For some reason I got to thinking about the circa 1967 "Star Wars" air cleaners and I began wondering.... Since the first "Star Wars" movie wasn't released until 1977 or thereabouts, what did the "Star Wars" air cleaner get called before then? o No: Does the "Star Wars" air cleaner have a filter in it? What advantages or disadvantages are there to using this particular air cleaner? o No: Was this strictly an optional item? Or was is standard equipment on any models in 1967? Why was it only used for one year? o No: Just thought I'd see what information was available out there-Thanks in advance! :TU:
I don't know what it was called before "Star Wars" but interesting question It has a circular air filter element and was only available in 67 on GS400 and Riviera GS models. Other than the dual snorkels, I don't think it offers any advantage other than how it looks when you open the hood :TU:
Yes it was standard on the '67 GS400's and Riviera GS's. The air filter that seemed to fit the best is the AC brand A180C. But I like the K&N filter better. The advantages besides more air flow (dual inlets instead of one) was the really high "cool" factor, all the ooo's and ahhhh's are pretty neat. Why only one year? To make it a real pain in the rear for us '67 collectors... I have a couple of really nice, totally complete one's that I'll post some pics of as soon as I finish painting them. Cheers,
Here is the info from the sales manual. There is also reference in there that the air cleaner element was a reusable type, kinda like the K&N's of today I assume. Just FIY! Todd, are you talking about using a K&N in the 'StarWars' or just by itself with a 14" round assembly? If in the 'StarWars" air cleaner what is the size that you are using that fits??? I myself use a K&N, but not in the original air cleaner. Thanks for any info.
value? While we're talking star wars air cleaners, any idea what this is worth, about? Note the filled and shaved "feature". Any comments? - Bill
What are all the fins for underneath? Something to increase/direct airflow? Pretty wild looking........anyone have a pic?
jcamp, Use the K&N filter WITH the Star Wars air cleaner housing. The one that I used from K&N Part # E-1230 it fits snug but fits well. The one in the pics is not mine but sold on ebay for $811.00
Swac I think they are really neat - too bad they were only available for one year only. Sorta fill in the top of that 430 BB quite nicely. I keep my eyes open in the yard searches, but they are always long gone. Tried to buy one off a '67 Riviera GS parts car in Barrie, Ontario one year. He wanted $1500 or BO for the car and my offer of $400 for just the complete SWAC was refused ! o No: Turns out a friend in Windsor (doing a frame off on a '68) trailored it home and is gonna put the SWAC on the '68. I recognized the car from pics he had sent. The repops are nice, but pricey like the originals, so I'll just hafta keep looking ! :beer :TU:
I love the looks of my star wars air cleaner on my 67 GS. The fact that it is rare (1 year only) makes the car more interesting and everyone asks if it is stock. The only thing I dont like about it is the performance. It tends to suck clean air from the front where you also get all the heat comming off the radiator. For drag racing, I use and atermarket Edelbrock foam filter.
I love the way they look. That's the only reason I have one on my '65. I'm not sure about 'advantages' but I can certainly offer you a 'disadvantage': The dyno proved that it is very restrictive (even with the installed K&N). It choked 8hp. That didn't stop me from continuing to use it though. :laugh: As far as value - they just keep going up. In fact, the only fear I have in leaving my locked car unattended, is someone popping the hood and swiping the Star Wars. :blast:
