Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) +8 breathes more easily

I wanted to help my lovely V8 breathe and the original air filter box wasn’t doing it for me. I fitted a K&N inside the box but there is little room for the air to flow so I wanted a proper open K&N arrangement.

Here is what I fabricated from a used air filter canister off eBay - not wanting to butcher my original part so I can put it all back together as original if I should want to. I cut away most of the air box but have kept part of the bottom to retain the outboard mountings. This gives extra stability by using all four original rubber mounting points. Then had a 88.9mm (3 ½”) OD pipe 1.5mm wall thickness & cut to 30mm long welded on for the K&N RG-1001 to fit.

I did not have to lift the bonnet off to remove the original filter canister which pulls up at the inboard end and pulls inwards to come off the outboard pins. A bit tight so be carful.

So what is the gain? Well, maybe a few horse power? It certainly looks much better when opening the bonnet and the intake howl when I open her up is wonderful – just like on my motorcycles which also run K&N open filters.


Images removed at request of OP

Nice work. Which k&N did you go for?

The filter is K&N RG-1001 - available in other colours too

Just been looking at used air filter canisters - wow they’re not cheap are they?

Yes, not cheap. You can of course use your existing one but then there is no going back! In addition you need to buy the 3 1/2 pipe and get it welded - about £50. It took me about one hour to do the cutting and then grind it to a good finish. Worth the time/cost - I would say so, having seen a few other variations!

Run K&N on the carburetted +8 for 30 years. Replaced filters a couple of times. Makes a big difference to the under bonnet space junking the original system.

Good work, it looks very nice. I‘m also in Harleys and old MINIs (and clear: I‘ve got a K&N)… beware the birds - they could be breathed in ;-)

I love the sound of fresh air to the engine.

Greets René

I can do the fabrication and welding myself, also have a method for ‘faux powder coating’. Might have a go over the winter.

Well done and thanks for the inspiration

Looks good I may have a crack at that- what holds the filter element on to your bracket?

The K&N RG-1001 simply pushes onto the 3 1/2" tube that's welded to the cut-down airbox and is held there by a large jubilee clip. The filter comes with three adapters to cater for different pipe o/d but 3 1/2" is the way to go when you have the short pipe welded on.