john d 81SC

Having an extremely difficult time replacing an air filter in my 88 Carrera - specifically aligning filter housing to tabs furthest into the engine bay. The Mahle filter seems unusually thick, making it difficult to snap on the filter housing (replacing a K&N filter). Any "tricks of the trade", or is it simply a matter of patience. Thanks in advance!

Tetra84

I would say its a matter of patience, its tricky to get behind your airbox and get those two clips back there, but it is possible. It helps to have small hands (maybe you can get a kid to do it for you). Good thing you dont need to get back there often

glenncof

I have 1985 so I know what you mean. The only suggestion I have is to slide your arm in as much as possible before attempting to work the clips. When I don't, I waste lots of time trying to get the clips on then my hands get tired making it harder. Push all the way in first. Yea, some scrapes but clean air.

Chris Holcombe

I find it alot easier if I take the oil filter off.

ned903

You guys are sure making me feel better! I tried to replace the filter in my '87 Carrera this weekend. I still have the cuts to prove it! It seems to take a combination of small arms and srtong hands. I am surprised the after market has not figured out a better approach. Chris is right about the oil filter, but I was not ready for a change. I'll do a better job of planning next time.

bmcallister

Aren't there polyurethane straps to replace the clips? They hook on the ears that the clips would attach to don't they?

Mike Murphy

Getting it off is much easier than getting it back on. That's right about the oil filter - maybe wait until the oil change is needed. Also, I hear that drilling the airbox can help quite a bit in getting that thing back on, but that's a different topic altogether...I have yet to try it - still looking for another cover to drill instead of my stock one.

ned903

I searched for the poly straps. They are for earlier cars and don't hold much promise for my '87. I think the idea would work with some effort.

imcarthur

Cut the face off your airbox to realize the MASSIVE HP improvement.

Side benefit: You can reach the back clips.

Ian

ajmarton

I just bought the K&N filter. I have put it in most of my cars - why are you replacing it?

Mike Murphy

You're just trying to get us going again, aren't cha?!

imcarthur

Who? Me? You non-believers . . .

Ian

J. Brinkley

you can put a zip tie on the part you actually pull, so you dont have to get your left arm all the way back there behind the AFM and boot. Still sucks though. cut the face off the cover and just leave a square open holder for the filter. If you don't want to do that, lower the engine a bit to get an extra inch.

ron mcatee

j brinkley, I put a couple of the zip ties on my 88 Carrera and they helped immensely.

Mike Murphy

I assume this will give me the equilavent sound as a drilled airbox? Have you done this? Also, is there a way to remove the air box cover completely and simply bungee the filter in? I assume this will give me the sound I'm looking for, and it will also prevent the destruction of the original airbox cover...what do you think?