Free flow air cleaner -- now what?

[tonyfromjersey]

I got my free flow air cleaner ready to install this weekend. When I remove the stock air cleaner on my 77 and discard that big hose, what else do I need or want to do? There's a big shroud that the air hose comes up from, if I take that off, what else am I exposing?

I am in New Jersey and don't have to pass smog inspection as I am registered as a classic, therefore no inspection.

[mbouse]

i believe you are referring to the crankcase breather hose that was originally plugged into the bottom of the stock air cleaner assembly.

sounds like that new "performance" air cleaner kit did not include a nozzle to attach the breather hose. you can:

1. exchange that air cleaner for one with a nozzle then attach the hose
2. drill a hole in the bottom of that air cleaner and install your own nozzle then attach the hose
3. buy a small round air cleaner from the local parts store and secure that to the top of the breather hose.

i would not cut the hose short and leave it dangle. eventually the entire driver's side of your engine will get coated with a "nice" film of oil from the fumes expelled by the normal operation of your engine.

[tonyfromjersey]

Mike,

Thanks. It came with a way to attach the crankcase breather hose. I am talking about the hose that runs from over by the manifold to the air intake on the stock cleaner. I think it's part of the smog control system. I have to go start taking it apart to see what is under that shroud covering the manifold. I can send you a picture tomorrow if you like. I guess I am going to Home Depot for some screws and snap kit things. If I can't find it, I'll gladly buy you a beer. If you ever get out east I have some real German beer I brought back from my last overseas trip.

Tony

[kilrwail]

That 50 mm hose provides heat form the exhaust header to pre-heat the air going into your carb in cold weather. If you never drive when it's cold, you don't need it. The shield over the exhaust manifold has another function though. It isolates the ignition components from the extreme heat of the exhaust. That you do need, either in stock form or through some other device.

[tonyfromjersey]

I never drive it in cold weather, at least not much below 50. I've been dying for some warm weather since I got it back, the weather in New Jersey has been miserable the last few weeks.

[kilrwail]

That's too bad. We haven't had a decent snowstorm since late January and it's been sunny and mild(ish) for weeks. I've had my cars out since March 14, including today which was about 15 C (60 F). Your time will come