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Posted by: pgollender Nov 16 2016, 11:28 PM

When putting my new engine back into my 1970, I just couldn't stand the thought of putting that icky oil bath air filter back in, so I got out a Dremel tool and modified the stock air filter.

First I cut the top open and removed that icky mess of nylon fibers.

Then I used the dremel cutoff tool to trim the flange to about 5/16" That will serve to hold the new paper element centered in place.

K&N E-2630 filter fits perfectly. Inside diameter 7.125", outside diameter 9.0", Height - 2.0" The rubber surfaces are slightly sticky and make great contact top and bottom.

Next use the dremel and cut the bottom ring it off exactly at the vertical-horizontal junction and discard. MAKE SURE you meticulously clean the metal shavings out afterwards. The last thing you want is your engine to inhale those fine metal particulates and ruin your new/old engine.

Apply your new filter into the top lid.

Viola ! Finished product. No more icky oil bath.
Total project cost: $53
4 dremel mini cut-off discs = $8
K&N 50,000 mile washable reusable filter =$45
Project Time: About 40 minutes

Posted by: Garland Nov 17 2016, 12:34 AM

Nice job

Posted by: 1970 Neun vierzehn Nov 17 2016, 07:16 PM

Curiouser and Curiouser, my 1970/4 oil bath filter does not look like that either internally or externally!

Is your car an early or late build date?

Paul

Posted by: luskesq Nov 17 2016, 09:31 PM

The Capt'n wouldn't have approved the K'N but good job. Filter looks like what I have on my '70 914_4

Keith

Posted by: pgollender Nov 17 2016, 11:11 PM

Paul, I believe the top is from a '72-or '73. The bottom half is from March 1970 build date. The '70 I had had a smooth top without the extra port and no metal "ribbing". Accidentally dropped an engine lift on the '70 lid and haven't repaired it yet.

Posted by: pgollender Nov 17 2016, 11:33 PM

Keith, you are quite right about the late Capt'n's opinion. I posted the same question a couple years ago, he vehemently defended the argument for the oil bath system.
In my simple mind, if you blow thru the intake port of the stock of original filter vs. my modified K&N filter, there is clearly much less air resistance from the latter. Relocating the actual intake to a colder pick-up location rather than directly over the hot tins, should in theory help with performance as well, even in FI systems. I think someone already posted elsewhere on world that he was achieving about 5 horses more with cold pick-up location. These are minimal changes in design that achieve " free horsepower".
The real reason for me was to dump that icky oil trash tray. (No offense to the purists out there)

Posted by: jcd914 Nov 17 2016, 11:39 PM

The Capt'n did not like K&N filters.
He did not think they filtered the air well, let too much dirt thru.

Jim

Posted by: pgollender Nov 17 2016, 11:43 PM

Yes that was one of his points.
I believe not all K&N filters are created equal for filtering properties.
You can substitute a 1973 Pinto paper filter for about $8 from your local flaps, but the fit is less optimal and requires trimming and fussing.