My 383/th350 combo is in and i'm finishing up and almost ready to fire. The carb looks way too high minus the air cleaner. The engine is a standard SBC 383 with stock mounts, dart iron heads and a Performer RPM manifold. It also has a 1" spacer and a 650DP carb and a 3" air cleaner. My hood is a stock hood with the two chrome "louvers". Anyone have any advice with a similar combo and any clearance issues?

It's not the same combination as your's but maybe if you run the numbers, it is b/c the Strip Dom. is pretty tall imho???

Since my car has a BB, I used correct BB frame and poly mounts to make darn sure everything was as stock as I could get it so I would double check this in your application if I was you.

Then, you might have to trim the "rounded" tin that's on the bottom of the hood b/c there is about a 1/2" up past it. BUT watch your hood's chrome louver pins on the bottom!!!!!!

It's a pain, but maybe a 4.5" angle grinder might do it the fastest??

And I would run a correct length bolt instead of a stud and wing-nut to hold the breather top on.

I have a Holley Strip Dom. and good old Holley, 3310-2, 750cfm carb, and I had to change to a 2" x 14" Mr. Gasket air filter and had my son make me a big, 7/16" x 14" thick wooden washer out of "kitchen cabinet" grade plywood, "spacer" so I could gain the needed 1/2" clearance for my 14" drop bottom breather.

Doing all this kept me from cutting my round tin so maybe it will help you??

pdq67

i had the same issue, i bought a 2" tall K&N filter and it fits perfectly. if you want the part # i can give it to you.

thanks for the replies.....that K&N part number would be great. Also, did you use a "drop clearance" type of assembly?? My metal for the assembly appears to be a normal one. Thanks

I use the edelbrock RPM manifold with a flat hood and you will not have a problem. You must however use a drop down air cleaner base. There are lots of them I use the moroso unit. I got the top and base at a swap meet for $4.00 plus the element. The air cleaner fits tight but never touches. These air cleaner bases flo better than a flat base as well.

Jack

RPM or RPM air-gap? I believe the air-gap is taller.

Originally posted by NRMEDIC984:
thanks for the replies.....that K&N part number would be great. Also, did you use a "drop clearance" type of assembly?? My metal for the assembly appears to be a normal one. Thanks I used a cheapy air cleaner set that i got when i worked at Checker Auto (Btw, dont buy from there, their mark up is HORRENDOUS!) i tossed the paper element and stripped the chrome off of the cleaner assembly.

Here's the K&N number and a pic of what it looks like
#33-2042

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/722000-722999/722264_2_full.jpg

I have an Edelbrock book I'll look it up real quick.

The installation notes in the manifold section of the Edelbrock catalog (pages 54-55) show that the RPM air gap 7501 has a front height of 4.20 and a rear height of 5.25 and that is the same height as the Performer RPM 7101, and the Performer RPM Q-jet 7104. As well as the Performer RPM vortec and the RPM air gap vortec.

Hope this helps.

Jack