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By ian57tbird - 7 Years Ago
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The standard size element being used on the Tbirds is 1/2"OD smaller than the factory original. I think the element might be for many of the Ford engines that got the enclosed units with the snorkel.
I just think it looks terrible with the gap around the edge on the filter base. On top of that the ID is also larger(which you don't see) which would reduce the paper surface area that the engine can draw air through, possibly creating a restriction.
I'm surprised there is no correct element for the early birds with the number of them still around.
I have researched and found an air filter size that is 1/2" taller than stock but with the correct OD, though still with a larger ID than the original Tbird unit.
I spent last night playing with Playdoh in the workshop with a torch in the engine bay so I could see through the bulge grill. To my surprise most of the filter lid falls inside the hood bulge. The only places where it extends beyond the bulge are a small part of the radius to the left and right of the carburettor. The closest it gets is 15/16" away. In fact it would almost fit completely inside the bulge if not for the extended rim that they put on the Tbird filter lid. I'm not sure what reasoning was behind the extra lip on the outer edge.
What are the thoughts out there on how close the air cleaner lid can get to the hood?
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By KULTULZ - 7 Years Ago
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If you are referring to a 57 BIRD 4V, the original FORD P&A No. is B7SZ 9601-A.
SCOTT DRAKE offers a true replica-
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By GREENBIRD56 - 7 Years Ago
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I think that WIX has a size match - but it doesn't have the perforated tin guard....... Will have to hunt down the number. I found one in Tucson the last time I looked - but only one - the usage is so slight that most auto parts place don't keep any inventory.
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By Florida_Phil - 7 Years Ago
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You could put one of these air filters on your car. Here's one on my TBird. These were popular back in the day. Fits right in the hood scoop.
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By ian57tbird - 7 Years Ago
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I believe this to be the correct filter size and part number: 10.81" ID - 13.69" OD - 2.12 high B7S 9601-A
The 13.3"OD is available through most filter suppliers but is too small. It may have even been later superseded (code for it is not correct but it will still work so put up for it) by Ford for that size.
From what I have seen from old images the original filters did not look like that. I think that is for Mustang.
I'm not after the original looking element as that is impossible to find, just a better fit. It appears the original filter had vertical and horizontal wire.
The reproduction hipo289 element might be close in height and OD.
Another thought is reducing the height of the 1/2" spacer under the carburettor but how would that effect engine performance? Maybe I should start a new post for that question.
The original question still stands. What is considered too close to the hood?
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By miker - 7 Years Ago
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Too close has a lot to do with the condition of the motor mounts and steady rest. What I’ve done on more than just the bird is put the clay or playdoh on the a/c and go make a couple hard starts and full throttle pulls. Then measure the resulting clearance with the engine at full movement. I’ve run as close as 1/4” using that method.
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By charliemccraney - 7 Years Ago
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The spacer helps to insulate the carburetor from engine heat. It also helps with power and torque and a taller one tends to be better. So best to leave it in place.
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By GREENBIRD56 - 7 Years Ago
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I think this is the matching WIX part - for the '57 air cleaner. I collected up the stuff to fit one on my '56. WIX #42063.
Just holding that one as a "spare"......
Sealed this one to the hood - and it just fits into the scoop bubble. Too much heated air is ducted right off the radiator into the carb otherwise.
Got a cheap pitted hood grill off ebay - and modified it - and eventually re-plated......oval air cleaner is just barely visible.
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By DryLakesRacer - 7 Years Ago
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Just a point for you Thunderbird guys since the thread is about air filters.. Remember to have a nut locking the stud at the carb top and do not have too long a stud. Last week at a Saturday get together I go to the were 2 Birds with a ding in the hood and paint cracking..... Happened a good friend too. I just hate to see that...
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By KULTULZ - 7 Years Ago
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KULTULZ (8/30/2018)
If you are referring to a 57 BIRD 4V, the original FORD P&A No. is B7SZ 9601-A. SCOTT DRAKE offers a true replica-
CORRECTION-
Original PN was B7S 9601-A and was replaced by B7SZ 9601-A. Both had the same dimensions.
This repro is not size correct -
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By oldcarmark - 7 Years Ago
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Interchange Filter #'s for B7SZ-9601-A are Wix 42063, Hastings AF127 and Motorcraft FA-41. Rock Auto carries all 3. Looks like they were used on quite a few 1960's Model Fords also.
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By ian57tbird - 7 Years Ago
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All those part numbers work but no one makes a correct fitting element. I have spent endless hours searching different brands. They are all smaller diameter than original. I can even get that size here in Australia from a local filter brand. I think they were used for our Ford V8s with the snorkel air cleaners.
Good idea Miker taking it for a drive with the clay on the air cleaner. I will have to do that tomorrow before the rain sets in again this week. I'll have to go and buy some more first though as I don't have much and did multiple hood drops when checking before. I will also test using the trans for braking as I do that on steep hills, as that twists the motor the other way.
