Just an update. Indeed, it turned out that the "One size fits all (within reason - and these reasons are vetted over the phone when an order is being placed)" base I was selling did not fit the RPM intake. When I interface with customers with unordinary circumstances, it is always my approach to inform them of my policy concerning applications I have yet to encounter; those which I am not certain about. My policy is to guarantee 100% of the purchase price back if a part doesn't work, once I have decided whether or not I want to pursue a modified version to fit their application. Generally I want pictures to show what I can do to make it work, or at least why it isn't working if they are having a problem. These instances are getting rarer and rarer after eight years of making air cleaner parts for various Mopars.

A lot of times, things are dealt with on a case by case basis. Cooperation of a customer is essential to my r&d and in the end they get a brand new base if the first doesn't work (and generally, I don't ask for the first one to be sent back to me - pics work well enough). The trade off for the customer is an order that sometimes drags on for months as this is a side gig for me and I do my best. On the other hand, if something is mentioned that leads me to question whether or not my part will work with the configuration I am presented with, I will state my concern and let the buyer make up his mind. In these cases, if the part is modified at all, it is not returnable (unless I express an interest in seeing if it will work - in which case I may waive that rule and/or any applicable restock fee).

Sometimes I sell bases that I doubt or even know with certainty will not fit without modification by the customer, but those cases are clearly discussed upfront and the customer understands I will not accept any sort of modified return. An example of this fresh on my mind would be a guy ordering a couple of different bases to use as a starting point for a shaker Dakota.

So back to this pesky RPM intake.... the solution was to give the perimeter of the carb opening a huge drop, while maintaining the outwardly stock appearance of an Air Grabber base plate when using either an oval (K&N E-1980 preferable) OR round(14"diameter, 3"" tall round with X-Stream lid preferable) (both filters work on this base! - though the round has more surface area). The problem I knew from the start was the immediate air availability since the carb would be shoved up so close to the underside of the oval air cleaner lid. So to help make up for that, I leveled the top peaks that surround the carb on the base and dialed in the drop to be no more than was absolutely necessary.

IT WORKED! The gentleman who helped me with r&d on this project claims there was just about an inch between the top of the lid and the hood once the hood was closed, so that unfortunately means we cannot use a 3" tall filter with Air Grabber/stock, or at least non-functionally hood scooped cars. The 2" tall oval filter must be retained, so Fram and K&N 2" tall filters are the only options here aside from 3" tall round 14" filters. It is also important to disclose that configurations with spacers and thick gaskets are untested and not guaranteed (worth a try if 1/2" or less - but on your dime if it doesn't fit). Clearancing is necessary on the bottom side to make room for Holley fuel bowl screws, and be careful not to cut out the lid stud provisions unless you are capable and willing to reinstall them with fiberglass putty (not included). Edelbrock carbs are easier to use in this respect. Know that you will have to use a cutoff wheel to nearly remove the entire neck area at the carb opening of an out of the box product in order to get the base to sit low enough over your carb. Using a carb without a choke horn is advantageous here to get the most airflow possible as the chock horn almost touches the underside of the oval lid.

Here, you can judge the outcome of the project. There was no Air Grabber assembly on the bottom side of the hood, but I have faith that the base will still work with AG assembly- equipped cars (need a guinea pig). This sure beats not being able to use a stock type air cleaner on your Mopar if you have chosen the RPM intake in my opinion! Hopefully, my customer will decide to have his choke horn machined off to help his motor breathe some. I think he may just be thinking of doing it, though I don't believe its totally necessary.

Comments concerning the design are welcome. Realize that I did all I could to get the assembly to fit at any expense, and that meant some sacrifice would have to be made. I know the air flow is not ideal, with no bowl leading down to the carb, but I do feel the air needed to feed a big motor is available under the lid and behind the filter, but a K&N over a Fram is highly advisable in my opinion.

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