2001 C5ster

I have a k&n filter that I am trying to put in my stock air box, but the directions are unclear as to whether i should be including the housing that held the old paper filter.

Without the housing, the filter has lots of extra space and the latches wont even lock, but with the housing there is not enough space to reattach the top portion of the air box, it hits the front and cannot clear the grommets.
Any clues?

73Corvette