Open Element Air Cleaner and HEI Clearance - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

TheWhiteElephant · 11-14-2010, 11:59 PM

Hi, everyone. I am looking into buying an open element air cleaner assembly. I am currently running points (SBC 350) but will switch to an HEI distributor soon. I'd like to buy a 14" air cleaner assembly with a 5" element.

I know there are 14" assemblies that have clearance issues with the HEI distributor. Some are offset to combat this. I'd like to buy one now that will fit my eventual HEI upgrade so that I will not have to buy another air cleaner when I make the switch. Anyone have any issues with this? I also don't want to cut/modify the base and don't really want to use an 11" unit.

I used to run an HEI with an open element in my other (sold) truck but can't remember the specs.

Thanks in advance.

GMC Guy · 11-15-2010, 12:09 AM

i'm a 14x5 air cleaner with HEI, no problem. may need a spacer between the carb and the bottom plate of the air cleaner assembly.

BigRed76 · 11-15-2010, 12:38 AM

Im running a 14"x4.5" air cleaner with HEI and there is about 1/4" to 1/2" clearance between the back of the air cleaner and the front of the distributor cap. This is on a 350 with a stock intake and a quadrajet carb.

Justins76 · 11-15-2010, 02:49 AM

I'm using a summit brand raised base 14" air cleaner and no clearance issues.

motornut · 11-16-2010, 11:50 PM

workin for me

11-14-2010, 11:59 PM	#1
TheWhiteElephant God is good! Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Texas Posts: 689	Open Element Air Cleaner and HEI Clearance Hi, everyone. I am looking into buying an open element air cleaner assembly. I am currently running points (SBC 350) but will switch to an HEI distributor soon. I'd like to buy a 14" air cleaner assembly with a 5" element. I know there are 14" assemblies that have clearance issues with the HEI distributor. Some are offset to combat this. I'd like to buy one now that will fit my eventual HEI upgrade so that I will not have to buy another air cleaner when I make the switch. Anyone have any issues with this? I also don't want to cut/modify the base and don't really want to use an 11" unit. I used to run an HEI with an open element in my other (sold) truck but can't remember the specs. Thanks in advance. __________________ Mando *"It takes a smart man to know when he's stupid." -- Barney Rubble* My build thread: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=430367

11-15-2010, 12:09 AM	#2
GMC Guy Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Location: Sparks, NV Posts: 913	Re: Open Element Air Cleaner and HEI Clearance i'm a 14x5 air cleaner with HEI, no problem. may need a spacer between the carb and the bottom plate of the air cleaner assembly. __________________ Greg 1974 GMC 1/2 Ton SWB Fleetside L33 5.3/4l65e .................__ ............._____l __\__ ..............l_(O)_ l___(O)]

11-15-2010, 12:38 AM	#3
BigRed76 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Loveland, CO Posts: 1,921	Re: Open Element Air Cleaner and HEI Clearance Im running a 14"x4.5" air cleaner with HEI and there is about 1/4" to 1/2" clearance between the back of the air cleaner and the front of the distributor cap. This is on a 350 with a stock intake and a quadrajet carb. __________________ Zach 1970 Chevrolet Custom Camper K20 1971 GMC Super K2500, 12V/NV4500 swap in progress 1971 Chevrolet Custom C10 1972 Chevrolet Custom Deluxe C20, 5.3/4L60E 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, 455/TH400, 3.73 posi 2004 GMC Sierra 2500HD, LB7/Allison, CCSB 2005 GMC Sierra 1500, 5.3/4L60E, CCSB Last edited by BigRed76; 11-15-2010 at 12:38 AM.

11-15-2010, 02:49 AM	#4
Justins76 OutOfMyMind & I'llNeverKnowWhy Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Another world, some other time Posts: 672	Re: Open Element Air Cleaner and HEI Clearance I'm using a summit brand raised base 14" air cleaner and no clearance issues. __________________ -Justin-Out of my mind and I'll never know why 1976 Chevrolet Silverado C10 350 4bbl / TH350 Big10 longbed 1986 Pontiac Firebird T-Top 5.0L TPI 700R4 WS6 1992 Pontiac Firebird T-Top 5.0L TBI 700R4 My cardomain page I don't like to save, it's more fun to spend!!

11-16-2010, 11:50 PM	#5
motornut 78K & 79C Jimmys Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ottawa Ont CANADA Posts: 7,901	Re: Open Element Air Cleaner and HEI Clearance workin for me Attached Images __________________ John 1978 GMCJimmy4X4-350/203 1979 GMCJimmy4X2-305/350

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