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MG MGB Technical - Air Filters on 1.8TC

Hi,
I'm new here so go easy on me ;)

Anyway, I bought a marlin roadster about 2 weeks ago, it's built on a Marina chassis with the 1800TC engine (I'm right in thinking this is the same on in the MGB?).

The problem I have with it (bar the blowing malifold gasket which is getting replaced next weekend when I get the time) is that the carbs have wire-mesh gauzes but no foam filters.

I've spoken to the previous owner (my brother-in-law) who told me that when he had the head converted to run Unleaded it was frying the fuel so he had to install a heat shield. This pushed the carbs outwards and now there isn't enough room between the carb intake and the body (that I knew) to fit anything. Apparently he spoke to a MGB owner who had this configuration with some type of RAM on for over 10 years and had no problems (he used the car as a daily driver).

Is this correct? Does anyone have any ideas on how to add filters? It really is tight (http://stefan.carlton.users.btopenworld.com/Marlin/marlin007.JPG), are there any products I could source out to try and help?

The engine has done about 4k since rebuild and conversion and seems to be running fine.

Many thanks.

Stefan
Stefan Carlton

Stefan
Your correct in saying that the Marian engine is the same as an M.G. engine (well apart from one or two minor changes)
I can see from your photo that you do not have much room, but I would strongly recommend changing to something like K&N or Pipercross foam filters. I would recommend that you try Demon Tweeks on:
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/
You could try an M.G. specialist but I doubt if you have any room to fit an air filter from a MGB. Don’t forget that any changes in air filter will/may require you to change the needle to. I would suggest you talk this over with who ever you obtain the air filters from.
Here are some other web sites that may be of help too:
http://www.marlinownersclub.com/index.php
http://www.wheelspin.org.uk/
Cecil Kimber

thanks for that, I had hoped you would come back and say "it's fine don't worry".

Right off to get some expert advice from someone looking in the engine compartment.
Stefan Carlton

em, quick question. If I were to get a normal filter and hook pipes between the filter and the carbs would that work or would they limit air-flow?
Stefan Carlton

Stefan,

Per your last comment - I don't have the history some of these people do, but I've had my eye on a system like you say, in order to bring cool air to the carbs, but I haven't seen one that would fit your cramped quarters.

However, Moss Motors (and others) sell a filter which is two domed pieces of mesh which trap a piece of foam between. I can't think of the brand name just now - superflow or something. Anyway, seems to me you could get a pair of these, and dent the mesh to fit your needs.

Finally, you could trim a bit of sheet metal off the left side to allow room for air cleaners, and attach a scoop to cover them up. Okay, maybe not, but it was fun to suggest.

BTW, for we unwashed, what's a Marlin? Is it a kit car of some sort?
Matt Kulka

Stefan
You are correct in your assumption, the ‘normal’ M.G. set-up does restrict the airflow that is why I suggest you seek advice about re-jetting the carbs. I think that a foam filter can realise as much as 5 BHP¡!!!
I personally have used Pipercross air filters on my car. These are foam and they would be able to ‘bend’ to fit a restricted area like on your car.
Cecil Kimber

Thanks Matt and Cecil, those dome filter sound ideal, but then the pipercross ones sounds even better. I'll go to my local dealer armed with this info and product names and have a look for for something, hopefully I'll be able to get some Air filters on my car before too long.

A marlin, is indeed a kit car, based on the (well anything), but mines built on a 1974 Marina, with strange suspension up front and lots of MGB stuff inside.

I'm told it's designed on the 30's Alfa's, but I would suggest thinking of a morgan with a vertical (caterham) style grille and you have the right sort of image. For pictures have a look at my one at http://stefan.carlton.users.btopenworld.com/Marlin/

To be entirely honest I hadn't heard of one either until my bro-in-law bought it and I certainly haven't seen one before (well, not that I recognise anyway). I know of one other one in Durham somewhere, but thats it.

Thanks for the help and info, I'm enjoying reading the other posts at the moment, I'm pretty much a novice/amateur (20 year and this is my first car) when it comes to the mechanics of cars (I know the fundamentals and workings, but not how to diagnose/repair), thats the reason I bought the car - to learn. Thanks for the advice.
Stefan

This thread was discussed between 18/10/2003 and 22/10/2003

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