Well, I finally got enough time and motivation to fab up this particular mod I've had rumbling around in my head for over a year.
Unfortunately, I don't remember how much I paid for the two pieces of welding steel. I think something like $20 at LOWES.
The first is a 24 x 24 piece of 22 gauge sheet steel. I cut this into a 13.5" diameter circle. I took this out to my M1009 and placed it on the air filter box and gently tapped it with a rubber mallet, marking the position of where the two upright bolts to hold the top on are at. Next I drilled two 13/32 holes at the marked locations. I started smaller, but this is where I ended up.
The second piece is 1/8 x 1 1/2 strap steel. I cut this to 11" length. Then marked the holes after centering on the sheet steel. I again drilled two 13/32 holes lined up with the sheet steel holes.
Realize I'm leaving a lot of 'measure, cut, fit - measure, cut, fit' out. You can always make things smaller. Making them larger is problematic.
ANYWAY, at this point, everything fits and looks pretty good.
I drill three 1/8" holes so I can rivet the strap steel to the sheet steel. I then riveted the strap steel to the sheet steel. And as I'm a suspenders AND a belt type of guy, I first applied JB Weld on the strap steel to hold it to the sheet steel as well.
I let this sit overnight. I then test fit it one more time. Then applied two coats of flat black paint. Ok, ok, I need to find a second wing nut to replace the nut I put on when I lost one.
I've taken it for a spin and I'm getting loads more air through. Hopefully that will equate to better MPG and hopefully a bit of a minor bump in HP/Torque.
My next step I'm considering is finding a dyno and do several runs. First would be the stock setup (which I still have), then the stock filter box with the K&N filter. Then the stock air filter with my modified top. And finally with the K&N filter and the modified top.
If I do this, I'll definitely post the results. The best part is by removing the two wing nuts, I can drop the stock air filter box top back on. None the worse for wear.
I did something very similar as a test, but it was much too loud for use everyday.
I ended up using the air inlet from one parts air cleaner housing as a second port on my main m1009's air cleaner housing. Pic of the final product attached minus the tubes for cold air.
I just ran a snorkel tube to the stock point on the core support next to the radiator last year. Similar to what the civy trucks had. I had to reorient my front battery but it was worth it.
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89 Chevy K5 Blazer. 6.2L diesel, stockish, and clean.
These opinions and thoughts moderated with your sensibilities in mind.
Sold my CUCV and won't likely be around much. If you want a good forum with excellent knowledge of 73-87 GM trucks where folks won't judge you for modifying YOUR vehicle, please join us at www.ColoradoK5.com .
Oh, and don't EVER buy anything from Alfa Heaven. Do a search.
Can't you just flip the top cover upside down? Have done that on 350 gas engines alot.
hndrsonj,
No. Due to the design of the stock air box, it won't flip. I TRIED THAT.
And I find mine is much quieter. Mainly because now instead of a higher pitched whoosh, it gets a much healthier, deeper roar. Maybe a new dual exhaust, possibly 3 inch mandrel bent duals will be next. The guy who owns Classic Mustangs here in Colorado (he is a member here as well) has done several exhausts for CUCV's.
cucvfreek, I'll talk to the guy who owns Classic Mustangs. Maybe he wants to start doing some very minor fab work for the CUCV's he sells. Then it's but one short step to selling this setup to anyone else who wants one. This IS a cheap fix for a much higher volume of air. Combine that with a better exhaust flow and you should get some impressive numbers for both MPG and HP/Torque increases. At least that's what I'm hoping for.
I'm still going to add some insulation. For $40 to LMC Trucks (plus probably another $10 for connectors), I have seen this insulation installed and you literally can't even hear a stock setup running. Pretty impressive.
So I'll be adding the under hood insulation. And I will eventually be fully sound insulating the front part of my cab with Fat Mat and a new rubber floor. I've only got a few things left with this truck and she should be 100%.
We will see.
pawnshop,
ALL my vehicles run K&N. Even my wife's Subaru runs one. I even put one in a deuce I owned a couple of years back. I have never had any problems with my K&N's. What's not to like about a cleanable, reusable 1M mile air filter?
lavarok,
I love the green stock air filter box you are running. I actually considered that, but given my stock box is black, I just stayed with that. Plus with two openings you are begining to approach what I got with my mod. Good job.
Air filter modifications - minor work & $$$
