71 Small Block Air Filter

[Seth G.]

The air filter application for my base 71 calls for an AC 329 CW and NOS ones are difficult to find. Does anyone know if an AC 329 C would fit and what the difference between it and the CW would be? Thnaks

[Joe L.]

Re: 71 Small Block Air Filter

The air filter application for my base 71 calls for an AC 329 CW and NOS ones are difficult to find. Does anyone know if an AC 329 C would fit and what the difference between it and the CW would be? Thnaks

Seth------


The AC 329 C will work perfectly. In fact, it's the one that GM has specified for your application for over 25 years. In my opinion, it's absolutely foolish to spend BIG $$$$ for an NOS original air filter element---absolutely foolish.

I've forgotten what the difference is between "C" suffix and "CW" suffix but it's really moot in this case anyway.

[Terry M.]

Re: 71 Small Block Air Filter

The W = oil wetted

Once rosin paper became available there was no longer a need for the air filter paper to be coated in oil to catch the dirt particles.

[Joe L.]

Re: 71 Small Block Air Filter

The W = oil wetted

Once rosin paper became available there was no longer a need for the air filter paper to be coated in oil to catch the dirt particles.

Terry------


That's kind of what I vaguely recalled. too. However, I didn't dare say that for fear that someone would then ask why the 65-72 open element, AC 212CW still uses the "CW" suffix even though it has not been an oil-wetted filter in over 25 years. I don't have an answer for that.

[Terry M.]

Re: 71 Small Block Air Filter

Terry------


That's kind of what I vaguely recalled. too. However, I didn't dare say that for fear that someone would then ask why the 65-72 open element, AC 212CW still uses the "CW" suffix even though it has not been an oil-wetted filter in over 25 years. I don't have an answer for that.

Nor do I Joe. The ACDelco filter catalogs have not shown the "W=wetted" listing in their definitions list since the early 1970s, and I don't believe any of their filters have been wetted since that time frame, but they continue (or more accurately: someone continues) to produce the AC 212 CW marked filters to this day.

[Jim T.]

Re: 71 Small Block Air Filter

Terry do you have a supply of the real AC Delco AC 212 CW for your LT1?

[Seth G.]

Re: 71 Small Block Air Filter

I have one. Both box and filter are in excellent condition.

[Seth G.]

Re: 71 Small Block Air Filter

Thanks Joe -

I understand from a functionality standpoint, it would be foolish to pay the premium for a NOS filter. That said, I want one to compliment my NOS Oil Filter as I enjoy collecting these parts. Thank you for the information as you are always helpful and I appreciate it.

[Seth G.]

[David L.]

Re: 71 Small Block Air Filter

For what's worth my Feb. 1977 AC filter catalog lists the following:

GM #6483645 = AC # A329C (H = 2 15/32", OD = 12", ID = 9 53/64")

GM # 6423921 = AC # A212CW (H = 3", OD = 13 15/16", ID = 11 5/8")

GM #6421746 = AC # A212CW

My 1970 Chevrolet Parts Catalog (Jan. 1970) lists the following in Gr. 3.410:

70 Camaro w/4BC (350)(exc. SHP).......6483645.......4.95..........ELEMENT (wetted paper)(w/6484674-5242).............
The 6421746 element does not have a description.

What is the difference between the 6423921 and 6421746 elements? Both are A212CW elements.

In the photo below of two NOS A329C elements:
1987 version on left, May 1974 on right.

Dave

[Terry M.]

Re: 71 Small Block Air Filter

Terry do you have a supply of the real AC Delco AC 212 CW for your LT1?

I have a supply of AC Delco air filters marked AC 212CW from many different eras. I think the problem enters in defining the era of each of them. There have been many threads on this subject and opinions are all over the place. If only I had photographed or retained the original; but alas it went into the garbage very soon after I got the car.

[Dave S.]

Re: 71 Small Block Air Filter

Thanks Joe -

I understand from a functionality standpoint, it would be foolish to pay the premium for a NOS filter. That said, I want one to compliment my NOS Oil Filter as I enjoy collecting these parts. Thank you for the information as you are always helpful and I appreciate it.

Seth,
I wanted an early original AC 329 CW for the same reasons. It took me quite awhile to find a real one from the early 1970's era but finally did. I've chased many parts in my day but these early AC 329's are tough to come by.