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Technical O’Brien Truckers Tri Power Air Cleaners

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Blue One, Jan 14, 2021.

  1. Blue One
    Joined: Feb 6, 2010
    Posts: 11,459

    Blue One
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Alberta

    Hey guys looking for opinions and experience with these air cleaners from Dennis at O’Brien truckers.

    After reading the experiences of several other guys here on the forum with the small 4” air cleaners not breathing well and seemingly choking up the engine, I thought back to this past summer and how my Y block ran.

    It seemed to run good, but I always felt that it should have been making better power.

    When I had to pull the heads recently and have the carbs and intake as well I encountered a large amount of carbon soot.

    Clive at Stromberg suggested smaller jets and power valves which were installed.

    I liked the look of the small air cleaners but they weren’t doing any favours for my engine or power.

    I started looking around for something better.

    I came across the 4”x7 “ rectangular air cleaners that O’Brien truckers offer and contacted him.

    I like the appearance of separate air cleaners for each carb and the breathing has to be better than what I have now.

    Just trying to decide if I like the look of the rectangular air cleaners although at this point I’m leaning towards the improved function.

    So, what do you think? I’m almost ready to call in the order and get my Alliance discount too.
    Larry
    B8FB9AC9-AAAA-4B49-A073-C295F870E567.jpeg 4652FB36-25E4-47CC-976B-CC2DE9BB0248.jpeg 51E8A3D4-DE56-4A2D-9107-3628AC3F8C98.jpeg D9E5B2F6-5298-4B8D-81C6-E087B562462B.jpeg
     
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  2. AngleDrive
    Joined: Mar 9, 2006
    Posts: 1,145

    AngleDrive
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Florida

    Dennis makes really cool stuff
     
  3. It's a more "dressed up" look. Maybe not as traditional as the round pots. But who says that's a bad thing?
    If you get a wild hair every once in a while, clock 'em at a 45 just for the hell of it. :rolleyes:

    It's hard to imagine the little round ones not breathing enough because there are 3 of them. A comparison test with the paper elements and then without them might give you some answers.
     
    Last edited: Jan 14, 2021
    Blue One likes this.
  4. harpo1313
    Joined: Jan 4, 2008
    Posts: 2,584

    harpo1313
    Member
    from wareham,ma

    I like those , looks to have plenty of air flow.
     
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  5. miker98038
    Joined: Jan 24, 2011
    Posts: 1,143

    miker98038
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

  6. Blue One
    Joined: Feb 6, 2010
    Posts: 11,459

    Blue One
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Alberta

    Thanks for the info
    It’s not really hard to imagine, there have been lots of guys saying that even with one carb it choked out a banger (Danny aka HRP)

    Then there’s this 32 with an Ardun equipped flathead with 4 Strombergs.

    https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/32-five-window-highboy.1134525/page-8
     
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  7. Was always happy with mine , didn't see any difference over the factory breather .Yes I have the factory breather , just removed the unit to clean it up . 20210104_180958.jpg
     
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  8. fiftyv8
    Joined: Mar 11, 2007
    Posts: 5,394

    fiftyv8
    Member
    from CO & WA

    Hey Blue, what/where is that by pass oil canister set from?
    Sorry for changing the subject.
     
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  9. Dino 64
    Joined: Jul 13, 2012
    Posts: 2,400

    Dino 64
    Member
    from Virginia

    What about the Edmunds repo’s. They’re cylindrical which I think have a more vintage look
    On my unfinished AV8 project...... 6AFEBCB2-4AAD-48F7-90E4-8DE05A91D21C.jpeg
     
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  10. goldmountain
    Joined: Jun 12, 2016
    Posts: 4,442

    goldmountain

    How about a big oval unit that covers all three carbs? I see something like that on Charlie Price's website.
     
  11. Blue One
    Joined: Feb 6, 2010
    Posts: 11,459

    Blue One
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Alberta

    I’m not sure, if you’re referring to one of the pictures with the rectangular air cleaners then that’s a picture from O’Briens

    I don’t think those will breathe any better unless they have very little filtering being so small.
    I prefer the individual filter per carb look.
     
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  12. Jethro
    Joined: Mar 5, 2001
    Posts: 1,908

    Jethro
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    OBrians make nice looking air cleaners for sure but I think the rectangle air cleaners are more 60's - 70's style. You've done such a nice job keeping the early look , I love those carbs! I like the look of those "frogmouth " scoops but you really need some filtration on dusty Edmonton roads.
     
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  13. Blue One
    Joined: Feb 6, 2010
    Posts: 11,459

    Blue One
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Alberta


    I know what you mean. The small round filters aren’t doing the job in breathing so what to do?

