An air cleaner is designed to remove dirt and debris from the air before it enters the engine. This helps to protect the engine from damage and keeps it running smoothly. A smaller air cleaner will restrict the flow of air into the engine, which can lead to a loss of power.
In addition, a smaller air cleaner can cause the engine to run hotter. This is because the restricted airflow can prevent the engine from cooling properly. A hotter engine is less efficient and can also lead to a loss of power.
Therefore, if you are looking to increase the horsepower of your engine, you should not install a smaller air cleaner. Instead, you should consider installing a larger air cleaner or one with a higher flow rate.