3.2 airbox

[ViRu1220]

ok i guess i'm a moron, i have looked at the parts diagram of the airbox but still cannot figure out how to get the side off so i can remove the airfilter. is there a magic word or special trick to use?
i have wiggled and tugged but it seems that i cannot get the back clips or whatever to give it up. also when i flex the box near the bolt that holds it down in the front i can see its cracked, when its just sitting it doesnt show, is this something i need to address? i dont think that any unfiltered air is seeping by but then again i cant replace the filter so please let me know

thanks in advance,
Frank

[Dan Owens]

You need to either reach around by the top just to the left of the Air flow meter if you have long fat arms or around the right between the air box and oil fill cap just below the engine lid hinge if you have long skinny arms. The rest is by feel.

[Steve W]

It also helps to remove the oil filter so you can reach under the airbox and easily get to the clip at the lower rear side of the engine compartment.

[ViRu1220]

thanks guys, i didnt think there were clips back there too, from the pics it looked like something else. another problem was getting my fat little sausages back there, it was a pain to unclip them and the whole time i was thinking oh god it's going to take forever to get them back on.

thanks very much,
Frank

[kepperly]

When you get it off, order a cone filter to replace it! It alows a tiny bit more dirt in but makes these experiences less stressfull
and you can see more of your engine. Take a little time and port match the aluminum adapter to the air flow and you have done all you can do with air flow on the intake side. Exhust is another deal.

Keith Epperly- 87 slant nose turbo look carrera cabriolet

[ViRu1220]

I was actually thinking about that. i have an 86 now but when i was looking for my first 911 about 2 years ago i test drove an 86. that 86 had a purple cone filter and a chip (dont know what kind) and honest to god the transmission felt like a g50 not a 915 even shifting as smooth as it can. that car just felt alot different than the 89 i bought 2 weeks later and my current 86. any recommendations on a filter?

thanks,
Frank

[bell]

Originally posted by ViRu1220
any recommendations on a filter?

thanks,
Frank

oem porsche filter.......there is alot of good info in the archives on different filters, basicall porsche knew what they were doing here with 3.2 air filtration.

[Wil Ferch]

Tip: Take the original lid and instead of cutting holes in it...just cut it all off leaving a 1-2" wide "band" that holds the filter in -place.
Result? The "cup" car lid without having to spend $100 or so...and you can actually "see" the four clips that hold the lid in place. Better maintenance access on the right side of engine and allows you access to the right/rear adjustable Koni shock top that uses a removable plastic knob.

What's not to like ??


---Wil Ferch

[kqw]

ViRu1220...

Keep at it. the scrapes on your arm will only last a little while....

[bell]

will......is there a performance gain from this? the stock inlet of the airbox is right by the rear lid grill.....hence fresh air.

[Wil Ferch]

Bell:
Short answer.... I think "no" gain.
The amount of fresh air drawn in by the cooling fan is enormous and previous reports and tests say the sectioned lid may only offer a performance increase if your motor is making more than 250 hp. Otherwise, not much ( if any) difference from a performance perspective.
---Wil

[bell]

thanks
does the engine sound more throaty with the cup style lid since it's not being baffled by the airbox? i've never heard one (or have and didn't know it)

[Face]

Bell,
I decided to cut 6 1.5 inch holes in the side of my air box cover... basically the poor man's attempt at a "cup" stlye airbox. Steve Weiner at the Rennlist recommended it. It doesn't gain any performance according to everything I've read (for a stock motor), BUT it does give it a deeper, "throatier" sound under full throttle.


Cheers,

[Por_sha911]

If you go to http://www.fabspeed.com/ they have a video of how the car sounds with their "Carbon Fiber Look" Cup box cover. On the 3.2 motor, its a plastic stock box with the entire center cut out.

[Wil Ferch]

I don't understand why people like the 5-8 holes in the lid...when sectioning the whole thing off does the same thing and you have an enormous access improvement to the rear clips...

(??)

-- Wil

[bell]

i like the open "cup" style.......may need to do that, thanks

[RickM]

Here's one of the "Airbox with holes" thread... 3.2 Intake mods: Pics, Info & Good Read

It may appeal to those who want to keep a relatively stock look to the engine compartment. Either way you get the throaty sound and little if any gain.

[NoLift911]

I'm with Wil. I took my cover over to the table saw for a brief encounter. The result is a OEM looking Carrera Cup airbox and most excellent engine sucking noises. Lid clips are a no brainer now.

The only drawback is on acceleration I get a type of turbo spooling noise. Pretty sure it is air whistling somewhere that is causing it but can't seem to locate it.

--Jeff
nolift911@hotmail.com