When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Unless I'm missing something, this air cleaner that came on my otherwise seemingly bone-stock 455 1970 Vista is not the right one for the car.
The assembly manual looks like it lists four different numbers for a 4bbl air cleaner base. It seems the right one is 6486276. That would match the exhaust shroud and tube I have to put on the car (which is what started this whole adventure) and the diagram in the assembly manual on page 126.
Then page 128 of the assembly manual shows a PCV valve on the driver's side like I have, but the air cleaner diagram on page 136 show a filter assembly like I have on my passenger side on the driver's side as well.
I'm confused. So what is this air cleaner set up really supposed to look like?
Yes, that snorkel doesn't look right for your car. It should be much shorter, a larger opening and facing the passenger side. If someone else doesn't beat me to it I'll try to come up with a picture for you. John
This may not be exactly right, but will be close. This is on a 1970 Olds 98. I'm thinking the valve on the snorkel is in a different place on the A-body than the full sized. My memory may be off but I think one has the valve for the heat riser further out towards the end of the snorkel. But am not positive on that, someone else will have to chime in. Note the mostly flat lid and the shape of the snorkel.
Those pictures are a big help. I think I found the right one on eBay. The new aftermarket ones seem to all be for OAI or W-30 applications.
No idea why the previous owner would change out the air cleaner. It does explain why when I bought the air filter over all these years the recommended replacement never fit.
...the air cleaner diagram on page 136 show a filter assembly like I have on my passenger side on the driver's side as well.
The note for the driver-side (second) breather shown on page 136 indicates that this is for manual transmission cars. A Turbo-400 automatic was required with your L31 455 Vista Cruiser in 1970, so yours only came with the passenger-side breather.
I have your car's sister (same engine) and she didn't have the second breather either.
Good for you, keeping that old wagon alive. Some estimate that only about 200 are left.
May 6th, 2024, 03:20 PM
