Big Healey Air Filters

[Gearhead_Garage]

I have noticed that Big Healeys make a raspy air intake noise which I suspect is due to the sucking air through the "steel wool" stock air filters. I cleaned and refurbished mine but they don't seem very efficient to me and I really don't like the raspy noise. By way of comparison, Denis Welch has a modern foam filter that they say adds 8hp!

I would like to keep a stockish look so I have considered cutting them open and inserting air filter foam inside. It might be possible to remove the rear mesh and the "steel wool" through the carb hole. Has anyone done anything like that? Advice?

 

[Patrick67BJ8]

I have noticed that Big Healeys make a raspy air intake noise which I suspect is due to the sucking air through the "steel wool" stock air filters. I cleaned and refurbished mine but they don't seem very efficient to me and I really don't like the raspy noise. By way of comparison, Denis Welch has a modern foam filter that they say adds 8hp!

I would like to keep a stockish look so I have considered cutting them open and inserting air filter foam inside. It might be possible to remove the rear mesh and the "steel wool" through the carb hole. Has anyone done anything like that? Advice?

You didn't say what year of Healey you have.

The BJ8's HD8 carbs always "hiss" and It's normal even without the filters installed. The Denis Welch foam airfilter claims a 6hp increase for BJ8's and I installed one and I'm satisfied with it. If you get one be sure to get the foam chemical to recoat the filter after cleaning but you will have to buy that in the US because they can't ship it from the UK. KN makes a filter that can be used but you'll have to modify the rear filter(see www.healey6.com for this operation).

 

[Gearhead_Garage]

Thanks for the info on the hissing sound. I guess that is part of the experience, along with the exhaust note and the smell of leather mingled with unburnt hydrocarbons.

My car is a '64 BJ8 with HD8s. I really like the look of the pancake filters. While I am sure they would increase performance, K&N and the foam filters are too modern-looking for me. I like to buy things for my Healey but I like making things more so I might try to modify the stock filters.

 

[HealeyRick]

I have noticed that Big Healeys make a raspy air intake noise which I suspect is due to the sucking air through the "steel wool" stock air filters. I cleaned and refurbished mine but they don't seem very efficient to me and I really don't like the raspy noise.

Obviously your exhaust isn't loud enough

 

[Gearhead_Garage]

Actually it isn't. I am planning to cut off the rear BJ8 silencer and route the dual pipes out the left side like a BJ7. That should put some bark back in the old dog.

 

[Patrick67BJ8]

Thanks for the info on the hissing sound. I guess that is part of the experience, along with the exhaust note and the smell of leather mingled with unburnt hydrocarbons.

My car is a '64 BJ8 with HD8s. I really like the look of the pancake filters. While I am sure they would increase performance, K&N and the foam filters are too modern-looking for me. I like to buy things for my Healey but I like making things more so I might try to modify the stock filters.

Before you modify your original air cleaners you might want to price out what replacements will cost you.

 

[Jeepster]

Actually it isn't. I am planning to cut off the rear BJ8 silencer and route the dual pipes out the left side like a BJ7. That should put some bark back in the old dog.

Before I fitted the correct exhaust system to my BJ8, the PO had installed a straight through system like on the BJ7 that exited the rear at the left.
It did produce a more raspy sound but it was too uncomfortable for longer journeys. The correct system is far more refined at speed over long distances and still gives a good note when revved.

 

[andrea]

I have noticed that Big Healeys make a raspy air intake noise which I suspect is due to the sucking air through the "steel wool" stock air filters. I cleaned and refurbished mine but they don't seem very efficient to me and I really don't like the raspy noise. By way of comparison, Denis Welch has a modern foam filter that they say adds 8hp!

I would like to keep a stockish look so I have considered cutting them open and inserting air filter foam inside. It might be possible to remove the rear mesh and the "steel wool" through the carb hole. Has anyone done anything like that? Advice?

I have new foam filters -I am not so sophisticated to measure the increase of power but my impression is that car run better
Consider also that MG A Twin Cam problems was debited at later date, to pancake filter resonance (n°4 piston subject to perforation)
https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jvhZqto5HYGALNMUyCvJJtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=directlink
this filter have a lot more surface and better air filtration for a 3000 cc engine for 1.25”, 1.5” and 1.75” SU

https://www.thepipercrossshop.co.uk/pipercross-px150-mini--metro-su-air-filter_p23378647.htm
or https://ramair-filters.co.uk/motorsport but I haven't find a SU filter
or a very economic solution for rebuild you pancake filters https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Car-Truc...trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIC.MBE&ao=1&asc=244

 

[Keoke]

Healey but I like making things more so I might try to modify the stock filters.

Not a recommended place to experiment. Failure to get adequate airflow can choke the engine at higher revs.

 

[Gearhead_Garage]

Healey but I like making things more so I might try to modify the stock filters.

Not a recommended place to experiment. Failure to get adequate airflow can coke the engine at higher revs.

