Air cleaner assembly/CAI/open air

[Shawn]

AFAIK, I'm running a stock 350 TBI with a K&N air filter. The PO didn't have the stock air cleaner assembly but had an aftermarket Edelbrock cover on the air cleaner.

Here's my question: Should I try and find a stock air cleaner assembly and modify it to CAI out the front of the grill, or should I just run as is/open air?

I'm getting about 12MPG currently and have heard mixed opinions on CAI vs open air. Money is tight so it's a huge factor. Thoughts?

 

[HotRodPC]

I've actually hear that Cold Air Intake will increase hp to almost noticeable difference but harm mpg to a noticeable difference.

 

[HotRodPC]

Also forgot to mention, several people I know, have actually lost mpg going to K&N. Mostly those with ECM controlled vehicles. Mostly those in OBD2 though. Then to have a chance for same or a tad better mpg with a K&N, have a chip tune done to take advantage of the K&N along with some exhaust work, then you'll do good, but without the exhaust and the tune, it hurts mpg more than helps. You might try to find an OEM air cleaner and try your mpg that way before you do anything else just to see for sure if the K&N is certainly offering any benefit to your TBI ECM system.

The NON ECM controlled vehciles, the K&N doesn't seem to harm mpg at all.