Fact or Fiction; Stock Air Cleaner - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Erl · 10-26-2004, 01:24 PM

I have read and heard this, that a stock engine will have less horsepower if operated without the air cleaner element installed. Not recommending this, just curious.
Erl

1-PU70 · 10-26-2004, 01:51 PM

This is fron HPBooks Rochester Carburetors by Doug Roe, Hope it helps

HeavyD · 10-26-2004, 03:20 PM

At one time using no air cleaner would probably have made more power, but with today's better (K&N) filters and air cleaner assemblies I think you can make more power using a filter than without.

Fred T · 10-26-2004, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HeavyD

At one time using no air cleaner would probably have made more power, but with today's better (K&N) filters and air cleaner assemblies I think you can make more power using a filter than without.

While todays filters do allow greater airflow than those of the past, the laws of Physics tell us that you will always have more airflow without a filter than with. And more airflow means more power.

HeavyD · 10-26-2004, 04:03 PM

Ok, I stand corrected

But what about the shape of the air cleaner base? I used to read alot of Car Craft and in some of their tests they made more power with a stub stack air cleaner setup than without any air cleaner. Was this due to the fact the engine was on a dyno and not on a moving vehicle? Were they fudging #'s just to pump a product? (I am sure it does happen)

skid · 10-26-2004, 08:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fred T

While todays filters do allow greater airflow than those of the past, the laws of Physics tell us that you will always have more airflow without a filter than with. And more airflow means more power.

That statement is not necessarily true. A air filter helps to 'straighten' the turbulent airflow before entering the carb, especially with the car moving at higher speeds. There are modern tests that show more hp with a expertly designed air filter and housing vs with no air cleaner.

Spoof · 10-26-2004, 10:52 PM

I can say this...I read in hot rod dyno tests they found no appreciable Hp diff between stock airfilters or any of the aftermarkets, K&N etc. nada! Suprised me.

cableguy0 · 10-26-2004, 10:58 PM

most of the horsepower claims by k&n and other companies are made when compared to a stock paper filter thats dirtier than he!!

10-26-2004, 01:24 PM	#1
Erl Registered User Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 555	Fact or Fiction; Stock Air Cleaner I have read and heard this, that a stock engine will have less horsepower if operated without the air cleaner element installed. Not recommending this, just curious. Erl __________________ 1968 GMC 305 V6 3/4 4x4 Stepside 06 Corvette Daily Driver Dallas TX

10-26-2004, 01:51 PM	#2
1-PU70 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Bradenton, FL Posts: 1,036	This is fron HPBooks Rochester Carburetors by Doug Roe, Hope it helps Attached Images __________________ 1970 CST/10 402,700R4,3:73 posi,AC,PS,PB,TLT,PW,Buckets with heaters

10-26-2004, 03:20 PM	#3
HeavyD Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Wakaw, Sask, Canada Posts: 3,180	At one time using no air cleaner would probably have made more power, but with today's better (K&N) filters and air cleaner assemblies I think you can make more power using a filter than without. __________________ "You can take the man out of PA, but you can't take PA out of the man"

10-26-2004, 04:03 PM	#5
HeavyD Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Wakaw, Sask, Canada Posts: 3,180	Ok, I stand corrected But what about the shape of the air cleaner base? I used to read alot of Car Craft and in some of their tests they made more power with a stub stack air cleaner setup than without any air cleaner. Was this due to the fact the engine was on a dyno and not on a moving vehicle? Were they fudging #'s just to pump a product? (I am sure it does happen) __________________ "You can take the man out of PA, but you can't take PA out of the man"

10-26-2004, 10:52 PM	#7
Spoof Registered User Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Victoria,BC, Canada Posts: 1,300	I can say this...I read in hot rod dyno tests they found no appreciable Hp diff between stock airfilters or any of the aftermarkets, K&N etc. nada! Suprised me. __________________ 71 GMC 1500 LWB

10-26-2004, 10:58 PM	#8
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,948	most of the horsepower claims by k&n and other companies are made when compared to a stock paper filter thats dirtier than he!! __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

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