1978 L82 Air Filter Element ID in WHITE INK PRINT?!

[Jim D.]

I have a 1978 Corvette pace car… April 78 build date. I bought a true nos square mesh air filter (its in the original old box #6484235…includes that old antique smell ! real deal! ).... this ID print in white ink across the top " PROTECT YOUR ENGINE-REPLACE WITH AC TYPE A348C" is this correct for the 78 L82? The reason I ask, The back of the box states CHEVROLET V8...... 1968-1975 ! so did the 1976 and on used the same identicle filter????? should the print be embossed into the rubberinstead of inked?..........HELP!

[William C.]

Re: 1978 L82 Air Filter Element ID in WHITE INK PRINT?!

Boxes from AC generally are dated on the end flap, that date would help date the exact manufacturing date of your filter. Generally the embossed units were very early (mid-60's) and the printed ones later (68-up). Yes, Chevrolet reused existing part numbers in air cleaners as dictated by hood clearance over a number of years.

[Ronald L.]

Re: 1978 L82 Air Filter Element ID in WHITE INK PRINT?!

Also post a pic of what you bought - what is the filter code, A212cw?

[Paul B.]

Re: 1978 L82 Air Filter Element ID in WHITE INK PRINT?!

Also post a pic of what you bought - what is the filter code, A212cw?

...his will be an A 348 C. I also thought the one he bought is not an original production one, but rather a correct service replacement for that time period. I believe(or think)originals up to 1979 that had "the original" A 348 C airfilter said "BEST WAY TO PROTECT..."

[Jim D.]

Re: 1978 L82 Air Filter Element ID in WHITE INK PRINT?!

Best way to protect? so what is it? can anyone tell me or describe to me what was installed in a 1978 corvette off the line?

[Mark D.]

Re: 1978 L82 Air Filter Element ID in WHITE INK PRINT?!

Jim,
I can't be of any help other than to say "Best Way To" disappeared in, I believe, 1974. After that the ink printing started with "Protect...
Regards,
Mark

[Harmon C.]

Re: 1978 L82 Air Filter Element ID in WHITE INK PRINT?!

78 is the MY I think the Best Way stopped . Their are lots of low mile pace cars so lets hope they reply as to what filter they have. The 78-79 manual I have says you need BEST WAY but it is an old copy.

[Don G.]

Re: 1978 L82 Air Filter Element ID in WHITE INK PRINT?!

I believe Lyle is correct in that "Best Way To" disppeared probably in the 76-77 time frame but certainly by '78.

In regard to carton dates, there was no "first in- first out" control on cartons at the carton supplier or in the AC plant. Although they generally predated production by a few months, exceptions occurred frequently.
I was a supervisor in the AC oil filter plant in the 60's.

[Tom R.]

Re: 1978 L82 Air Filter Element ID in WHITE INK PRINT?!

I have a 1978 Corvette pace car… April 78 build date. I bought a true NOS square mesh air filter (its in the original old box #6484235…includes that old antique smell ! real deal! ).... this ID print in white ink across the top "PROTECT YOUR ENGINE-REPLACE WITH AC TYPE A348C" is this correct for the 78 L82? The reason I ask, The back of the box states CHEVROLET V8...... 1968-1975 ! So did the 1976 and on used the same identicle filter? Should the print be embossed into the rubber instead of inked? HELP!

Jim, If it's a true NOS square mesh air filter than why the doubt? I take your question is twofold: "Is the A348C correct for 1978?" And what's the message? I looked thru my photo archives of low-mileage Pace Cars and air filters. The "PROTECT YOUR ENGINE-REPLACE WITH AC TYPE A348C" is typical I've what I've photographed for Pace Cars. The L48 and L82 both used the same air filter...no big deal there. I am surprised that the message is not included in the 1978-79 judging manual.

A348C.jpg

[Tom R.]

Re: 1978 L82 Air Filter Element ID in WHITE INK PRINT?!

Here's another image of the complete filter from VIN 197

Air Filter 78 Pace VIN 197.jpg