Air filter - aftermarket options

[HugoHarris]

Hi, can anyone enlighten me as to the pros and cons of fitting an aftermarket air filter assembly? I have the carbs off for cleaning and was struck by how heavy and overengineered the air cleaner is. It also hides the glorious V6 from view! I have seen some nice period chrome assemblies in the past and a K&N style foam arrangement on at least one car. I appreciate there has to be a big upside to deviate from the original set-up, just interested to hear if there are any advocates for these alternatives?

[HugoHarris]

I found these options on the interwebs. Any experience with any of these much appreciated.

[Ribolla_67]

Technically spoken, these aftermarket designs have 2 disadvantages:
1. the air is hotter than with the serial solutions
2. the cylinders 2 and 5 get less air than the others

Furthermore, aftermarket filters in serial housing have no better air flow than the serial cartridge.

[Tobi]

This is my engine bay. I once bought the filters cause they have been cheap and installed them after I had to remove the original filter a few times due to a leaking fuel line. This gives much more access to the engine. There was no difference except slightly more intake sound. I'm still driving it since it gives better access and looks pretty good.

[HugoHarris]

Thanks Ribolla, both good points. I wonder how material the difference in air temperature would be given that air is taken in from the engine bay in both cases - I could see the heatsoak from the factory steel air filter assembley even having some counter effect despite the forward position of the intakes.

The second point is certainly legitimate with the some aftermarket options. But potentially a non-issue with this option.

Zorglub can you give an update on these air filters and where you got them? viewtopic.php?p=4209

[HugoHarris]

Thanks Tobi,

Where did you buy those? I have found this link but it's not clear if they sell direct.

http://www.colomboangelo.it/site/tecnif ... cat=2&grp=

[HugoHarris]

I found these two options:

https://classiccarbs.co.uk/product/webe ... r-assembly
https://classiccarbs.co.uk/product/webe ... -45mm-deep

I prefer the look of the first and I believe they should give consistent airflow to all cylinders. Any additional wisdom from the group gratefully received!

[Ribolla_67]

I went the opposite way - my focus was increased air flow, so I developed this solution in cooperation with Formula GT Munich on their dyno.

Fiat and Ferrari Dinos have the same design bug, a rectangular sharp edge in the plenum. Dreaming of the Stratos solution, I added some original Weber velocity stacks and raised the top cover in combination with a 308 filter.

[HugoHarris]

Wow, nice work! What power advantage did you achieve?

[Tobi]

Thanks Tobi,

Where did you buy those? I have found this link but it's not clear if they sell direct.

http://www.colomboangelo.it/site/tecnif ... cat=2&grp=

These are the ones I have. I bought them on ebay years ago. Not expensive.