63 Mid-Production 340 HP Air Cleaner Assy

[Ralph P.]

Would appreciate any pictures and/or info on how to identify an original 63 Air Cleaner Assembly for the 340 engine. Any running changes and approximate S/N's ?
THANKS

[Stuart F.]

Re: 63 Mid-Production 340 HP Air Cleaner Assy

My air filter assembly is very original, and I can't say I've ever seen any variations of it. They did have a service bulletin out on how to add a flame suppressor screen, but I've not seen any that were modified. The L-76 340 hp has a unique assembly, as you no doubt know. Later assemblies from 64 0n may look the same, but they have a different crankcase ventilation system.

My unit is even more unique in that all the chrome has peeled out from the inner surfaces exposing the copper plating. Much of the peeling was done by me over the years when I found a loose edge, but I'm sure my engine has digested a lot of it. Has not had any affect on it's performance, and it has never been apart in some 47,000+ miles in nearly 52 years

[Edward J.]

Re: 63 Mid-Production 340 HP Air Cleaner Assy

Ralph I have a original 63 SHP filter housing, and a Reproduction, The biggest difference I see is the weight of the real deal (much heavier) and the chrome is more of a flash chrome and the bottom of the filter housing has a bright zinc type finish. The Repro is a much better chrome process on the sides and weights less, the bottom of the repro has a poor chrome finish.

[Stuart F.]

Re: 63 Mid-Production 340 HP Air Cleaner Assy

Ed;

Does your original have any problem with peeling chrome (or zinc) plating? Interesting to read your take on the repro unit you have. I've considered getting one.

Stu Fox

[Edward J.]

Re: 63 Mid-Production 340 HP Air Cleaner Assy

Stu, My air cleaner housing is 50+ years old and not really that bad considering the age the top has some minor pitting and the chrome on the lower portion has a few bad spots, the plating on the bottom is really pretty good. I went through judging with just a 1 point deduct. I use the reproduction for normal driving, much prettier.