Just about anything would flow better than the stock air filter. If I apply some common sense I think I can handle it. And I have an air/fuel meter and data logger to measure the result at various speeds and engine loads.

 

[Gearhead_Garage]

Before you modify your original air cleaners you might want to price out what replacements will cost you.

I did verify they are available and not cheap. On the other hand, if I destroy mine I can buy the shiny stainless ones!

 

[Gearhead_Garage]

Before I fitted the correct exhaust system to my BJ8, the PO had installed a straight through system like on the BJ7 that exited the rear at the left.
It did produce a more raspy sound but it was too uncomfortable for longer journeys. The correct system is far more refined at speed over long distances and still gives a good note when revved.

I have solicited several opinions on changing the BJ8 exhaust and of course sound is a matter of personal taste and hearing (both mine and the spouse). One Saturday, I am planning to disconnect the rear silencer and drive around a bit before I do anything rash. I sure would like to lose 10 lbs and gain some ground clearance in the rear (that's what she said!). The sound is really mellow right now and that is not a bad thing.

 

[Patrick67BJ8]

I have solicited several opinions on changing the BJ8 exhaust and of course sound is a matter of personal taste and hearing (both mine and the spouse). One Saturday, I am planning to disconnect the rear silencer and drive around a bit before I do anything rash. I sure would like to lose 10 lbs and gain some ground clearance in the rear (that's what she said!). The sound is really mellow right now and that is not a bad thing.

Hendrix Wire Wheel has been fitting taller tires to the BJ8's giving more ground clearance. I have a set with new wheels and no issues so far with my new exhaust system. I also had new rear springs made to make the BJ8 sit "level"(I hate the "jacked up" look).

 

[steveg]

Just about anything would flow better than the stock air filter. If I apply some common sense I think I can handle it. And I have an air/fuel meter and data logger to measure the result at various speeds and engine loads.

Am kind of surprised if the stock filters don't flow well. Road & Track used to call them "gravel strainers". I mean, can't you see daylight through the mesh? IMHO flowing's not the problem, it's the admission of dirt and objects.

FWIW - I'm using K&Ns.

Just my 2 pence.

 

[bluegrass john]

Your car has the look I am hoping to get with my BJ8.................not jacked up but level!! I wish I knew where to buy a set of springs that would give me the look you have achieved. I have seen too many BJ8's that have had new springs installed but they are too high. I know these cars were higher when new but they did not have the jacked up look that I see now. I would think that 28 inches would be the maximum measurement from the ground to the top part of the wheel opening. I have measured some cars that are 29 inches or more.

John

 

[Patrick67BJ8]

Your car has the look I am hoping to get with my BJ8.................not jacked up but level!! I wish I knew where to buy a set of springs that would give me the look you have achieved. I have seen too many BJ8's that have had new springs installed but they are too high. I know these cars were higher when new but they did not have the jacked up look that I see now. I would think that 28 inches would be the maximum measurement from the ground to the top part of the wheel opening. I have measured some cars that are 29 inches or more.

John

My springs came from Jule Enterprisesin Canada. "NFI" (They also did my new frame). They cost about $300.00 plus shipping. The wheels/tires are from Hendrix Wire Wheel "NFI". You'll need about 26 1/2" to 27" clearance between the bottom of the dogleg to the front of the rear fenders for the taller tires to clear the fender opening. The taller tires fill up the wheel opening quite well.
And, I have finally have a Healey with absolutely NO scuttle shake!

 

[Jeepster]

Your car has the look I am hoping to get with my BJ8.................not jacked up but level!! I wish I knew where to buy a set of springs that would give me the look you have achieved. I have seen too many BJ8's that have had new springs installed but they are too high. I know these cars were higher when new but they did not have the jacked up look that I see now. I would think that 28 inches would be the maximum measurement from the ground to the top part of the wheel opening. I have measured some cars that are 29 inches or more.

John

When restoring the rear suspension on my BJ8, I ordered a set of replacement springs from one of the usual parts suppliers and was shocked to see how much they differed from the originals (car sat just right on the originals but some of the clamps were shot). If I had fitted these, the car would have been so high at the rear.
I sent the springs back and decided to have the originals refurbished. They guy that did the refurb added a little extra bend to allow for them settling in and the fact that they had probably dropped somewhat over the years. I was very pleased with the result and the car sits about right. still havent done enough miles as yet for the car to bed in fully.

 

[steveg]

Wow - from air filters to rear ride height in one easy morph!

 

[Patrick67BJ8]

Wow - from air filters to rear ride height in one easy morph!

You gotta admit though, is was a smooth & seamless transition but it still was about "noise".

 

[bluegrass john]

You gotta admit though, is was a smooth & seamless transition but it still was about "noise".

I am glad that "easy morph" was made; gave me a chance to find out where the springs came from.
Patrick, do you think the Jule springs would work as well concerning ride height and quality of the ride with an orginal frame that I know is more flexible than the Jule frame...........I suppose I am wondering if the Jule springs would be too stiff for the more flexible orginal frame. Any thought are appreciated !!

John