LS1 swap into a Panoz. Plenty of room so no issues there. Have a left-over 14" x 3" drop-base setup from the SBF I pulled out (blew up).

Was considering doing a slightly smaller diameter i.e. 12" or 11" but taller and a flat base. It'd give easier access to the carb etc. with the air cleaner still on.

Being a road race car it's nice to be able to easily inspect everything.

What's the general thinking behind air cleaner design?

Old setup...

 

I can tell you this. I have the same air cleaner (14x3 drop base) with a K&N filter and I can see a 0.2 point change in AFR watching my WB when I put the air cleaner back on. So, air cleaners will definitely make a difference but I can't tell you any more than that. And testing different filter units at idle with a WB prolly won't be valid either...

 

Mocked it up on the LS1.Probably going to go with a 11x3.5 non-drop base setup if I can fit it.

 

I think the answer is increased surface area of the filter element to keep the pressure drop low.

I have a Moroso top plate that is shaped like yours and they claim the shape of the top helps smooth out the air flow and that the car will make more HP with it in place than without.

At least that is the theory.

 

I ran the pos mr gasket 10x 2.5, with or without my car ran no different on the track or on the wide band.