Pro/Cons of moving to an open element

[RaptorSentry]

Looking for pro/cons of removing the air element assembly in favor of the an open element. From what I can see the pros would be increased air flow, increase throttle response, horsepower, and mileage with the increased in air flow. The cons I could see the removal of the pre-heat system and not being able to step down from high idle, and the increase of heated air ingested during cruising.

Am I missing anything? Just looking to clean up the engine bay and decrease any unnecessary stress or pressure on the engine, aka it sounds like sucking air through a straw (snorkel).

[geezer#99]

Preheat not a problem where you live.
Step down is adjustable.
Heated air not a problem. Your snorkel already is ingesting warm air.

Increased air flow! Maybe. Depending on your air cleaner design.
Increased throttle response. Maybe. Might be less due to leaner mixture.
More hp. Maybe a couple hp. Also depending on air cleaner design.
Mileage! Will drop like a rock mostly because you’ll have your foot deeper into the pedal to hear that incoming moan or shriek of air.

Is your motor stock otherwise or modded with a different carb, intake and headers?

[RaptorSentry]

Currently the motor is original number matching motor. It has been rebuilt, but to stock configuration. I plan on installing an EFI eventually, but this point it is stock.

So at this point it looks like it is a push on whether or not to move to an open element, but purely cosmetic choice.

Also don’t let the address sway you. I maybe in Honolulu, but my truck is in the CONUS with my in-laws awaiting for me to move back eventually. So I only get to drive and tink with the truck only once in a great while at this point.

[geezer#99]

Likely not worth the time and expense.
Best to leave it stock!

[tdangle]

I saw a video on air cleaner testing. The open element did way better than the stock single snorkel unit. Believe it or not the single snorkel is actually good to about 3000 rpm on a typical 350. After that the open element gave better air flow. I have tried the stock single snorkel, a 14" open element and now have a dual snorkel stock type unit.

No difference in the throttle response.
No noticeable improvement in power when just driving "normal"
Hugh difference in noise. (I'm not one who likes intake roar)
I don't see a difference in top end power between the open element and dual snorkel stock unit.

Interesting note: flipping the lid on a stock single snorkel was equivalent to not running an air cleaner by a few cfm.