    I can’t tolerate running without filters....
    seems like the options are rather limited.
     
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  14. Blues4U
    Joined: Oct 1, 2015
    Posts: 7,589

    Blues4U
    Member
    from So Cal

    Without actually measuring them, it looks like the Edmunds filters have more square inches of filter surface, due to the taller profile. With some measurements it would be easy to figure. The Edmunds certainly look much better IMO.
     
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  15. Beanscoot
    Joined: May 14, 2008
    Posts: 3,053

    Beanscoot
    Member

    For what it's worth, these match the style of the finned Offy valve covers:

    [​IMG]
     
  16. Blue One
    Joined: Feb 6, 2010
    Posts: 11,459

    Blue One
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Alberta

    I thought they would match up with the finned design of my Edelbrock valve covers and the other finned cast aluminum features on my engine.
    So they’re not quite up to period perfect style but I need function.
    I think they would look good.
    Wish I could sit a set on the carbs just to see what they look like without going through buying them and then finding they’re not really suited :D
     
    Last edited: Jan 15, 2021
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  17. I measured the square inches of exposed element surface three different cotton gauze elements that are used in my air cleaners (they all made in the USA by the way.)

    Here are the results:

    4" round 18.75 square inches
    4 1/2" round (Edmunds Custom) 34.875 square inches (with some restriction due to screen/wire)
    4 1/2" x 7" 35 square inches
     
  18. Norris McCarty
    Joined: Apr 19, 2007
    Posts: 346

    Norris McCarty
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    3955F246-2E97-4CB1-AE32-D9F422BC89C8.jpeg
    Finally, plenty of airflow with these Wix filters. Even more with the K&Ns that I have on it now.
     
  19. Joe H
    Joined: Feb 10, 2008
    Posts: 1,525

    Joe H
    Member

  20. 51504bat
    Joined: May 22, 2010
    Posts: 4,754

    51504bat
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

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  21. 41fastback
    Joined: Sep 25, 2005
    Posts: 360

    41fastback
    Member

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  22. Blue One
    Joined: Feb 6, 2010
    Posts: 11,459

    Blue One
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Alberta

    Looking at the Wix filter listings I don’t see any listings for air filters that tall in the 4” diameter range.

    Do you have a picture of the K&Ns ?
    I’m in love with your 40 by the way :cool:
     
    Last edited: Jan 15, 2021
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  23. Blues4U
    Joined: Oct 1, 2015
    Posts: 7,589

    Blues4U
    Member
    from So Cal

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  24. razoo lew
    Joined: Apr 11, 2017
    Posts: 536

    razoo lew
    Member
    from Calgary

    Your carb setup is progressive, isn’t it? That engine must spend a bunch of time running through ONE small filter in city driving. Something to think about when sizing a replacement.
     
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  25. Norris McCarty
    Joined: Apr 19, 2007
    Posts: 346

    Norris McCarty
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I'll get you a pic of the K&Ns this afternoon. I'll also give you part numbers of both K&N and Wix.
    The small filters just do not flow enough air for the 97 Strombergs.
    My air cleaners are Grace and Company.
     
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  26. Blue One
    Joined: Feb 6, 2010
    Posts: 11,459

    Blue One
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Alberta

    Thanks. I’ll look into the Grace and Company air filters.
    Can you tell me the OD of the filters ?
    Although once I have the part numbers I can look up the specs. :cool:
     
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  27. Blue One
    Joined: Feb 6, 2010
    Posts: 11,459

    Blue One
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Alberta

    Thanks Dennis, I appreciate the help.
    I just sent you an email with a few questions on the 4 1/2” Edmunds filters.
    They look like they would be a big improvement over the small 4x2 I have now.
    Larry.
    9DB7ECB7-2095-4724-986D-AFA53264F9F1.jpeg 88D23E44-8C06-4993-93E8-FC02E7C4E8A8.jpeg 82985307-3F0A-4E0C-8F0E-81B98D1D5507.jpeg
     
  28. Don't use K&N's those red filters will look way out of place on your truck.
     
  29. Norris McCarty
    Joined: Apr 19, 2007
    Posts: 346

    Norris McCarty
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Not real worried about “out of place”.....more concerned with flow. There is a difference between the Wix and the K&N regarding air flow.
    K&N # E-2230
    Wix # 42158
    These will fit the Grace&Company air cleaners perfectly with a bit longer hold down bolt.
    DD759017-979E-4030-8F7C-C43F9372DB83.jpeg
     
    Last edited: Jan 15, 2021
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  30. Blue One
    Joined: Feb 6, 2010
    Posts: 11,459

    Blue One
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Alberta

    Good info, thanks :cool:
     
    loudbang likes this.

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