Can the stock air cleaner be used with a performer RPM manifold on the 80Z?

Not unless the 80 has more room under the hood than a 70. On a 70 a drop base aircleaner is needed.

I was wanting to keep the original cowl induction air cleaner.

I don't THINK it will fit with the original air filter set up. You MIGHT be able to get a drop base and use the OEM air cleaner with the same diameter (as the filter) top as long as it's flat. I've never tried a RPM intake with the OEM air induction. I'm sure some one will jump in here that HAS though.

What I found that does work is use the stock bottom and find a top lid from a 2bbl setup. The diameters are the same. I know because I had a 2bbl on the original engine and could use that as a comparison. It is flat compared to the 4bbl top. You have to use a shorter element (the one from a 2bbl works), however, performance may suffer because of the reduced element area. I tried different methods and finally cut the top-center out of the stock 4bbl top and welded in a flat piece of 16 gauge stock so the center part of the top was flat. That gave me enough clearance under the hood and I can use the 3" element vice the 2".

I re-read the post and this probably will not work with an induction hood. RH

[This message has been edited by rogerh (edited February 25, 2005).]

I will try a few things, thanks for the suggestion. I just want to maintain the stock under hood look. I really need to keep the stock lower assembly since it seals up to the hood for the air induction. If anything I will just go with the K&N filter and lid combo.