Retroford Air filter on a Zetec with Twin Webers

[BarneyGumble]

Hello Chaps


I decided that the Harrier really should use an air filter. So after a bit f research into grilles, socks etc. I decided that the safest and easiest way forward was to get the Retroford kit as it is plug and play??? Or so I thought!
started stripping the carbs last night. You have to remove the trumpets and then thy supply new shorter ones. The first problem is that you have to remove all the studs, these are pretty stiff, only got a couple out so far....don't want to snap one.
But the biggest problem seems to be that the filter backing plate simply won't fit? Please see the pics below. Has anyone else fitted one???

Backing plate is touching the bulkhead



As you can see it still needs to go back another 5mm or so?

[alladdin]

Is it symmetrical ? Try it back to front ? Sorry if that's obvious 😀


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[katana]

No they don't fit ! I've tried Pipercross air box type and a K&N box air filter where you cab cut your own holes - the former's plate is way too long abd so close to the firewall the airbox wouldn't fit let alone being able to get the clips in. likewise the K&N just couldn't get access to rear and underside to fix the lid clips. Mine was with TB's and bloody frustrating to say the least!

[greengoredstop]

In the process of converting my Lotus Elan Plus2 from a dead twin cam to a 2L Zetec, I ran into the same problem. I wanted to use the original tc back plate and cover, but ran into the same spacing problem. I had purchased a manifold for the Webers from Dunnell Engineering and found when the carbs were mounted, it spaced them .300" closer together than the manifolding of the tc head. I wound up cutting out the portion of the back plate that fits the front carb, and making a new replacement piece that moved the hole back the required amount. I can now fit the back plate and its cover. The only minor problem I encountered was when I tried to fit the auxiliary throttle return spring that fits between the carbs. With the closer spacing, the coil of the spring did not have enough room. Like on other Weber setup I have used, I fitted shortened arms to the outsides of the throttle shaft and attached some bits to hold one end of the spring to the back plate.

Most likely the back plate you have is for a different manifold spacing.

[BarneyGumble]

Is it symmetrical ? Try it back to front ? Sorry if that's obvious ��


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Yes that is of course obvious, but late at night in the garage it is something I missed........

If you look at the pic below, you can see it is slightly offset.

Tried it the other way around and it does now clear the bulkhead...(Just)


Next problem however.......is that the backing plate hits on the throttle linkage?




Has anyone else got any ideas? I had a quick look and I can't see how the linkage can be moved???

....thought this was easy and plug and play......

[greengoredstop]

Don't forget to drill holes to match the breather hole in the carb. The jets/emulsion tubes and floats need to see the same air pressure as is entering the carb throats.

Rob

[Graham]

Don't forget to drill holes to match the breather hole in the carb. The jets/emulsion tubes and floats need to see the same air pressure as is entering the carb throats.

Rob

good spot, been there myself many years ago, the engine will start and run, but wont have any power without these holes.

that back plate is for throttle bodies not carbs, carb ones have the hole already drilled

[BarneyGumble]

good spot, been there myself many years ago, the engine will start and run, but wont have any power without these holes.

that back plate is for throttle bodies not carbs, carb ones have the hole already drilled

Thanks for all the comments.....considering all of the above.....I've put it back in the box and I'm sending it back for a refund!

I thought it was expensive, but looked well made and I've been a little short of time and so I thought a plug and play solution would be worth paying for....
However, this seems far from the truth! So has anyone else got any filter ideas? Is it just a case of Ramair socks?

Cheers

[alladdin]

Socks not good
K and n should be plug n play as U say ?


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[BarneyGumble]

Have you got a link to the plug and play K&N ones???

[alladdin]

No but look at the original twin filter pairs , they should fit any combo I would think ?


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[wildo105e]

I would have though the only thing you need to check on a KN is the space between the bulkhead as the filters do sit further out than the carb.

[BarneyGumble]

I would have though the only thing you need to check on a KN is the space between the bulkhead as the filters do sit further out than the carb.

Thanks mate, once Retroford refund the cash i'll order up some K&N ones.

Will keep you updated.