Trying to get an oval air cleaner on my 351w

[Usudno]

My setup is as follows

Tristar 351W
Edelbrock 7181 Performer RPM intake manifold
Quickfuel 750 Carb w/ spacer
MSD 8584 Billet Distributor
Stock FFR motor mounts

I would like to fit the Cobra oval air cleaner and valve covers. I realize that I may sacrifice a little power with the oval cleaner but hey... I have 426hp. I'll be fine!

What I would like to know is if the spacer under my carb will create any issues and what filter element should i be looking at putting on this thing.

Thanks for any help!

[KDubU]

I have the same setup although with a QF680. To be honest oval is a no go unless you opt for the small 11" one that I know Summit carries. It's a nice setup. I ended up with a drop base and 14"x3" round filter setup from Spectre. This will be a challenge to get the large oval on there with anything but a 1" filter.

[mcwho]

I have a QF but am using a 302 based engine. Peformer Air Gap intake, and oval air cleaner.

The first spacer I got was 1 1/4 and was too tall. I got another spacer, from holly the one, its about 1/2" and works fine.

[Usudno]

I'm pretty sure I have seen a few pictures of guys running the oval cleaner on a 351w based engine. I'm just not sure if the spacer that my crate motor came with will create a problem. I have read that I should go to a 2 1/4" filter if possible. I just want to see an example of it fitting. I have seen engine factory supplies their crate motors with the oval cleaner...

Thanks again for any insight!

[KDubU]

Using different engine mounts may get you there. Bruce on the other forum went through the same long before me and he tried multiple different air cleaner units and no go if you want larger than a 1" filter. I think he ended up with a smaller round Edelbrock unit on his.

[Usudno]

I was under the impression that the energy suspension mounts that came with the kit were the same as "convertible' mounts.

[Usudno]

Could I get away with a drop base of some sort and a 2" filter element in the oval cleaner??

[JRL16]

I have a 427W from engine factory. It came with the cobra valve covers and oval air cleaner. Everything fits fine. It has a 3/4 inch spacer on top of the carb and the air cleaner is a motorcraft item #FA-48. Hope this helps. I used the engine mounts that came with the kit. I did cut the reliefs in them for block clearance.

[Usudno]

Thanks jrl16.. what reliefs??

[Usudno]

And which oval air cleaner is it?? Does it utilize a drop base?

[JRL16]

The air cleaner housing doesn't have a dropped base in it. I think if you look on engine factory's website you'll see an option for cobra dress up on their engines. Can't help you any more there. Maybe call them and order one from them or they can tell you where you can get them. As far as the reliefs cut in the motor mounts for engine clearance on the engines with dart blocks there are reinforcing ribs in the area of the motor mounts. No way to get the engine to set on the mounts properly without cutting reliefs in the mounts. I think it's only on dart blocks though. I did shave the fiberglass lip of the body in the air cleaner area. Wasn't really necessary but looks good with the air cleaner centered in it. Plenty of room. Good luck.

[boat737]

It's close, but mine fit with the little spacer to get the air cleaner housing to sit on top of the distributor. (not a very good picture.)

[smithbks]

I have the 427w from engine factory as well. It fits, but it does stick up into the scoop a little. It would not fit if I didn't have a scoop. I have no issues at all with it being in the scoop as the hood slopes downward anyway and you can't see that unless you look for it. Even if you do it does not look wrong or bad.

[boat737]

I have the 427w from engine factory as well. It fits, but it does stick up into the scoop a little. It would not fit if I didn't have a scoop. I have no issues at all with it being in the scoop as the hood slopes downward anyway and you can't see that unless you look for it. Even if you do it does not look wrong or bad.

Interesting, my air cleaner seems to fit without the scoop opening. Haven't done the final fitting yet though, and I don't know how much it clears. But at this point it's not touching or interfering with either the body/hood opening lip or the hood.

[Avalanche325]

I always post this on oval air cleaner threads. Make sure that the top cover is not sitting on the carb vent tubes. Mine did with the standard skinny filter. It causes SEVERE flooding.
S&B makes a thicker washable one. It may be too high for a 351 with a spacer.

[Usudno]

Thanks for the info! I'll give it a shot.

[GFX2043mtu]

My plan is to call k&n and have them make a custom oval one with a x flow top for my 461 Windsor.

[boat737]

I always post this on oval air cleaner threads. Make sure that the top cover is not sitting on the carb vent tubes. Mine did with the standard skinny filter. It causes SEVERE flooding.
S&B makes a thicker washable one. It may be too high for a 351 with a spacer.

Got the link per chance?