I installed plain steel valve covers and the paper element converted aircleaner back on the 351 that is still in my 55 and noticed a drop in gas mileage on a short trip last weekend,I had it on when I first go it on the road but was removed for a open element aircleaner when I started driving it to Florida. last might I cut the bottom off at the seam and welded the lid to what is left and made it a top for a open element aircleaner so it will breath a little better,I also cut the baffle out so I am going to take it for a drive this coming weekend to see if the fuel consumption goes back the where it was. Years ago when I had a 53 Olds I installed the 53 oil bath aircleaner on the slightly newer 59 motor and the gas mileage dropped a bunch so all I did with it was used the top on a open element aircleaner and the mileage came back and had a nice sound when the secondairies were opened. I will post some pics of the modifications and it still looks somewhat original but not as tall and will go on the 292.

Butchering up everything I can get my hands on in Dayton Ohio

Here are some pics of the modification.I picked up the tallest element autozone has that would fit the base.

Butchering up everything I can get my hands on in Dayton Ohio

That's pretty cool. You had me fooled for about a second.


Lawrenceville, GA

I think its going to work better this way,going to test drive tomorrow and see how it does.

Butchering up everything I can get my hands on in Dayton Ohio

I did a similar thing on my 55 bird a/c years ago, to clear an Edelbrock. I didn't trust my ability to tack the stainless to the mild steel, but 3 sheet metal screws did the job.

I've got an a/c a lot like that off a 56 Merc, I thought it was worth $25. Thanks for the update.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

They are definately worth more then 25 dollars but do not bring the money a tri-5 scrub 4 bbl aircleaner will bring,I will do that to everyone I use since in original form they are way too restrictive.

Butchering up everything I can get my hands on in Dayton Ohio

I didnt think the oil bath's where restrictive.. maybe over the years of non servicing and built up crud.. Anyway I converted my 56 the same and also did the same with this 55 that Rick gave me. Lots of scrubbing, cleaning, washing ..shiny paint.. Put it on my 35 pick up..



"Came too close to dying to stop living now!"

They might work good with a motor in the 239 to 312 size but seemed restrictive on a 351 as it seemed like it was using more gas,the next time we get some decent weather on a weekend I will get it out and see how it does with the latest modification.

Butchering up everything I can get my hands on in Dayton Ohio