The Ford Capri Laser Page

Hi, Original air box VS Pancake air filter.

What are peoples views regarding the two, pros and cons?

I have a 1.6 Pinto with the 34ich Weber and manual choke, are the pancake air filters any good?

Will I be causing myself no end of performance and starting issues?

Thanks.

Hi Dallas,

According to the information I have 1.6 Pinto motors in Capris with Weber carbs all came with automatic choke. Models with manual choke Webers had the OHV Kent engines, which suggests your 34 ICH Weber isn’t a standard fit. (I may be wrong.)
Now let me ask you a question: is the car running nicely or is there a problem?
If the engine is OK then why do you need a “pancake” filter? (Which come in all shapes, sizes and quality)
If you want one because it looks cool: forget it and save your money. I binned one for that very reason. It wasn’t cool in both looks and function for a V6 Cologne.

I’m afraid your original question is about the same as,
‘How long is a plug lead?’
Could you give more info, please?

Personally I don't think there's much of a difference, if you want more performance without changing cams/carbs then whack a K+N air filter on it, otherwise just leave it as is? I don't think either of them are 'performance' parts or will make any real difference apart from the look?

Cheers
Danny

D366Y wrote: ↑Wed Feb 19, 2020 10:41 am Personally I don't think there's much of a difference, if you want more performance without changing cams/carbs then whack a K+N air filter on it, otherwise just leave it as is? I don't think either of them are 'performance' parts or will make any real difference apart from the look?

Cheers
Danny

Totally agree with young Dan a nice new 2.0 cam is the best bet

STEVEW wrote: ↑Wed Feb 19, 2020 9:55 am
According to the information I have 1.6 Pinto motors in Capris with Weber carbs all came with automatic choke. Models with manual choke Webers had the OHV Kent engines, which suggests your 34 ICH Weber isn’t a standard fit. (I may be wrong.)
Now let me ask you a question: is the car running nicely or is there a problem?
If the engine is OK then why do you need a “pancake” filter? (Which come in all shapes, sizes and quality)
If you want one because it looks cool: forget it and save your money. I binned one for that very reason. It wasn’t cool in both looks and function for a V6 Cologne.

I’m afraid your original question is about the same as,
‘How long is a plug lead?’
Could you give more info, please?

No. The only Kent engine that made it into the Mk 3 was a 1.3 which was quietly killed off part way through it's life. All 1.6 MK3's at least UK spec ones had OHC Pinto engines, the only variation would have been carbs e.g. Ford VV or 34 Weber on the single manifold or in the case of the rare 1.6 S the 32/36 Weber, inlet manifold and camshaft borrowed from the 2.0. Certainly no Lasers would have been made with a Kent engine though.

If you shop around you may be able to find a K&N filter element to fit the standard air cleaner.

I must confess the first thing I did when i had a 1.6 Capri back in the day was to fit a good second hand 32/36 carb and manifold, convert it to manual choke and fit the shiniest K& N filter i could find.

It gave me better starting and running when cold, a noticeable bhp improvement and a lovely induction noise. Im very much older now but would probably still do the same.

The 34ICH is a very common conversion for the original VV carb. It meant a change to manual choke but many did it.
You can tell if it was originally a VV carb as there will be a spacer plate between the base and the inlet manifold.
There should also be a single wire with a female bullet connector tucked away somewhere nearby that used to run to the VV.

To be honest, you will get a nice induction noise with the pancake filter but not much else.
Fuel consumption will probably go up as you discover how far you have to push the throttle down to get a decent sound.

If you do decide to fit one hurry up, cos it's Shrove Tuesday next week and after that you're not allowed to fit one for 40 days and 40 nights.................... unless maybe it's been Lent to you.

Thank you fellas for your input, much appreciated

The only real reason for fitting a pancake was for its looks, nice and shiny chrome and I love the fact that the pancake air box is small, means I can see more of the engine. I had a Speedograph pancake fitted to my 1.6LS back in the day, as sad as it sounds I'm trying to make my new to me red laser Capri the same as my old red LS Capri, stepping back in time so to speak.

I'm pretty sure the 34ich carb and manual choke isn't standard on my laser, plus the previous owner has fitted electronic ignition, so there are many wires in and around that area that I'm not familiar with.

The first thing I bought was the pancake and fitted it yesterday, I also bought a new weber choke cable, and to my surprise the car now starts instantly, where before it would take a few turns of the key. I'm not sure if its the pancake that has made the difference (I doubt it) or the new choke cable, but what a huge difference in starting.

My only concern with these pancakes is carb icing, and increased MPG, is this true?

Pic of it fitted.

Mmmmm

I had a 34ICH carb with a K+N air filter on my laser and never once had a problem with it icing over - the only thing I noticed about increased MPG was how much more I put my foot down

Bug wrote: ↑Wed Feb 19, 2020 6:29 pm
If you do decide to fit one hurry up, cos it's Shrove Tuesday next week and after that you're not allowed to fit one for 40 days and 40 nights.................... unless maybe it's been Lent to you.

Arrrrgh!!!!

Bug wrote: ↑Wed Feb 19, 2020 6:29 pm
If you do decide to fit one hurry up, cos it's Shrove Tuesday next week and after that you're not allowed to fit one for 40 days and 40 nights.................... unless maybe it's been Lent to you.

Be careful where you buy from as there are always some Tossers around who will sell you a Lemon.

I've been cleaning need more shinny bits though.
The 4 branch needs a lick of paint, so does the radiator infill panel, will be done slowly but surely.

Dallas wrote: ↑Sun Feb 23, 2020 6:30 pm I've been cleaning need more shinny bits though.
The 4 branch needs a lick of paint, so does the radiator infill panel, will be done slowly but surely.

Engine VW Pancake.JPG

Mate, this is a stunning engine bay. Just love it. But I am a bit partial to a Pinto

Very clean and very well looked after as is easy to see from this photo. Nice one

Fordoholic Nick wrote: ↑Sun Feb 23, 2020 8:00 pm

Dallas wrote: ↑Sun Feb 23, 2020 6:30 pm I've been cleaning need more shinny bits though.
The 4 branch needs a lick of paint, so does the radiator infill panel, will be done slowly but surely.

Engine VW Pancake.JPG

Mate, this is a stunning engine bay. Just love it. But I am a bit partial to a Pinto

Very clean and very well looked after as is easy to see from this photo. Nice one

Hey thanks bud she does look good for 34 years young doesn't she.

As part of bringing the car nearer to the LS will you be sourcing a Carla interior too. Inheriting the interior from the previous S was one of the best things about the LS I always felt. I was trying to find one back in the day but ended up with one of the last L cars.