1963/340 Air Cleaner Question

[Joel T.]

This may be a dumb question... particularly given that I have owned this car for 4 years now, but here goes..

The air cleaner base on the 1963/340 engine is chrome with cut-outs on one side... do those cut outs face front or back?

On mine, the hose goes to the front to face the oil filler tube and the cut-outs face rear....

I just figured out that my ignition top shield was incorrect.. is it possible that the air cleaner base is also wrong...

Thanks,

Joel

[Tim S.]

Re: 1963/340 Air Cleaner Question

It sounds like you have got it right. Have any pictures?

Tim

[Stuart F.]

Re: 1963/340 Air Cleaner Question

The windows go to the rear on a 63 because the PCV system air tube must face front to connect with the elbow on the oil filler pipe. The 63 was unique for this and it was a source of problems which led to crankcase explosions (like mine). The tube had no flame arrestor screen and drew air directly from inside the air filter (problem was addressed in a Tech Service Bulletin dated 02/12/1963). The system actually is the reverse of later year C-2's; Clean air is drawn from inside the front of the air cleaner through the oil fill tube, passing through to the rear of the valley where it is drawn through an oil separator and connection tube/hose to the PCV valve at the base of the rear of the carburetor. The top ignition shield, when fitted properly, engages the Air Cleaner with a clip - just to interfere, not to secure it, but probably used as a ground. You can probably see most of this detailed in Nolan Adams book or other sources. The AIM just addresses the base engine details.

Stu Fox

[Tom H.]

Re: 1963/340 Air Cleaner Question

Yep ! Hose front, openings rear. Sounds to me like you are good to go.

Here's an original 63 base.

[Stuart F.]

Re: 1963/340 Air Cleaner Question

Tom;

Is it the picture or is that a AVS hidding under the air cleaner? The secondary is a little fuzzy. Nice shot otherwise. You can even see the clip at the rear.

I hope you only use the foam element for show. I got tired of cleaning up the oil mess all the time. No matter how much I squeezed it out, some still managed to seep out. I know we've covered this extensively in past threads about which elements filter best, etc., but I'm still using a K&N (I know - stupid), but I bought a paper one from NAPA and have it on hand. It's just that I put the bragging sticker on the side of the air cleaner base and, well, you get the picture.

Have a great day.

Stu Fox

[Tom H.]

Re: 1963/340 Air Cleaner Question

Tom;

Is it the picture or is that a AVS hidding under the air cleaner? The secondary is a little fuzzy. Nice shot otherwise. You can even see the clip at the rear.




Stu Fox

Hi Stu

Gotta plead stupid ?? What is an AVS ??

[Jack H.]

Re: 1963/340 Air Cleaner Question

Local 'pet' name for Colorado's NHL hockey team...

[Stuart F.]

Re: 1963/340 Air Cleaner Question

Tom;

The AVS carbs are very similar to the AFB, but use an adjustable spring-loaded air valve in the secondary in place of the counter-weighted version. The valve is also located above the discharge nozzles which are perforated tubes, while the AFB's have actual venturis in the secondary. On the AVS, manifold vacuum and air velocity (rather than venturi vacuum) control the secondary actuation. Choke actuation is controlled a little differently as well with a link to lock out the air valve in the secondary. Both appear similar from the casual observation, but I believe the AFB 3461S or 3721S versions are better suited to the Corvette performance engines. The AVS series is a little more sophisticated, and allows for more tuning capability. Both are available now in the Edelbrock Performer series. On your photo, it just looked like the secondary had an air valve and was why I mentioned that.

Stu Fox

[Tom H.]

Re: 1963/340 Air Cleaner Question

Stu:

My carb is a 3461S. #3826004

[Stuart F.]

Re: 1963/340 Air Cleaner Question

Just my eyes then, and I think you were just pulling my leg about the AVS series. You're too smart an experienced for me.

Stu Fox

[Tom H.]

Re: 1963/340 Air Cleaner Question

Just my eyes then, and I think you were just pulling my leg about the AVS series. You're too smart an experienced for me.

Stu Fox

Nope, I'm dummer than I look ! I really was not familiar with the AVS term. Made me panic for a moment thinking my carb might be wrong ! Like there isn't enough wrong with my car already !!

[Joel T.]

Re: 1963/340 Air Cleaner Question

Yep ! Hose front, openings rear. Sounds to me like you are good to go.

Here's an original 63 base.

Hi Tom;

Thanks for the picture... What didn't make sense to me, up until now, is that the slots are to the rear where they kinda engage with the grounding straps on the top shield. It would seem to make better sense that the slots would be forward and then the rear would make better grounding contact..but go figure...

I've found so many things wrong with this car over the last four years nothing would surprise me.. I'm just glad this is not one more for the list!

Regards,

Joel

[Tom H.]

Re: 1963/340 Air Cleaner Question

Joel !

Welcome to the word of surprizes in the old car world. I find something wrong with mine every time I look at it. Good thing we've got the guys around here !

[Stuart F.]

Re: 1963/340 Air Cleaner Question

Many years ago I ran mine with the slots (windows) forward because my oil filler tube PCV connection elbow had rolled out of the filler tube. I just used a large breather cap on the filler tube to provide the cleaned fresh air. Guess I figured a side benefit was a fan induced supercharger effect too, Ha!

Stu Fox