Air Filters?

[MontegoGT]

Right, I decided to replace the original (?) air filter on my '87, but the auto factors next door to me couldn't find one to match it. The one fitted has an expanded metal external mesh with foam filter material and blue spongey ends. Is this an original part? Where can I get one or can someone recommend an effective, if not pretty alternative? It was held in place by a stainless plate at each end, with 4 long studs passing through the centre.

Lee

[jmorgan]

Is your filter the re-usable one?

[seb]

Sounds just like the one on my old 1985 350i. Mine had cardboard packed around the ends rather than the blue sponge but otherwise identical. It's a TVR special (for special read 'homemade') I think. I bought a conical K&N replacement filter, as recommended in the Rimmer Brothers catalogue for Rover 3.5 EFI (www.rimmerbros.co.uk). This has a jubliee clip that attaches directly to the airflow meter hose bracket.

Steve (V8S)

[montegogt]

Well, I'm reusing it at the moment... Vacuumed it, then gave it a wash in detergent which removed a lot of bugs. I wouldn't mind redoing that, if it wasn't for the rusty external mesh, which makes the whole thing look scruffy. Think I will have to go the K & N way.
Lee

[jmorgan]

Didn't want to be associated with grandmothers and sucking eggs etc so just thought I'd mention it as I have heard of people throwing away a re-usable for another re-usable.

[seb]

I think the K&N option is far better to look at compared to the orginal.
www.tvrccoxford.co.uk/350i/09.htm

Steve

>> Edited by seb on Sunday 1st September 20:36

[jmorgan]

ITG do a good one as well
www.fotango.com/p/eba00158045f00000011.jpg
Web site
www.itgairfilters.com/maxogen_jc60.asp
Guy who rebuilt the engine fitted the filter so not sure where to get them from or what the part numbers are.
Have to make sure there is room for it as well.
Just wash in soapy water and dry.

>> Edited by jmorgan on Sunday 1st September 21:49

[bluewedge]

Heard about someone sticking their air filter into the airdam - said it felt as though the car had gained some more BHP as a result due to the car sucking in the cooler air. Has anyone else had some thoughts or has tried the setup as I'm thinking about doing the same thing.

[shpub]

quote:
Heard about someone sticking their air filter into the airdam - said it felt as though the car had gained some more BHP as a result due to the car sucking in the cooler air. Has anyone else had some thoughts or has tried the setup as I'm thinking about doing the same thing.

It is also exceptionally good at sucking up water and hydraulicing the engine which is not good unless you are an engine rebuilder. Not to be recommended unless you only drive in the dry.

The best place is at the bottom of the windscreen. The problem is the bonnet gets in the way. I have a superlight bonnet on the 520 that doesn't.

Steve
www.tvrbooks.co.uk

[montegogt]

You will certainly get a bit more power if you can suck some air in from outside the engine compartment. Loads of American "Muscle" cars had what they called Ram Air, with scoops on the bonnets (or hoods) ducting air direct into the carbs.
I have order my K & N filter now, so fingers crossed it works OK, fits OK, doesn't fall off etc etc...

Lee