Star wars on a sbb300

bolt on?
Let the discussion begin.

 

That doesn’t look like a 300 to me, 300’s also had the distributer in the front

 

Yeah........................, that's a Nailhead engine not a sbb 300.

VERY easy to tell by first glance at the intake that makes it a dead give away.

 

Definitely a Nailhead, but the Star Wars air cleaner doesn't look right on there.
The air cleaner is too angular, valve covers are rounded.
The air cleaner is a better match on the 400, 430, 455's with their more rectangular valve covers.

 

And not matching the engine color takes away from the look as well. It appears to be on a white car so I see what he was trying to do, but it doesn't work. Odd engine paint as well.

 

Sorry it's a 401

 

The star wars air cleaner does have some limitations. In particular it will restrict the breathing ability of the engine. That can be improved a little with a K&N type filter element but it's very difficult to find one close enough to the original size. Then, the snorkels restrict airflow. That can be remedied by using hole-saws to swiss-cheese the bottom of the housing all the way around the filter element and it doesn't show when mounted. The difference between a modified and un-modified star wars air cleaner can easily be 100 hp.

Other than that, yes I'm afraid I do agree that it looks out of place on that engine. Which is a shame really, it's such an iconic item. Maybe something like a set of TA valve covers would set it right (do they even make those for nail heads?) But really, doesn't it belong on a big block?

Jim

 

"The difference between a modified and un-modified star wars air cleaner can easily be 100 hp". Omigosh! The Starwars air filter is a pricey part.What off the shelf air cleaner set up would bolt on a stock 67 GS 4bbl intake for use while driving (leaving the Starwars filter to be used for"show" when the hood is left open)?

Archie

 

I will be using a k&n x-treme filter for driving and have the "Star Wars" for shows.

I use the "potholder quilted fabric" to make "bags" with a velcro flap to keep them secure and in the trunk next to the fire bottle and first aid kit.

 

You know what the starwars unit looks to me? A cadillac and Packard unit.

 

Anybody have a picture of their Star Wars air cleaner that has been modified for more airflow?

 

No, that's crazy...you're not going to pick up 100 HP by changing the air cleaner. It is a restrictive design, as most all factory air cleaners are. A simple open element air cleaner will give you some HP. That's why you see me in the avatar taking mine off, I'm getting ready to go to the races!

 

The MG-Roadmaster is at Rick's house out in Sidney, Illinois so finding a photo might be a little tricky but I'll see if there is a shot of it on the Roadmaster thread on BritishV8.

Anyway, yes indeed the air filter can certainly make that much difference, and our dyno sessions bear that out.

Yep found one.

Jim