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MG MGB Technical - Air filter question (after market)

I have an air filter question for a 79 MGB with a Zenith Stromberg Single Carb.

In the Moss catalog if you read about adjusting the carb, at the bottom of the article it states "only use the manufactures air filter, the engine will not run with-out it..."

But, they sell nice chrome filters for the 175 Zenith?? I would like to dress-up the engine with a flat chrome filter. Will this work? Anything special that needs to be done?

Looking for some advise before I purchase a filter, any suggestions of which type is best?

Thanks for any help,
Don
Donald Wheeler

In my experience, manufacturers insisting you only use their product is just a way for them to secure their own sales. Many after-market products have proven to be far superior to the originals. I have no specific experience with Zenith-Stromberg, but I assume there is a wealth of after-market parts available the same as there is for other brands of carby.

My limited understanding of carbies suggests the only concern would be airflow. As long as the filters are not restricting airflow more than the original, and conversely not allowing too much airflow, then I guess everything should work the same regardless of the manufacturer's badge on the filter.
David

Donald,

I'm sure it will work. Just be carefull in getting the right type of filter. If you buy the wrong one and certain holes in the carb front get blocked you will have problems.
There seems to be some controversy about the use of open filters on the Zenith because of the build-up of hot air due to the single manifold and limited heat shielding.

Be aware that the change to a K&N filter might also imply different setting of your carb because the airflow changes. Normally this would include adapting the mixture or even change the needle.
On my '79 the PO has changed the Zenith for a single SU and I just replaced the original Zenith filter for a K&N. More noise, slightly better breathing but certainly a better look.


Good luck
Carl
C. J. Gaasbeek

David and Carl. Thanks for your information. I probably will change the filter to "dress-up" the engine, and pay close attention to keeping the filter unit clean to avoid blockage of air flow.

Also, I will check / adjust the carb if needed to keep correct mixture.

Again, thanks for the response!
Don
Donald Wheeler

Donald: I used the pancake filter on a Zenith for several years with no problem. The Moss recommendation comes from John Twist, an MG guru from way back. I read a tech article by him written in the early '90's with this assertion and as Twist is recognized as a true expert with maybe the foremost MG shop in the US, something must have changed since he wrote it. Perhaps there were no decent aftermarket filters available then. Don't know, but this discussion came up a few years ago on this board and no one reported any problems getting a Zenith to work well with pancakes.
Terry

Terry, thanks for the additional information. The filter I was looking at was one that looks like a "pancake"... I want to get one that I can clean the filter.

Drive safety fast,
Don
Donald Wheeler

Don
I tried it a few years ago on my'79B and the thing wouldn't run! maybe it was a needle problem i don't like the stock can If you get it to work please share
it with us
Pat
patrick bailey

Hi Pat Bailey,

I'll probably order the filter during the next week, and install on a weekend...

We'll see how it works.

don
Donald Wheeler

Hi Donald,

I'm driving an 80 B LE, completely detoxed, with electronic ignition (Lumination)

I tried the K&N filter as a bolt on, looked great but the B ran like crap, ran fine in first gear, then coughed after each shift. I changed the needle to the richer type and went as far as knife edging the throttle plate, and restricting areas of the filter itself. Still ran badly, I had to double pump the gas pedal to get it up to speed.

I've not talked to anyone that has had good results from the addition of the K&N unit. When I went back to the original set-up the B ran fine. The problem as I see it is the poor engineering of the one piece manifold.

My advise is to save your money for needed repair parts, the time and money spent just wasn't worth it (in my case). I found better value in installing a manual choke, the B runs much better without the water-choke.

Good luck,

Bob

Bob Holton

Bob, thanks for the info... after much consideration I am going to run with the current set-up....
don
Donald Wheeler

This thread was discussed between 24/07/2003 and 06/08/2003

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