Air filter latch

[waynetx383]

I recently bought an 04 GT, and noticed that the air filter was not the factory setup. The factory box has been removed and replaced with a K&N filter. However, unlike all of the K&N filter kit's I've seen photos of, it has a big latch that holds it on. The latch is the diameter of the pipe (I believe on the front side of the MAF) with slots all around the edge of it, and designed to go around the piping and the filter including the filter's rubber seals, then clamp around it with a single big latch. My problem is that the latch does not close tight enough around it to make a good seal and the filter wants to fall out. I haven't found any adjustments on the latch, and can't seem to find the kit that uses it to see if I can get a replacement.

Does anyone have an idea as to what kit it might be, or if that piece can be replaced. I don't see it as an OEM part for the factory airbox assembly.

Thanks!!

 

[trinity_gt]

It sounds like someone has retained part of the OE airbox -- the part that screws to the MAF -- and has ditched the air filter housing.

You might try going to a wreckers (or checking the classifieds and/or on eBay) to find the front-half of the OE airbox or ditching the current setup in favor of a cold-air intake (e.g. JLT.)

 

[waynetx383]

So the OE setup has a large flip down style clamp that holds the filter in place around the MAF? Does the MAF have a fine mesh screen in the opening to it on the front side?

I was actually considering the wrecker route considering I've heard the OE setup is decent about airflow, and I intend to replace it with a full Kenne Bell setup including their cold air kit in the long run.

 

[merc123]

My MAF doesn't have a screen.

 

[trinity_gt]

So the OE setup has a large flip down style clamp that holds the filter in place around the MAF? Does the MAF have a fine mesh screen in the opening to it on the front side?

The OE setup looks like this in parts:

The center part is attached to the MAF housing with 4 screws. The filter is fitted to it. The large housing then slides over top of the assembly (sandwiching the filter rim in place) and the large "snap ring" fits over the plastic parts to hold them -- and the filter -- together.

And yes, there is a screen in the OE assembly. It fits between the MAF and the center piece before the 4 screws are installed.

I was actually considering the wrecker route considering I've heard the OE setup is decent about airflow, and I intend to replace it with a full Kenne Bell setup including their cold air kit in the long run.

So the car has a KB on it now?

If so, the OE setup isn't the worst thing on the planet as long as the OE silencer (the rubber pokey-outey thing on the large filter housing) is removed. However, KBs like as little restriction on the intake side as possible so definitely think about a proper CAI for it. My recommendation no matter what you do: Do what you can to retain the screen. It's needed to smooth airflow to the MAF sensor...

 

[waynetx383]

That would be the clip I was referring to. All of the diagrams I've seen leave it out. It explains why it fits so loose since it's intended to go around the housing and not the filter itself.

No the car does not have a KB on it, but I'm currently planning for one. I have read, that like you said, they prefer as unrestrictive as possible and at that point plan on taking the factory setup out. I just see no need to spend a bunch of money for an aftermarket CAI if it's not going to be used in the end. It looks like I'm off to a wrecking yard soon to find that front housing piece.

Thanks for all the help!!