BHAF Installed!

[Old Smoky]

I just installed my BHAF today. I designed the filter bracket and had a local machine shop do the cuts and bend. I used 1/8” diamond plate for the bracket, and “plumbers tape” to secure the filter to the bracket. Two of the existing holes for the air-conditioning “thing” where reused to secure the bracket. The other two holes were drilled on the opposite end for a sturdy mount. A 4 ½” hose clamp is required for a good seal between the filter neck and the intake hose, the factory 5” clamp bottoms out.



I haven’t had time to do much testing, but I gained 1psi, and it sure is noticeable. The turbo spools-up faster (gotta love that whine!), less smoke, and cooler EGT’s. I am curious to see if mileage will improve much. This is better than my old K&N, and 10X better than the paper filter that it replaced.



I have pictures, but am having difficulties posting them. Can I get some help with this?



Mike

 

[Old Smoky]

Ok, I figured it out.



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[paccool]

Great post Mike! I like it!!!! Nice installation. Where did you get the filter from?

Will it be ok if it gets wet in a storm?



I have a K&N and still can't hear the turbo. Wife say's she can hear it but not me.



I may try something like this in mine. Can you E-mail me how much it cost for the mounting bracket? I could make one if I had a brake for bending it.

 

[Old Smoky]

Hey paccool. I got the filter from Fleet Pride. The TDR has a good deal with them- $34. 43. If you want more info for ordering just let me know and I will PM it to you.



I designed the bracket so that the filter shouldn't get wet. I took it through the car wash today and the top of the bracket was wet, but not the filter. I don’t think it would hurt the filter to get a splash of water on it, but I wouldn't want it to get soaked. I have seen several other BHAF mounts and they look like the filter could get wet pretty easily. I have even seen one just laying there exposed! I also had a concern with water, which is why I protected it so well. I also thought that it would prevent the filter from sucking hot air from the engine, at least not so much anyway.



I took my girlfriend for a ride last night to see the fireworks and I said that I could hear the turbo better with the BHAF, she said, "Is that what sounds like a dentist drill?" The 4" exhaust also helps.



I will figure up costs and let you know.



Mike

 

[paccool]

I printed pictures from your post then went out and looked at my truck. I really like the way it fills in that corner. Did you have to move the AC filter(or whatever it is) or did you leave it at the factory location.



Did you open up the front of the truck any more to let the air in better? What about the radiator overflow, is it still in it's location? I couldn't tell from the pics.



If you can PM the part number or model of the filter it would be great. Also, you said thru TDR- do you mean Genos?



I'm going to the diesel show tomorrow and the wife is worried now that I told her the Show and Shine area is right in with all the vendors!

 

[Old Smoky]

I didn't have to move anything. I cut a notch out for the AC thing, and the bracket fits just on the fender side of the coolant overflow tank.



I thought about letting more air in from the front, but couldn't find a good spot to do it. I was also worried about driving in a rainstorm and the filter getting soaked. I did remove the factory duct that that went from the front of the rig, to the stock air box. It seems to allow sufficient airflow.



Check your PM box. It should have all of the info you need. Have fun at the diesel rally.



Mike

 

[jeff77indy]

Smokey could you PM me the info on this also. Looks pretty good. So I may have to build one for my '89. I have access to a brake and sheetmetal where I work so I can bend it myself.

Thanks.

Jeff

 

[Old Smoky]

I towed my buddies Nissan pickup yesterday (bad water pump). I could really tell that the engine could "breathe" better. I also pulled his girlfriend’s early ‘70’s T-Bird (bad starter), before and after the filter change. With just slight pressure on the go pedal, the turbo responded much quicker. With the old paper filter, it seemed much more sluggish and smoked for a few seconds before boost came on. I can’t give any exact numbers because I hadn’t figured out what the differences where after adding the 4” exhaust. But, it’s defiantly worth it.



Mike

 

[Bfulgham]

Smokey: Is the filter neck rigid enough to make a tight connection ? Hard Plastic ? Rubber?

Thanks:Bob

 

[JFitzgerald]

Looks great, and functional, Smoky. I have been wanting to do something like that, but hadn't taken the time to think it out yet. Could you also give me the Fleet Pride info? Thanks.

 

[Old Smoky]

The filter neck is quite sturdy. I am not sure of its exact composition, but it's fairly stiff. There is a metal ring inside the intake hose that fits inside the filter, so it can't collapse.



(I have sent Fleet Pride ordering info to everyone who has requested it. )



Mike

 

[paccool]

Mike,



I thank you for the information and I'm sure the other guys do too! I can't do this right now but will try to get the filter ordered so it is on hand. I have my Alaska trip coming up and I'm still getting things ready for that.



Thanks again for an informative post.

 

[Old Smoky]

Alaska, I want to go! I guess I will eventually make it up there.

Glad I could help.



When I was doing some looking and checking I measured the hose clamp. It is actually 5", not 4 1/2". Sorry for the miss-information. The factory clamp bottoms-out, but works if it is really tightened down hard. I ended up getting another clamp so I wouldn't have to tighten it down so hard. It is also a 5", but gets smaller than stock. I looked at so many 4 1/2" Clamps I thought that is what I got.



Mike

 

[Demon Dodge]

That is a really good instalation. Could you also send me the info?

Thanks Rod

 

[Bfulgham]

Smokey:



Please PM me the ordering info. for the BHAF filter.



Thanks: Bob

 

[Old Smoky]

There seems to be several of you that are interested in this mount. I will build a few more, if there is enough interest. The price is $60 + shipping. PM me if you want one, or if you have any questions. Thanks.



Mike

 

[KEENO]

BHAF'fed & Old Smoky Mnt.

Hey Gang!



I installed a new BHAF & Old Smoky Mount last Monday w/ the help of "XGoldman over a few beers.



I was skeptical that an air Cleaner could make this much difference over my K&N..... But , the BHAF runs 150-200 degrees cooler in most situations. I'm now having difficulties pushuing beyond 1000* egt WOT. I guess I need to add more fuel now..... I 'm now a believer!



The "Old Smoky" mount is also a well made -trick set up for mounting the BHAF. Top Notch stuff!



Thanks for all that made this possible... .



KEENO

 

[csnider]

There is a Fleet Pride close to my house . . Does anyone know their part# for a BHAF?... ... ... ... . Thanks... ... Chuck

 

[Old Smoky]

Chuck,

Fleetguard BHAF P/N AH19037.



Mike

 

[csnider]

Thanks Mike ... ..... Chuck