Open Element question

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brningdawn

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I've read through a lot of threads on here about different air intake systems. I know most of you aren't fans of the open element "hot air intake" style setups with the volant being the only one considered an improvement over factory. What I haven't seen is much discussion on is the effects of a cowl hood combined with an open element and possibly a TB spacer vs volant vs stock. Would having a cowl hood negate some or all of the downside of pulling in hot air with the open element? I know how a cowl hood works in theory. I'm just not sure how much it would really matter in a daily driven truck vs pulling air from the fender with the stock or volant setup.
 

df2x4

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My experience in this area is pretty limited (non-existent) but from what I understand, a true "cowl induction" system involves sealing the filter enclosure to the underside of the hood so the engine draws cool air from outside of the engine bay. Almost no one putting an aftermarket cowl hood on actually does this, they're usually just for clearance or looks.

My best guess, an open element filter with a cowl hood and no sealing is going to perform just like an open element with a stock hood. Which is to say, much higher intake air temps and probably very little to no improvement in airflow over stock. If you actually took the time to build a proper cowl induction setup it might be an improvement, but I doubt you'd even notice it unless you've done other performance mods.
 
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b454rat

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I had a truck years ago that was TBI, open element filter and a 4" cowl hood. Put 60-70k or something like that, and even after I put the 406 in it, didn't notice a difference. Sounds cool when you floor it...
 

brningdawn

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If I put one on it would largely be for cosmetics cause the stock setup is an eyesore. If I could gain some throttle response I would consider that a bonus. I was just curious about the cowl hood cause I have one laying around that I don’t plan to use unless it could be beneficial.
 

brningdawn

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I meant the stock intake setup. The engine needs to come out for a rebuild. Truck still runs fine but is far from it's former glory. I haven't decided for sure if I want to rebuild or LS swap. I know how to do a rebuild and shouldn't be too big of a problem getting the truck back on the road. An LS swap is a little more intimidating and I don't know if I really have the time and patience to try to make everything work. I don't want the truck to be unusable for a year. As far as a rebuild, last time I did a compression check I think most my cylinders were around 120-130. I don't remember exactly, but I know I had one in the 90s. I think it was #7 but it's been awhile. If I rebuilt I would go with a roller cam, I imagine it will need to be bored a little, and possibly bump the compression a little bit. Other than that, I'm not sure how far I would go with the TBI and Intake. The Edelbrock is ridiculously expensive for what it offers. Whether I swap or rebuild it needs a whole new exhaust system. I don't know much of anything about tuning but the EBL looks interesting. I know most people hate the TBI heads but I don't care about anything above 4000 rpm so I don't see a reason to spend the money on new heads. At that point I think an LS swap makes more sense.

My main issue with it right now is just feeling like I have to get into the throttle constantly even just driving around town. I'm not looking for big power or to pull heavy loads. Just better drivability. Would a rebuild with a roller cam like a 252H, EBL tuning, and some bolt-ons like a volant or TB spacer/Injector spacer, TBI Mods, Salad bowl, or other small things get me to where I want to be? No idea. I just don't want to spend the money doing it just to rip it all out and end up swapping it anyway. So I'm still trying to learn what I can and make an educated guess.
 

Caman96

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That’s like worrying what your looking lung looks like. ;)
 
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