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On the topic of cowl intakes (again) - enclosed filters?

anthrax323

NAXJA Forum User
Location
San Antonio, TX
So I've been reading a whole bunch on how people did their cowl intakes, and have decided to go for a setup much like srmitchell did on his (as have several other people):

http://www.naxja.org/forum/showthread.php?t=1016358

In the context of the threads I've been reading, I found the K&N Apollo, which is an enclosed filter:

http://www.knfilters.com/universal/apollo.htm

Only thing is, it's a K&N filter. Is anyone aware of any other companies that make similar products, or any vehicles that may use similar style air cleaners? I'd like to use this type of setup in order to minimize plumbing length (and draw air from the driver's side of the cowl). Seems like a great stock-like setup that makes room for a second battery.
 
I just had a revelation. Looks like Ford used a canister-style air filter for most of their engines between 1998 and 2004 in virtually every truck they've ever built. Should be easy to adapt to what I'm wanting to do, and allow for the use of traditional filters that will always be widely available.

I also found BMC's many product offerings, but they're a bit pricey. Cool stuff though.
 
I think I'm going to go by AutoZone and look for the size filter I want to use, then backtrack the part number to a specific vehicle... Then hit the junkyard.
 
Bingo. Did some research on STP filters and it looks like the SA3902 will be best for this off-label use... It is for the 1985 through 1992 Firebirds.

firebird_aircleaner.jpg


This appears as though it will be the easiest to modify for the sake of a cowl intake. I'm hoping to position this in the orientation shown directly in front of the brake master cylinder - two 90 degree elbows should allow easy connection to the intake manifold, and some flex hose for the side input drawing from the cowl. As far as I can tell, this should still also allow space for a 2nd battery.

I'll try to hit a junkyard on Saturday.


*EDIT* For anyone else who is interested, below is a breakdown of the reasonably-sized cylindrical (and some conical) air filters available off-the-shelf at AutoZone (all STP part numbers):


SA7730 - 94-04 Mustang (3.8, 5.0)
SA3902 - 85-92 Firebird
SA8141 - Fiat Panda?
SA9345 - GMC Envoy (5.3)
SA8805 - Dodge Neon (2.0)
SA3924 - 85-92 GM H-body
SA9493 - 02-06 CRV/Element (2.4)
SA9053 - 01-06 Sebring/Stratus (2.7)
SA7774 - 95-97 Ranger (4.0)

I was most keen on the Envoy and Ranger options, but they got nixed for their own reasons (the Envoy does not use a canister to house the filter, and the Ranger's canister is too long for this use).
 
I just had a revelation. Looks like Ford used a canister-style air filter for most of their engines between 1998 and 2004 in virtually every truck they've ever built.

A lot of of TJs run cowl intakes using Ford Windstar filter canisters.
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/cowl-intake-windstar-air-box-566973/
Same engine as our XJ's, in a similar space, so it may fit.

I have use a cowl intake with the stock airbox for over two years with no problems and lots of benefits.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lwade/sets/72157622703531169/
I would like to eliminate the stock airbox and use the space for a second battery. I need to measure a Windstar canister to see if it can fit in the available space.
The Thor intake is interesting but it uses a filter that requires cleaning and oiling, similar to the K&N.
I would rather stay with a conventional paper filter.
 
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