Correct Air cleaners for 61 BT5 D’Ieteren Roadster (normal)

[Hans Peeters]

Hello

I am looking to replace the current K&N filters on the Zeniths on my 61 BT5 normal (D’Ieteren Roadster) with the correct air cleaners. I have a pair of black air cleaner containers that came with the car but there were different opinions between fellow club-members.

Some say it should have the silver, older type air cleaners that came on the A type normal engines. Others (most) think it should have the black canisters because they claim Porsche started using them on the normals as well in the late 50ies. I am leaning more towards the second (black canisters) since they came with the car along with almost every other original part that was once replaced.

Thanks for the help.
Hans

[Vic Skirmants]

Black air cleaner containers definitely on a 61.

[Hans Peeters]

Thanks

The club member on the ‘no black canister’-side begs to differ.
He points to the B/C WSM E1 / E15 / F18 as proof of the use of
a mesch filter.

Could you give some insight on when they changed from mesch
on 1600N and black on 1600S to black on both types?

Kind Regards
Hans

[Vic Skirmants]

Workshop manuals are famous for using earlier photographs.
Based on my FIFTY-FIVE years experience with these cars, I beg to differ with your workshop manual expert.
Possibly some EARLY 1960 Normals still had the mesh filters, but I will bet all had black canisters soon into 1960 production.

[Hans Peeters]

Many thanks!

[Dick Weiss]

Many years ago I knew of a former owner who had a new '59 A Cab and the engine had the original Black air filter cans.

[Ron LaDow]

Hans,
So you get some decent air filtering along with the 'correct' parts!
Seriously, the mesh filters only keep the stray sparrows out.

[Adam Wright]

I thought mid-59 they went with the black canisters with three clips, not two like the later ones. I know I've sold a couple of sets over the years to guy's with 59's. I'll see if I can dig out some pics.
One other big difference, the black can had a big plate riveted to it.

[Adam Wright]

Here are some pics of a cleaner one.

[Hans Peeters]

Thank you! Superb info. I’ll stick to the black ones.