Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Three Wheeler & Super 3 Air Cleaner Mod

I understand that there are aftermarket air cleaners which are very good. But they are not cheap. Their functional value assumes that the original air cleaner is restrictive. If the original air cleaner is not significantly restrictive, then adding a new one is a matter of style -- which is completely justifiable. My guess is that the original air cleaner is adequate for the task, so I have been reluctant to spend a lot of money on a replacement.

Yet, the large black air cleaner in the middle of the polished engine looks a bit odd to me.

I bought some stainless steel disks for $20 (USD) from Ebay (multiples simply because I know my skills will produce scrap).


I drilled holes to match the factory air cleaner. Polished it by hand off and on for a few days, then used RTV silicone to attach a Morgan emblem I got from a dealer.

A trip to the local hardware store produced stainless metric bolts that would do better with the flat surface of the stainless disk.

The holes on the factory air cleaner are larger than the shaft of the bolts. Some plastic tubing was used to create spacers that hold the air cleaner in place.

So far, I'm pleased with the result.







This mod has no functional value as the original air cleaner is not modified in any way. But if you like the style, it doesn't cost much.

Nice Job!

Neat. Even cheaper / quicker alternative would be glueing the Morgan badge to the standard black air cleaner but of course would lose the steel effect...

Beautiful! Want to make another one for me?

The stock air cleaner is restrictive in that it is designed to muffle the sound of the incoming air as well as make sure that water has a harder time of entering the engine. Anything you can do to let the air in is a bonus. Your engine will like you. I, personally, have the so-called 'muscle cover' from S&S and I can report that the engine responds faster, is much happier at all speeds but is now more vocal than ever.

Much of this is due in large part to limiting the noise emissions that the EPA in the United States enacted. This is a loud engine.

I get the logic.

Do you have a source for comparative dyno tests?

Nope. Just an observation: S&S sells nothing like the Morgan air cleaner cover. Every one of their covers is designed to maximize air flow in the extreme.

Not intending to be argumentative, but I've become jaded over the years with marketing claims from companies whose products sometimes actually reduce performance, or raise it in such a narrow band that they're essentially useless.

It's quite possible that some of the aftermarket air cleaners are an improvement. But since the engine is a system, to make proper use of them usually requires changes to intake & exhaust manifolds, mufflers & exhausts and ECU's. Even then, you might see a bit of an improvement at high rpm's, but a loss of low to mid-range grunt.

I think buying an aftermarket air cleaner is just fine. It certainly looks better. You might hear more of an intake sound that is pleasant. Even your butt-dyno might suggest an improvement. But since most of my driving is at 3,000-4,000 rpm -- I suspect that the factory air cleaner is adequate. If your driving keeps your tach at close to red line, then a full rework of the engine might reap rewards.

This is a fantastic visual enhancement. I tend to agree on the stock filter design, keeps water out, reduces noise, fine for normal driving. I may make one of these, add some engine turning and attach a nice big skull to the front, just my preference. One could even get one of those skulls where the eyes light up.