The performance of a cyclone is studied when changing the position of the deswirler in the vortex finder, its centre body shape and a downstream vortex finder extension. This is done with simulations applying a Reynolds stress model for the turbulence. An extension of the vortex finder (from 2.64 d_vf to 6.8 d_vf) has almost no effect on cyclone pressure drop or collection efficiency. Moreover, the extension does not affect the pressure losses in the vortex finder. The closer the deswirler is installed to the vortex finder inlet the more significant is its effects on cyclone performance. A streamlined ellipsoidal shape of the deswirler centre body is preferable to a cylindrical one since it leads to lower pressure losses. Installation of the deswirler with a streamlined ellipsoidal centre body 2.64 diameters downstream the vortex finder inlet reduces pressure losses in the vortex finder by 74% as compared to a standard set-up. This leads to a 32% reduction in total pressure drop without deteriorating the separation capability of the cyclone.