Air Cleaners (1970 Q-Code)

During the 1969 and 1970 model years there were two basic air cleaners available for your Cobra Jet Mustang: Q-code cars received an enclosed air cleaner with a chromed lid (this same lid was also used on Boss 302 Mustangs), and R-code cars received a special "ram air" air cleaner with an air scoop that protruded through a hole in the hood. The ram air setup came to be known as the "shaker" air cleaner because of the way the scoop would shake in response to changes in engine RPMs. Goose the throttle and watch it move!

This page describes the Q-code (non-ram air) air cleaner used during the 1970 model year. There was one Q-code air cleaner used in 1970. The service part number, build (broadcast) sheet code, and measurements (as found in the 1975 Master Parts Catalog) are described in this table:

Year & Application Service Part Number Build Sheet Code Measurements
1970 Q-code D0ZZ-9600-E 0G C 16.79" x 3.66"

1970 Q-code Air Cleaner Part Numbers

I believe the measurements are for the complete air cleaner assembly, not the base alone. I could use some help to confirm actual base measurements.

The 1970 base used for Q-code cars has a black plastic elbow that's commonly painted blue mounted in a rubber grommet in front that's used to link the base to the breather that mounts on top of the driver's side valve cover via a rubber hose. Here's a shot of an original, unrestored 1970 Q-code air cleaner.

1970 Q-code Air Cleaner

Here is an example of a 1970 Q-code base. The inner raised center of the air cleaner base was originally painted flat or semi-gloss black. The base was painted the same Ford Dark Corporate Blue as other engine components.

1970 Q-code Base, Top 1970 Q-code Base, Bottom
1970 Q-code Base, Top 1970 Q-code Base, Bottom

Like the 1970 R-code base, this base uses a small blue plastic cap (circled in red) to cover a hole on the passenger side of the base. Now here's a shot showing the front and driver's side:

1970 Q-code Air Cleaner Base, Top Left

Here's a picture of the Q-code lid. This is the same lid used on Boss 302 Mustangs that were similarly equipped without ram air induction. The lid is chromed front and back, and it comes with a "COBRA JET 428-4V" sticker attached along the front edge. I've seen different stickers used on these lids -- one says "COBRA", the other says "COBRA JET". I'm not sure if this is a model year difference or a repro vs. original thing. Additional insights would be welcomed!

1970 Q-code Air Cleaner Lid

Thanks to Mark Reposa for the pictures used on this page.