[Fusion]

I have a 1979 T/A, and I don't have the original air cleaner or the air ducting that ran from the air cleaner to an air collection tube above the front air dam. Does this create a forced air induction-like air intake? Would I see better performance coming from this setup, like colder air coming in, and more of it? Also, where would I be able to find these air intake ducting parts and air cleaner?
Thanks

Joe

[Fusion]

I have a 1979 T/A, and I don't have the original air cleaner or the air ducting that ran from the air cleaner to an air collection tube above the front air dam. Does this create a forced air induction-like air intake? Would I see better performance coming from this setup, like colder air coming in, and more of it? Also, where would I be able to find these air intake ducting parts and air cleaner?
Thanks

Joe

[Bill Boyle]

Fusion--you've posted a good question; it's one that I thought about soon after I purchased my 1979 (back in 1979). Not to go into a long discussion, but will relate that when I first considered whether the stock air flow was good, I was into autocrossing. I ran the TA with exceptional success winning often because of the cars very good braking and handling. Running events against Corvettes that were older and with more power, I decided it was time to evaluate cutting open the hole in the rear of my shaker scoop. After reading extensively on air boxes and the high pressure area found near the windshield, I opted to open the scoop. I also made a plexiglass "stopper" that could close it off if needed. I studied the effect of air flow, crude, I'd say, but a study nonetheless that had me taping strands of yarn to the rear of the scoop. What was revealed was the effect of "draw through the scoop" at part and wide-open throttle. When cruising, the yarn barely moved. There's a zone, where the flow over the hood and the scoop, where the yarn remained very still while cruising, even as speed increased. However, as soon as the throttle is opened part way to accelerate, the yarn was "sucked" into the scoop opening. This was even more dramatic under WOT. Because of the added pressure zone, and the ambient temperature (usually cooler than under the hood), an open shaker remains on my TA today. Cooler condensed air improves volumetric efficiency that in turn develops better combustion and more power. So, while the underhood air ducting makes the engine bay stock-like in appearance, it is, in my opinion, less than ideal for performance. BTW, the snorkel is closed so all air enters through the shaker scoop.

[Fusion]

thanks for responding Bill
My shaker is open as well, I'm glad to hear that is does make a difference. So are you saying that an open shaker is more than enough air for a ~400 HP engine? I was asking about the air ducting that came on stock T/A's that ran from the air cleaner snorkel down to the front of the car. Also, do you think those new K&N air filter tops that replace the stock steel covers would increase air flow even more? thanks

Joe