Interestingly before it was mentioned I did have a bit of a look at the motor side mounts thinking about engine movement and noticed some of the rubbers starting to perish. Is there a preferred place to purchase them or are they all much the same?
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By KULTULZ - 7 Years Ago
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"All those part numbers work but no one makes a correct fitting element. I have spent endless hours searching different brands. They are all smaller diameter than original. I can even get that size here in Australia from a local filter brand. I think they were used for our Ford V8s with the snorkel air cleaners."
It seems this is happening all across the hobby.
"And somewhere along the line, the FA-41 shrunk a 1/2". The ones that say "Autolite" yet come in a Motorcraft box are this way. Those even have the correct "B7" part number. It is accepted, but it doesn't fit as the "made-in-the-day" ones you see in vintage photos."
SOURCE- https://forums.vintage-mustang.com/concours-forum/578934-question-about-correct-air-filter.html
FA-41 (MOTORCRAFT) seems to be incorrect whether new part or REPRO.
It may be that the vendor slipped something past FORD quality control.
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By ian57tbird - 7 Years Ago
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After placing modelling clay over any area that could come close to the hood I took it for a drive. Those side struts hold the motor firmly in place. I was struggling to measure any movement after trying several things to rock the motor. So plenty of clearance.
The filter that I am looking at appears to be for 4.3L GM diesel motors. NAPA FIL 6037 and WIX 46037 appear to be the same part going by the photos. Also STP SA3648 is another number with the same size. At 2.64" high it is 1/2' taller than original.
The diameter indicated is 13.875" so I'm not sure if it will fit. It might be 1/8" too big but I can't test it on my base here in Australia. If anyone is interested in a taller filter then it might be worth a try and see how it fits. If anyone does then let us know how you go.
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By KULTULZ - 7 Years Ago
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! 
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By ian57tbird - 7 Years Ago
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I wish I only needed that many candles.
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By KULTULZ - 7 Years Ago
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My last cake set off the smoke alarm ... 
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By miker - 7 Years Ago
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Ian, I sent a pm as it’s a bit OT.
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By ian57tbird - 7 Years Ago
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I went to an Autozone today to check out the STP filter. It has a nice soft seal on it which I like. I haven't checked out the NAPA/WIX yet.
What are the thoughts on STP?
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By ian57tbird - 7 Years Ago
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I ended up getting the STP filter. I did check out the WIX and NAPA filters as well but they came out about 1/16" larger diameter than the STP and would not have fitted. This filter just fits the base of the air cleaner and is a very snug fit but it works. It also comes out nearly 1/2" taller than original but the hood clearance is there. I did prefer the look of the NAPA filter over the others in regards to finish quality but unfortunately it was too big.
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By KULTULZ - 7 Years Ago
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What is the STP PN for reference ?
Looks nice.
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By ian57tbird - 7 Years Ago
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Auto Zone stock the STP brand. PN: SA3648
I checked at two stores and they both came out at the same size which is about 1/16" under spec so they work. The WIX and Napa filters came in at spec so they where too big.
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By KULTULZ - 7 Years Ago
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GREENBIRD56 (8/30/2018)
Sealed this one to the hood - and it just fits into the scoop bubble. Too much heated air is ducted right off the radiator into the carb otherwise. Got a cheap pitted hood grill off ebay - and modified it - and eventually re-plated......oval air cleaner is just barely visible.
NICE! What did you use for the RAM-AIR base?
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By GREENBIRD56 - 7 Years Ago
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Kultulz - Base is a heavy duty aluminum cookie sheet like a bakery would use (has a 1/4 dia wire rim). Shortened for this purpose - and attached to the oval air cleaner base with stainless screws and nylon stand-offs. Spent time carving clearance for everything around the carb. The seal foam is a Moroso scoop kit carefully cut to match the hood (with my wife's electric kitchen knife........shusssh). I have a couple of other oval cover tops that I change on a whim - along with several sets of valve covers. A fellow I met here in Tucson has a Y block powered '56 truck and every time I would run across it - the engine would be dressed differently. I had to ask what was up and he just grinned, said he has about 12 different set-ups and changes for every show! Easily possible with the Y and kind of fun to collect up the stuff to do it.
Tried the cold air pan out with a pair of thermocouples I have - and it really drops the air intake temperature a lot versus the other open element air cleaners like the '57 I have. Holley used to publish a value of 1HP increase per 10º F of intake air drop. It will do a big drop even when the temp here is 105+. In the fall and winter almost too much. I haven't tried a manometer on it - but MikeR says it should build a bit of pressure as well.
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By KULTULZ - 7 Years Ago
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It really looks nice and yes, the system does work (refer to 1968 F/L and MUST RAM-AIR.
One question, I am guessing you don't drive it in bad weather. If so, any problem with water ingestion?
The open ACL cut down on flow restriction but did suck hot engine compartment air. Yours is slick and unseen.
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