I have a 69 Malibu with the original Rochester 4bbl carb. The car dies immediately when the air cleaner is placed on the carb. What can possible cause this issue?

Sounds like the air cleaner is causing a restriction in air flow,is the filter element new.Also make sure the air cleaner is not interfering with any thing on the carb,

the base could be hitting the choke linkage causing the choke to close when you put it on? If you are using a re-oiled used K&N make sure you did not put too much oil on it. Other than that all i can figure is a dirty element.

I had a similar problem several years ago when I first went to a 14 in. open filter. The edge of the filter base was causing a short, killing the engine because it hit the top of the coil right behind it, which was installed upright in the factory bracket.Little rearranging solved that problem quick enough!

Bruce, I think your on to something as I see a sparks each time I try to install the air cleaner when the car is running!!!!!

Did you solve the problem yet? Yes, the sparks are an indication something ain't right. The factory snorkel air cleaner base on the engine was designed with an indentation at the back so it would not interfere with either the coil or distributor I can't remember now.