Rotten Air Filter

[SharkyTVR]

Washed my Chim yesterday, and after passing the sponge behind the front numberplate, I noticed a load of debris. When I looked more closely, I found it was the air filter foam, which looks like is is completely rotten - caked with cr@p, and literally falling away.

Questions:
Are there any aftermarket (K&N, Pipercross etc) replacements suitable for a Chim 500?

Or should I stay with a replacement TVR original part?

Finally, do you think an absolutely rank filter like mine could account for rich running, as evidensed by oily black lining to the tail pipes?

[jonnyb]

Yep ACT to a K&N replacement filter www.actproducts.co.uk/index.html

[TVR+Bubblecar]

I fitted the K&N from ACT - Excellent IMHO

Chris

[chim666]

I'd take a look at the last few service invoices from your garage - cleaning/replacing the filter is on the list of things to do for a service. It's my guess you've been charged, but not had the work done - they don't fall apart that quickly!

[mick_coupe]

Mine was the same when i bought it...had a full service history as well
I washed it out and re-oiled it !

Mick

[Nuggs]

As others have suggested, it may be a good time to upgrade to the K&N filter from ACT.

I had the full ACT induction kit (K&N filter and uprated silicon induction hoses) fitted by Austec, and it was well worth it

[tahiti450]

SharkyTVR said:

Finally, do you think an absolutely rank filter like mine could account for rich running, as evidensed by oily black lining to the tail pipes?

Theoretically no, since the fuelling is determined by the quantity of air passing the flow meter (unlike a carb system where negative pressure in the inlet tract upstream of the carb(s)could suck extra fuel from the jets). So all it would do is reduced max air-flow and so power.
Tail pipes are usually black (with carbon) in these days of unleaded petrol - no more nice pale grey exhausts to reassure you that your engine's healthy but they shouldnt actually be oily. Are you sure its oily rather than just soot? It would be particularly unlikley if your is cat' equipped and would mean both a serious top end problem and failled cat (s).

[SharkyTVR]

tahiti450 said:

SharkyTVR said: Finally, do you think an absolutely rank filter like mine could account for rich running, as evidensed by oily black lining to the tail pipes? Theoretically no, since the fuelling is determined by the quantity of air passing the flow meter (unlike a carb system where negative pressure in the inlet tract upstream of the carb(s)could suck extra fuel from the jets). So all it would do is reduced max air-flow and so power. Tail pipes are usually black (with carbon) in these days of unleaded petrol - no more nice pale grey exhausts to reassure you that your engine's healthy but they shouldnt actually be oily. Are you sure its oily rather than just soot? It would be particularly unlikley if your is cat' equipped and would mean both a serious top end problem and failled cat (s).

Well, think it's just soot. But there is quite a bit! I have spoken to my dealer (Fernies) today, and they are going to replace it FOC!! I will see how it feel after fitting, and may then consider a K&N upgrade.

[Mr Jenks]

Nuggs said:

I had the full ACT induction kit (K&N filter and uprated silicon induction hoses) fitted by Austec, and it was well worth it

What differences did it make, improved bottom/mid range torque, smoother idle or just induction noise and cosmetically pleasing ?

[Nuggs]

Mr Jenks said:

What differences did it make, improved bottom/mid range torque, smoother idle or just induction noise and cosmetically pleasing ?

The engine is much keener to rev, and whereas pre-kit it was getting wheezy around 4,700rpm, it will now rev happily (and pull strongly) up to 5,100ish...

The throttle response is sharper. It does also look and sound better.

I'm not saying it's turned the Chim into a car with jet fighter performance, but I can't believe there are too many other things one could do to it for c.£160 that make such a difference.

Highly recommended

[puffsorted]

Nuggs said:

Mr Jenks said: What differences did it make, improved bottom/mid range torque, smoother idle or just induction noise and cosmetically pleasing ? The engine is much keener to rev, and whereas pre-kit it was getting wheezy around 4,700rpm, it will now rev happily (and pull strongly) up to 5,100ish... The throttle response is sharper. It does also look and sound better. I'm not saying it's turned the Chim into a car with jet fighter performance, but I can't believe there are too many other things one could do to it for c.£160 that make such a difference. Highly recommended

There are no induction noises from mine to speak of, But it was pretty obvious from just starting the car that it was much happy. Can't put my finger exactly on the change but while I was clearing away the tools I leant in and started the car and it make me look back - it just sounded crisper and smoother.
Driving all I can liken it to is it pulls through the revs with more verve - almost like you are driving a smaller capicity multivalve engine (but with huge amount of torque ) compared to how it felt before (its not a massive change but is noticable) During a quick session on Austec's rolling road last year they felt something wasn't quite right and that it was about 5-10 bhp down. Given the drop was so small I didn't bother sorting it, but thats about the sort of power it feels its gained back now.