57 FI air cleaner

[Roy B.]

140066482963 = on -e-bay
Now there selling the 57 FI air filter for $150.00 or more used and dirty (made to look like original) when you can still buy one that's %90 correct and color it if that's what you wont or leave it back) AC #6419309 same as the Packson blower used on stud's and many many tractor's.

[John D.]

Re: 57 FI air cleaner

Roy, The AC 176C replacement air cleaner element is not even close to the A56C. Here are some of the differences. Mesh is different design, paper is light years away from original. And the dimensions as far as the thickness on the 176 C is much thinner than original.
A better replacement that the AC 176 C comes from NAPA GOLD made by Wix. A tad thicker and an all around nicer element that the AC. Still no cigar though.
Now if a guy were to buy a replacement black A56C that would be worth coloring. But the embossing and info of the AC stuff is not the same.
Too bad this part was never successfully reproed. It almost was except no one could find the correct paper. Gary Hodges worked on it for many years but finally gave up because of the paper problem.
That's why these blue elements are only for the rich and famous who will spend 5 g's on them. I would rather take the deduct and make it up somewhere else. Merry Christmas, John

[Roy B.]

Re: 57 FI air cleaner "John"

I know that I was talking the fit is great, just some thing better then paying $150.00 for s dirty used one that also is wrong. thanks

here is the real one

[John D.]

Re: 57 FI air cleaner "John"

Hi Roy, Nice pic of the real deal. I just printed it for sure. Yes you are corrct. The fit of the cheep replacement is good. All you have to do is use a shorter 1/4" rod so not to much extra is sticking out. John

[Richard T.]

Re: 57 FI air cleaner

John,
What kind of paint is used to color the vinyl? I have a decent black A56C and might want to try coloring it. Rich

[G B.]

Few owners actually care, but....

The '57 Corvette original filter element design is so restrictive that it richens the FI calibration by about 10% at 2,000 rpm. The A176C element is even worse.

The '58 and later Corvette FI air filters work great and do not significantly restrict air flow below 3,000 rpm.

[Richard T.]

Re: Few owners actually care, but....

Jerry,
Which would be the best performing stock appearing element to use? Rich

[G B.]

I've found no such animal.

Rich, I prefer using a $20 CarQuest truck air filter element that comes with its own steel lid attached. It doesn't look stock because it's about 10 inches long. It does have the right diameter to fit a '57 FI air cleaner base though.

[Richard T.]

Re: I've found no such animal.

Jerry,
I recall seeing it in one of the pictures you sent a while ago. It must flow a lot of air because it's huge.

[G B.]

It's CarQuest #87245.

I just measured it at only 8" long. The outside diameter is 6.625".

The original '57 FI air filter element about 3.5" long. I suppose you could cut down the modern Carquest element and glue a soft base on it, but why bother? It'll never look stock enough to please any '57 owner other than me.

[John D.]

Re: I've found no such animal.

Jerry, The 10" long truck element would do the job for sure. Guys if you want to use that idea and you want a blue element go to NAPA and buy a nice #2165. Also fits 577-59 passenger car FI air cleaner with a little shaving of the rubber. Cheep. Will fit a Corvette but wouldn't please the judges. Jerry's wouldn't either. But you would get a lot of air flow.
As far as what to use for paint Rich or dye to color the rubber I am sorry to tell you that I don't have a clue. John

[Clem Z.]

i bet the parts renters get a good buck for

that filter.

[John D.]

Re: i bet the parts renters get a good buck for

Clem You are 100% correct. Although this is the wrong board for passenger cars I know several of the guys have athese cars in their collection also. This element is the one that is being sold for mega bucks. It can be bought from NAPA for 20 bucks or less. The blue is almost same shade ironically as the original Corvette one. I know one guy who bought one and did a section job on it. Waste of time since the screen and paper are no match for original. I still like the A176C as Roy mentioned for a nice cheep element. Even if you show the car with this element you won't get killed on points. Just a SR or service replacment. Still a Delco part. Only loose a couple of points. Happy New Year, John