I've often looked at the air filter and intake track of the V8 and TD5 and thought it looked small and protracted by comparison to the engine capacities. It seems to work OK but the slightest dust blockage in the filter will inevitably cause 'breathing' problems on both engines. What do you guys think?

 

Strange that you just posted this.
WE have a a Saturn Ion in the shop this morning for a check over and I mentally noted the size of the air filter (large!) for the engine in comparison of the Disco which I've often thought to be undersized.

 

so.... which of you are going to do a write up on fitting a larger one off of another vehicle?

 

Hmm, good one Dusty. I haven't considered a total replacement yet as there's not a lot of space on either engine. I have looked at the K&N and even ITG filters and considered those being I've used them over the years in competition. The problem is finding another filter box from another vehicle and fitting it without having to cut and carve away the inner wing etc.

I noted someone used 8x Mikuni 40mm carburetors off of Yam R1 motorbikes fitted with conical K&N's on a top hat 4.6 V8 Rover motor which is featured in the LRO international mag December 2014. I didn't study it too well but it probably churns out good bhp's. It's fitted in a modded D90 featured in 'Rat Pack Rocket' article.

Rat-Pack Rocket Ninety V8 | LRO.com UK

 

I see what you mean for a 4 cylinder 2.2 L engine that box and intake track is big.

2003 Saturn ION 3 Sedan 2.2 Liter DOHC 16-Valve 4 Cylinder Engine Photo #37458565 | GTCarLot.com