MG T-ABC

I would be interested to hear from members who have successfully been able to fit air filter(s) to twin HS4 SU carbs.
My XPAG was fitted with twin HS4s when I purchased it but the air filters were very much of a 'bodge'.
I am looking for an elegant solution please.
John Boocock
TC 3621 Cambridge UK

John,
My TC came with a 1500 TD block bored to 1500. I’ve since rebuilt and re installed the original engine. The 1500 had H4s on it and used Stellings and Hellings filter housings which cleared the bonnet. I also ran the H4s for a bit on the rebuilt stock engine, but have re installed the H2s and use S&H filters on that also.
Rob Zucca
TC 5464

Rob,
Thanks for the info on Stellings and Hellings filter housings, I will have a look at these. John

TF filters will fit nicely, but are hard to find. You can make your own loose facsimile of them by cutting an MGA housing at an angle. The rear fits without modification, as there is more clearance in that location.

Hi Steve,
That is similar to what PO has fitted, but the bottom of the RH filter has been squashed to extinction to get it to fit under the bonnet. I was hoping for a better solution, like someone who has modified an aluminium intake manifold.
Regards,
John Boocock
TC 3621 Cambridge U.K.

Although expensive, if you can find original TF filters then they will probably fit and aren't reduced in filter area. They did this by changing the back plate from flat to angled. With a bit of fabrication, you could do the same to a set of Volkes or similar pancake filters. I haven't personally seen anyone modify the intake.

Hi Steve,
I didn't realise these are available from MOSS (at a price!).
My question now is, if you fit these to a TC do you have to modify the radiator support bar and if so how?
There doesn't appear to be enough room for the front filter can.
John
TC3621

Good question. I don't think you have to change the radiator bar but I'm not 100% certain. I had pancake filters of a similar size on my TC and there were no clearance issues, but those were also with H2 carbs. Also keep in mind that the TF filter bases will have to be drilled for the larger carbs if you go that route. I've never done this particular mod so I can't say exactly what would be involved other than moving the mounting holes and enlarging the center.

Here is a photo of the very slight change to the Radiator Stay Tube mounting area that was required on MGTC0820 in order to fit the Hellings air filters.


The modification allows the Stay Tube to drop about 1 inch.
The mount piece was just a small piece of brass plate about 1/8 inch thick that was sized to the area and drilled with 4 holes to match the holes in the side mount of the radiator and also to match the Stay Tube bolt holes. The top 2 holes are bolted to the radiator and the bottom 2 holes take the bolts from the stay tube. Hopefully the mod is unobtrusive and probably not noticed when painted black. (The small piece of aluminum channel on top of the Stay Tube was intended to support the bonnet in open position.)

There was no bending of the Stay Tube, because to do so involves possible misalignment of the radiator and grill.

Octagonally yours,
BOXLEY (Robert and MGTC0820)

Thanks for all who replied to my query, not sure which route to take at the moment.
In the meantime I have fitted a couple of cone 'Mini' filters. Pretty sure these will not fit under the bonnet but they'll be OK to 'run in' the engine.
What I would ideally like is a hybrid TD Mkll aluminium manifold with TC type filter!
John
TC3621

To add photos, click the button below the reply box labeled "Full Editor & Preview". From there you can drag and drop your photos in to the reply box.