Replacing the air filter and breather element - 1985 Chevrolet Caprice Classic
In this video, I'm replacing the air filter on my 1985 Chevrolet Caprice Classic, 5.0L 305CI V8 carburetor. Fancier is not necessarily better!
I bought a Purolater One filter (Advance Auto part # A50091), which was recommended as an "exact fit" for my car, because the typical FRAM filter was out of stock. When I installed the replacement filter, however, I noticed that the lid of the air filter housing did not seal against the lower portion of the housing despite hand-tightening the wing nut. I could actually see the air filter inside the housing! I checked to make sure the lid wasn't warped or damaged. I inspected the air filter and checked how it was seated inside the housing. I noticed that the Purolater One filter was too thick (radially) such that it did not seat properly inside the channel on the inner portions of the housing. Then I purchased a Carquest Standard filter (Advance Auto part # R87098), which is thinner (radially), and noticed that it seated properly inside the channel of the air filter housing such that I was able to attach the air filter housing lid to seal the upper and lower portions together.
The tip from this video is to not be lured into thinking that a fancier and more expensive air filter is necessarily a better filter for your car. Granted, a premium filter will probably do a better job at filtering out the tiniest dust particles. But your engine doesn't have allergies, so there's no need for super premium filters. If it doesn't fit perfectly inside your air filter housing, then it doesn't do you any good. Instead, the standard cheapest air filter might be the best fit for your car and will perform adequately if replaced regularly. I've always used a basic no-frills FRAM or similar filter on my Caprice and the engine is running fine after 39 years.
Oh, and while I was at it I also replaced the breather element with Advance Auto part # B20009.
This should apply to the 1977-1990 Chevrolet Caprice Classic.
This video is not sponsored in any way by Advance Auto, Purolater, FRAM, or Carquest.