Oval Cobra air cleaner spin fix!

vref120 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-28-2015, 10:02 AM

So my Cobra air cleaner would spin, so for the past year I just cranked down on the wingnut to keep it in place. Well I noticed metal shavings in my carb one day and figured out that i cranked the wingnut down so far it was making contact with the two tubes on top of the carb and the aluminum on the lid. Needed a fix so heres what I did if anybody else has this issue.

Used a piece of 5/16 thread rod. Cut two pieces, one being shorter. Placed base on top of car and centered it. Put a dab of lotion on to the top of the rod and threaded it back up till it touched the base. That was my drill location. Drilled hole, installed grommet and cured my problem at last. Just thought I'd share in case anybody else has come across this. I'm sure there are a ton of easier fixes, but this is what I came up with. It works so I'm happy. Tried to upload some photos but it would not let me.

Cashburn · #2 (**permalink**) 03-28-2015, 09:03 PM

Is it worth 40hp loss?

vref120 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-28-2015, 09:27 PM

Sure. Don't race the car.

Kobura · #4 (**permalink**) 03-29-2015, 12:17 PM

I really don't miss the HP that a non-oval air filter might add to my car. But, then I opted for a "little" 5 liter engine as I figured 300+ HP was more than adequate for my preferred driving on the local twisties in the mountains where I live. Moreover, the neat look of the engine by Brian at Vintage is as important to me as the sporty look of a fake Cobra.

vref120 · #5 (**permalink**) 03-29-2015, 01:01 PM

I'm in the same boat. While I don't dispute Jay's claim (I'm sure he has the numbers to back it up), I don't race the car or drive like an idiot that needs to put all 500 HP down to the road. I mainly drive mine locally and to car shows. I like the looks of it so it will stay there.
If I ever track the car, a lot of things will change on the car besides the air cleaner.

cbreez · #6 (**permalink**) 03-29-2015, 05:40 PM

I just make sure a good gasket is on there and you won't have a problem with a snug turn of the screw...I have the same.
If you really are still having a problem an easy fix would be a touch...just a touch of silicone on the carb gasket...or just two gaskets.

Keep it simple...an Okie should know that!

BTW, I was an Okie so I can say that!