Russ P in MD

Hi,

I'm looking to switch a batwing style air cleaner over to use a newer paper element. This is for a 324 cu. in. 4bbl in a 55 Super 88, a "batwing" style outer housing. Does anyone know part numbers for suitable air filters that can replace the old inner element? Thanks!

Tedd Thompson

Sorry I can't read the numbers on the element but the measurements are 8 inches OD x 6 1/2 inches ID X 1x 1/2 inches thick. This is the most available size that I find at auto parts stores but if you could find one a half inch thinner it will allow your air cleaner to ride a little lower and not rub on the hood insulation, if no hood insulation no problem. Also you might need a inch longer air cleaner hold down bolt as your air cleaner is now 1 1/2 inches taller than stock Also watch that your longer bolt dosn't hit the hood when it's latched its a VERY close fit ....Tedd


PS don't ask me why I know this.

Russ P in MD

Thanks! I had a similar incident with the TR6 "bonnet" - I plead the 5th

Tedd Thompson

Found the air filted for the batwing, Napa Gold 6094 worked for me....Tedd

Russ P in MD

Thanks for looking this up.

Highwayman

What are you guys using for the bottom plate?

Russ P in MD

I just planned on taking out the old inner filter and letting the paper one rest on the bottom of the base. I figure you can have it rest anywhere along the sloped bottom, although ideally you have it largest diameter possible to fit right where it hits the lowest points on the base The trick is to get one just tall enough to give a good seal on the top cover, but not too tall. I was tempted to try one of the setups listed on eBay for about $15 plus $10 S&H. They are the same idea, nothing special.

Tedd Thompson

The filters soft rubber bottom seals in the grove stamped in bottom of the housing, same for the top, bolt smashes every thing together.

Highwayman

Oh, I get it now. You're using the bottom piece from the oil bath. OK. Thanks.


I had an idea once to look for an open element filter that would slip inside the stock top piece. But it hasn't made it to my priority list.

rocketdownunder

I have done the same over here, i just measured the height and diameter, went to my local part store and found one that was a perfect fit.

Olds Dad

Oh come on you guys - you only get the true experience with oil in there! Just showed a friend of mine last weekend - a car guy - drives a 68 Chebby truck - owns multiple motorcycles - but he was absolutely blown away by the oil bath -

I kid - I know it's a mess, but to me there's something about it...anthing I can do to increase my carbon footprint that much more!

Tedd Thompson

You probably just wipe your hands off on your jens and press on, no need for a rag, It's a man thing......Tedd

jaymann

I used an old base from a 14" chrome air cleaner, stacked 2 air filters on it, and put the batwing back on , leaving off the oil bath part all together. The car breathes way better now!

Highwayman

Thanks for the info Jaymann, that is what I was thinking about doing but hadn't got around to looking into yet.

Russ P in MD

I took the next step on this and did mock-ups for various filter dimensions. This is using the original base and top without the filter element that slides inside the base. I'm thinking about finding a suitable K&N that can be cleaned and reused, basically the last filter we'll probably need to buy. The info may be helpful to others, I'm also listing their part numbers and comments. You could go to their website, see what car the part number fits, then if you wish find some other brand for that same vehicle. Some models are generic with no vehicles associated with the part number.

For the dimensions, first you cannot exceed 12" OD. After that, it's a matter of inner diameter ID and proper height H for that ID. Here's what I came up with:

ID ____H__
10, 4-1/8
9-1/2, 3-7/8
9, 3-3/4
8-1/2, 3-5/8
8, 3-1/4
7-1/2, 3-1/8
7, 3
6-3/4, 2-7/8
6, 2-3/4

Here are K&N part numbers that appear suitable. I'm thinking a little extra height may not be bad if the filter compresses well. Width is the filter wall thickness. I have not actually tried these yet in the housing:

E-1150 1/4" too high, 8" ID, 1" width
E-2650 very close or exact, 8 3/8" ID, 7/8 width
E-2723 1/4" too high, 6 3/4" ID, 1 1/4 width
E-2780 1/2" too high, 8 7/8" ID, 1 3/16 width
E-3500 very close or exact, 7" ID, 1" width
E-3532 1/2" too high, 8" ID, 1/2" width
E-3534 very close or exact, 8" ID, 1/2" width
E-3551 1/4" too high, 8" ID, 1/2" width
E-3600 1/2" too high, 7" ID, 1" width
E-3630 1/4" too high, 7 7/8 ID, 5/8" width
E-3679 1/2" too high, 8" ID, 1" width
E-3692 very close or exact, 9 1/4 ID, 7/8" width
E-4834 5/8" too high, 8 1/2" ID, 1 1/4" width
E-9031 1/2" too high, 7 3/8" ID, 1 5/16" width
E-9190 3/8" too high, 8.661" ID, 1.32" width

Russ P in MD

Final chapter - went to Pep Boys today, only part the had on the shelf was K&N 1150, which indicated it was a replacement for Fram CA192. For $7, I decided to go with the Fram. Fits pretty well, just a small gap between the top and bottom seating ring, which may decrease to nothing over time. Looks to be less than the 1/4" I estimated, so from what was posted earlier I would recommend going with the ones where I estimated that much gap. For now I'll put a wrap of electrical tape to disguise the unpainted area of the gap.

Also, if you ever need to replace the felt seal between the top and bottom that sits in the channel of the top piece, I found 1/8 x 1/4 felt stripping from McMaster Carr which works well. Used a little weatherstrip adhesive in the channel and had to work fast. Probably would have worked best to do a little adhesive at a time.