Twin HS4 filtration question

Post any technical questions or queries here.
Post Reply
Metronick
998 Cooper
Posts: 362
Joined: Sat Feb 21, 2015 2:14 pm
Location: Stoke on Trent

Twin HS4 filtration question

Post by Metronick »

I’m trying to decide what filters to use on a new set of twin HS4 SU’s on a mildly tuned nothing special 1300 engine.
After many coats of looking at I’ve narrowed it down to:
1.K&N pancake filters
2.MED stub stack and ITG filter system
3.SC cold airbox( like a Vortz airbox)
It’s a road car so the objective is good performance but nothing too loud as it will do long trips.
Any recommendations?
Thanks
Nick
User avatar
Peter Laidler
1275 Cooper S
Posts: 6143
Joined: Sat Jul 15, 2017 5:35 pm
Location: Abingdon Oxfordshire
Has thanked: 29 times
Been thanked: 30 times

Re: Twin HS4 filtration question

Post by Peter Laidler »

Come a bit closed Nick as I don't want everyone to hear the good news...... During the late 70s, Unipart got together a vast selection of air filters in order to test their suitability to incorporate into the UNIPART range. They were tested over many months for 4 sound reasons. I say 3 reasons in reality but there you go....
Airflow, Through-flow, filtration and adaptability (over the whole range of vehicles that they catered for).

The air filter that came out as the all-round best performer was from COOPERS. And whenever you see a Unipart filter thereafter, it came from Coopers.

And I know this because one of the blokes on the trial was my old pal Terry and for many years I had loads of the filters to use on my MGB's and MGB GT V8 - and my Cooper S of course!
Metronick
998 Cooper
Posts: 362
Joined: Sat Feb 21, 2015 2:14 pm
Location: Stoke on Trent

Re: Twin HS4 filtration question

Post by Metronick »

Peter Laidler wrote: Wed Apr 24, 2024 7:30 pm Come a bit closed Nick as I don't want everyone to hear the good news...... During the late 70s, Unipart got together a vast selection of air filters in order to test their suitability to incorporate into the UNIPART range. They were tested over many months for 4 sound reasons. I say 3 reasons in reality but there you go....
Airflow, Through-flow, filtration and adaptability (over the whole range of vehicles that they catered for).

The air filter that came out as the all-round best performer was from COOPERS. And whenever you see a Unipart filter thereafter, it came from Coopers.

And I know this because one of the blokes on the trial was my old pal Terry and for many years I had loads of the filters to use on my MGB's and MGB GT V8 - and my Cooper S of course!
Thanks Peter.
I’d really like to use an HS2 airbox with Coopers filters but don’t want to cut one about to make it fit.
I had a look at the Longman championship winning GT car recently. That manages to use the box without alteration, I’m presuming it has specially cast alloy elbows. I think someone should start producing these !
imack
998 Cooper
Posts: 424
Joined: Wed Oct 25, 2017 9:06 pm
Location: Kent
Been thanked: 5 times

Re: Twin HS4 filtration question

Post by imack »

If you're looking for a relatively quiet filter setup, forget the K&N or MED items. The Vortz one or a modified twin HS2 filter box are the only ones likely to do what you're looking for.
Metronick
998 Cooper
Posts: 362
Joined: Sat Feb 21, 2015 2:14 pm
Location: Stoke on Trent

Re: Twin HS4 filtration question

Post by Metronick »

imack wrote: Wed Apr 24, 2024 8:17 pm If you're looking for a relatively quiet filter setup, forget the K&N or MED items. The Vortz one or a modified twin HS2 filter box are the only ones likely to do what you're looking for.
Thanks, is that from personal experience?
If so which is nosier K&N or MED ?
User avatar
Peter Laidler
1275 Cooper S
Posts: 6143
Joined: Sat Jul 15, 2017 5:35 pm
Location: Abingdon Oxfordshire
Has thanked: 29 times
Been thanked: 30 times

Re: Twin HS4 filtration question

Post by Peter Laidler »

I agree that you don't want to mess up an original air box. You could easily make a top and bottom plate for each filter with circular induction holes cut into the bottom plates and bolt holes to match with the threaded holes at the rear of the HS4's.

4 pieces of 1.5mm or 1/16" thick alloy plate - cheap. Cut, drill and file to suit....... 1 hour!
imack
998 Cooper
Posts: 424
Joined: Wed Oct 25, 2017 9:06 pm
Location: Kent
Been thanked: 5 times

Re: Twin HS4 filtration question

Post by imack »

I've had K&N pancake filters with stubstacks and MED filter kit with stubstacks, but I've not used them both on the same spec engine. Both are loud, but not quite as loud as 2 1/2" Swiftune ram pipes currently fitted.
Metronick
998 Cooper
Posts: 362
Joined: Sat Feb 21, 2015 2:14 pm
Location: Stoke on Trent

Re: Twin HS4 filtration question

Post by Metronick »

Peter Laidler wrote: Wed Apr 24, 2024 9:59 pm I agree that you don't want to mess up an original air box. You could easily make a top and bottom plate for each filter with circular induction holes cut into the bottom plates and bolt holes to match with the threaded holes at the rear of the HS4's.

4 pieces of 1.5mm or 1/16" thick alloy plate - cheap. Cut, drill and file to suit....... 1 hour!
Thanks Peter
Metronick
998 Cooper
Posts: 362
Joined: Sat Feb 21, 2015 2:14 pm
Location: Stoke on Trent

Re: Twin HS4 filtration question

Post by Metronick »

imack wrote: Thu Apr 25, 2024 5:12 am I've had K&N pancake filters with stubstacks and MED filter kit with stubstacks, but I've not used them both on the same spec engine. Both are loud, but not quite as loud as 2 1/2" Swiftune ram pipes currently fitted.
Ok, thanks
Metronick
998 Cooper
Posts: 362
Joined: Sat Feb 21, 2015 2:14 pm
Location: Stoke on Trent

Re: Twin HS4 filtration question

Post by Metronick »

Anyone using the SC box out here ?
User avatar
Peter Laidler
1275 Cooper S
Posts: 6143
Joined: Sat Jul 15, 2017 5:35 pm
Location: Abingdon Oxfordshire
Has thanked: 29 times
Been thanked: 30 times

Re: Twin HS4 filtration question

Post by Peter Laidler »

Just thinkin' on my feet here for a moment. But have you ever considered using/adapting a couple of the readily available used HS4 filter boxes. They can be VERY efficient if modified to induct air in through 360 degrees ( - as opposed to the usual single hole)
Metronick
998 Cooper
Posts: 362
Joined: Sat Feb 21, 2015 2:14 pm
Location: Stoke on Trent

Re: Twin HS4 filtration question

Post by Metronick »

Peter Laidler wrote: Thu Apr 25, 2024 11:07 am Just thinkin' on my feet here for a moment. But have you ever considered using/adapting a couple of the readily available used HS4 filter boxes. They can be VERY efficient if modified to induct air in through 360 degrees ( - as opposed to the usual single hole)
Good thought Pete, but I’m also trying to keep it reasonably period looking under the bonnet as well
Post Reply