Which is better for hp...a big or small air filter?

Question

I have a chevy 350 which currently has an 8 inch air intake, If I were to put al a 14 inch air intake would it give me more or less power, I say it would but my friend says the smaller the filter the better. Which is true and why?

Answer 1

If you have a late model fuel injected car with a fuel delivery system regulated by a cpu getting input from an oxygen sensor, the biggest air cleaner you can find is the one that gives you better performance.

If you're running a carb, the jets in the carb deliver fuel based on two factors. The first is throttle position, the other is air volume creating suction at the venturi. A larger air cleaner in a carbureted car could result in a lean-burn condition and the risk is burned exhaust valves due to hotter combustion chamber temperatures from a more complete burn and overall hotter running temperatures taxing the cooling system more. If you have a marginal cooling system, you may overheat.

I drive a car with a carb and take the risk. My air cleaner is twice the size of the unit designed for the car, and my attitude is 'to hell with it', I want power and economy so I take the risk. So far over 250,000 miles and still running well.

Answer 2

Go to: performancebodies.com for some full sized 14" diameter with air cleaners in 3", 4", 5" heights. In addition to the extended height their performance air cleaner hardware have very rounded bottom plates which aid in straightening out the airflow through the carburetor.

Large diameter air cleaners have more breathing capacity which always is a plus.

Answer 3

The bigger filter is better. But you will not notice any difference. Unless your filter is really dirty.

Answer 4

bigger,more air means more power

Answer 5

Have you ever tried to breathe through a straw?

The bigger, the better.

Answer 6

Depends on what micron.