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  •  » I went to fit the export brace...

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    7/14/2023 10:12 PM  #1

    Toploader
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    I went to fit the export brace...

    I went to git the export brace today and discovered it won't clear the cobra air cleaner.  So I put the stock braces back on and will reconsider trying again sometime in the future.
    I don't know if there are some differences between the early 65 models here or what...
    Has anyone else encountered this problem?



    1964-1/2 D Code Coupe - 289 V8, 4 Speed Toploader, 3.00 ratio rear, Autolite 4100 Carb, 15" tires, Pertronix ignition
     

    7/14/2023 10:34 PM  #2

    Nos681
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    From: Atlantic Mine, Michigan
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    Re: I went to fit the export brace...

    Take a look at intake manifold placement of the carburetor base (front-rear).

    Not all are the same.

    I haven’t used an oval air cleaner.

     

    7/15/2023 6:38 AM  #3

    BobE
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    Re: I went to fit the export brace...

    Agree w/Dan, some of these air cleaner bases were offset, front to rear, to position the cleaner one way or the other.  In any case, it is something to check. 

    65 Fastback, 351W, 5-speed, 4 wheel discs, 9" rear,  R&C Front End.
     

    7/15/2023 8:15 AM  #4

    MS
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    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
    Registered: 1/24/2013
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    Re: I went to fit the export brace...

    If you had a taller intake or a carb spacer that moved the whole air cleaner upward, it would place the paper filter probably just touching the brace. So the bottom of the filter is below the brace and the top of the filter is above it.  That is the way mine fits on my 427 in my 66.  The paper filter part rubs a little but has not caused any harm.

    I have a pile of original aluminum carb spacers if you need one. Just pay to ship it. Or pick one up at the bash.

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    7/15/2023 2:23 PM  #5

    Alan
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    Registered: 4/03/2013
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    Re: I went to fit the export brace...

    Can't tell if you need to take the export brace down anymore, but looks like a little bevel on the back side of the air cleaner and it would clear.

    67 Coupe, 5.0 EEC IV Fuel injected. T5, 3:70 rear
     

    7/15/2023 3:01 PM  #6

    MS
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    Re: I went to fit the export brace...

    The air cleaner on my 289 3x2 setup has a flat place across the back so it clears. It is a factory over-the-counter setup.  So, cutting the lid would not be unprecedented.
    Yours just looks like it sits 1” too low.

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    7/15/2023 5:06 PM  #7

    Rudi
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    Re: I went to fit the export brace...

    Mine sits higher than yours.
    Here is a picture of what the brace did to the back of my K&N filter.










    Last edited by Rudi (7/15/2023 5:11 PM)

    Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
     

    7/15/2023 7:26 PM  #8

    Nos681
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    Re: I went to fit the export brace...

    I believe some intakes, have the carburetor base shifted towards the rear about 1/2” (as I recall) so a 14” round air cleaner will clear the large cap HEI Duraspark distributor.

    The small cap female Duraspark distributor sits lower.

    For those who are running the oval air cleaner….

    Where does the front edge of filter sit over distributor (reference center terminal)?

    Last edited by Nos681 (7/15/2023 7:31 PM)

     

    7/15/2023 9:06 PM  #9

    MS
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    Re: I went to fit the export brace...

    Another easy fix.  Install a 3” air filter element.  It will get the top up above the export brace. This is Jose’s 65



    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    7/15/2023 9:56 PM  #10

    BILLY WALTON from GEORGIA
    Carrollton, GA Bash Host

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    Re: I went to fit the export brace...

    I need to raise my Cobra oval breather up off the Holley a little it is hitting the needle screw it dont sit down flat ....Steve told me about the spacers at Summit and how he drilled his lower breather base out where it cleared the needle screw then made a cover to seal it. What has others did to clear the needle screw.

    Last edited by BILLY WALTON from GEORGIA (7/15/2023 10:49 PM)

    Its really me....I fixed my caps lock .
     

    7/16/2023 6:40 AM  #11

    Toploader
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    Re: I went to fit the export brace...

    Thanks everyone.
    The air cleaner base doesn't appear to have an offset. I can't see one anyway.
    I think for now I will put the brace away in the closet and wait for another time. It would have been good if it all fitted without any drama.
    I have the monte carlo bar on the car, so hopefully the original Ford brace with the monte carlo bar will be good enough for now.

    Last edited by Toploader (7/16/2023 6:43 AM)

    1964-1/2 D Code Coupe - 289 V8, 4 Speed Toploader, 3.00 ratio rear, Autolite 4100 Carb, 15" tires, Pertronix ignition
       •Thread Starter
     

    7/16/2023 7:20 AM  #12

    Nos681
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    Re: I went to fit the export brace...

    MS…for future reference.

    What intake manifold is on each (brand and model if available)?

    Your 427w in 66?

    Your 302 in 69?

    302 in Jose’s?

    Last edited by Nos681 (7/16/2023 7:20 AM)

     

    7/16/2023 7:41 AM  #13

    MS
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    From: Canyon Lake, Texas
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    Re: I went to fit the export brace...

    Rudi wrote:

    Mine sits higher than yours.
    Here is a picture of what the brace did to the back of my K&N filter.






    Rudi, you have one of those aftermarket braces where the edges are not vertical like the original ones. Using a Scott Drake concours brace will give more clearance, at least 1/4”.  They are also alot stronger than the type you have


     

    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    7/16/2023 7:46 AM  #14

    MS
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    Re: I went to fit the export brace...

    Nos681 wrote:

    MS…for future reference.

    What intake manifold is on each (brand and model if available)?

    Your 427w in 66?

    Your 302 in 69?

    302 in Jose’s?

     
    427 (35w based) Weiand Stealth dual plane.  1-3/4” filter height
    331 in my 69 and Jose’s 5.0 have a generic copy of Edelbrock Performer RPM dual plane. My69 has a 3” filter height. We used 2” on Jose’s but measured it and a 3” will fit on it, for next filter change


    Money you enjoy wasting is NOT wasted money... unless your wife finds out.
     

    7/17/2023 10:31 AM  #15

    Rudi
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    Re: I went to fit the export brace...

    My Cobra oval has a tin base plate not cast aluminum. It just touched the carb front float adjuster with a paper gasket but a piece of split vinyl tubing raised it enough to clear.
    Lots of clearance at the rear less in the front as noted by the plasticene.

    1 3/4” K&N filter
    Edelbrock RPM manifold.
    3/4” phenolic carb spacer
    Holley 670 carb
    The offending replacement export brace was purchased because the Drake one wasn’t chrome. Who knew it had an incorrect profile!


    Last edited by Rudi (7/17/2023 10:50 AM)

    Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
     

    7/17/2023 1:06 PM  #16

    Ron68
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    Re: I went to fit the export brace...

    Maybe the answer is to try a different air cleaner? I do have a 1" non metal carb spacer too.

    Last edited by Ron68 (7/17/2023 1:12 PM)

    68 coupe - 351W, 4R70W, 9" 3.25 -- 65 convertible - 289 4v, C4, 8" 3.00
     

    7/17/2023 6:03 PM  #17

    Rudi
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    Re: I went to fit the export brace...

    Ron68 wrote:

    Maybe the answer is to try a different air cleaner? I do have a 1" non metal carb spacer too.

     
    ^^^^^ nice👍

    Good work ain't cheap, Cheap work ain't good!   Simple Man
     

     

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