Air breather for Howell TBI
Oldguyinajeep
Jeeper
- Posts
- 122
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- 9
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- Location
- Derby, KS
- Vehicle(s)
- '86 CJ-7 258ci 4spd Dana 30 and 44
Howell TBI Fuel inj, Headers, Dual batteries, Warn winch/air compressor, rear
disc brake conversion, Detroit locker (rear), Eaton E-locker (front), 4:10 gears, 2.5 in Rancho lift, 1" body lift, fully armored, 35" BFG KM2s, Warn front hub conversions, line locks front and rear, roll cage, warn front bumper, rock hard rear bumper/tire carrier, DUI ignition, dual electric fans, LED rock lights
I have a Howell TBI fuel injection conversion on my CJ. When I upgraded from standard brakes to a dual diaphragm setup, I encountered an unanticipated problem. The space required for the power booster resulted in encroachment into the area previously occupied by my air breather.
A web search led me to believe that the best solution was to convert to a cold air intake system. There were some nice pics online, but I was unsure of exactly what to order. I called Howell, and learned that the throttle bodies from mid 80s through mid 90s were all 5 ¼” throats. I wanted a K&N setup (my current breather) but didn’t want to lay out the big bucks before I was sure it would fit.
I saw one post online in which the guy had bought a cheapo kit from “The Racing Guys” on Ebay for under $50. My plan was to confirm fitment of a specific application with this setup, then buy a K&N. When I googled it, there were some negative comments about the seller, but for $50 I decided to roll the dice. I ordered a kit for an 88-95 GMC/Chevy C/K 305/350 TBI. It arrived quickly, and without incident.
My appraisal of the kit: The aluminum is heavier gauge than I expected. The filter is flimsy. I broke the plastic, trying to push the filter onto the tube, and had to repair it with bumper epoxy. All in all, the system is substantial, and a bargain at the price. I plan to keep it, and not buy a K&N. I’ll use the filter until it’s time to replace it, then go with a K&N or other high quality filter.
Fitment: I had clearance issues with my oil filler tube (see pic), so I just used a tubing bender, and bent it down a bit.
There were three handy threaded holes in my aluminum valve cover, so I used one as my mounting hole. I simply cut, bent, and drilled the mounting bracket that came with the kit, and used it as my mount (see pic).
It’s quite sturdy. I had expected to have to shorten the breather tube to allow filter clearance of the engine compartment support rod, but happily, it cleared without modification.
I hope this can be a help to someone in the future.
A web search led me to believe that the best solution was to convert to a cold air intake system. There were some nice pics online, but I was unsure of exactly what to order. I called Howell, and learned that the throttle bodies from mid 80s through mid 90s were all 5 ¼” throats. I wanted a K&N setup (my current breather) but didn’t want to lay out the big bucks before I was sure it would fit.
I saw one post online in which the guy had bought a cheapo kit from “The Racing Guys” on Ebay for under $50. My plan was to confirm fitment of a specific application with this setup, then buy a K&N. When I googled it, there were some negative comments about the seller, but for $50 I decided to roll the dice. I ordered a kit for an 88-95 GMC/Chevy C/K 305/350 TBI. It arrived quickly, and without incident.
My appraisal of the kit: The aluminum is heavier gauge than I expected. The filter is flimsy. I broke the plastic, trying to push the filter onto the tube, and had to repair it with bumper epoxy. All in all, the system is substantial, and a bargain at the price. I plan to keep it, and not buy a K&N. I’ll use the filter until it’s time to replace it, then go with a K&N or other high quality filter.
Fitment: I had clearance issues with my oil filler tube (see pic), so I just used a tubing bender, and bent it down a bit.
There were three handy threaded holes in my aluminum valve cover, so I used one as my mounting hole. I simply cut, bent, and drilled the mounting bracket that came with the kit, and used it as my mount (see pic). 
It’s quite sturdy. I had expected to have to shorten the breather tube to allow filter clearance of the engine compartment support rod, but happily, it cleared without modification.I hope this can be a help to someone in the future.
