still have the Wix number somewhere. I'll look. This link is for specs on Wix filters which might help to find a filter if you decide to go the paper route.
https://www.wixfilters.com/lookup/FilterBySize.aspx
 
I have a '47 Coupe and converted to a large paper filter. The engine does respond to acceleration better but when I step on the gas I hear it gasp for air quite loudly (as if it had no filter at all) and so much so that I find it annoying. I'm not necessarily interested in performance and going back to the oil bath unit.
 
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