turtle96

I got into the air filter on my '96 CE LT1 last night for the first time since I have owned it. One of the hold down bolts for the air filter lid seemed came out normally, but when I went to screw it back down, it was like there was nothing for it to screw into. I didn't have time to take anything apart, so ... what do the lid hold down bolts screw into - the air filter housing? Are there threaded inserts in that (plastic) housing? I'd like to repair if possible rather than replace.

From the service manual it appears the lid and housing (items 5 and 3 in the pics) remove pretty easily from the upper radiator support (item 4). How hard is the housing to remove from the radiator support? I just want to get a feel for what I am getting into.

I've attached pics from the service manual, and an actual picture under the hood of my car.

Thanks in advance!

Izzy Dizzy

Perhaps you can find a "nutserts" product that will assist you in a repair.

https://www.clipsandfasteners.com/Nutserts-s/141.htm

MLaw

The two fasteners on the ends of the air filter housing thread into "speed nuts" that are clipped onto the upper radiator cover (#4 in the FSM picture). The speed nuts are just stamped from sheetmetal and can get stripped easily. If you remove the air cleaner housing you will see the pieces I am referring to. If the speed nut is damaged, you can easily remove it and take along with the fastener to an Auto Parts store and find a suitable replacement. I have several extra speed nuts at home and I can send you one if you would like.

WVZR-1

Do you know if you've used the correct length at the correct locations? Longer on the ends X 2 and shorter in the center.

The center is actually a 'nut-sert' style (M6x1.0) but is very light duty. Depending upon the damage to the air cleaner housing what you buy would be very dependent upon that.

The ends are generally referred to as 'U' Nuts or 'Fold Over' (M6x1.0) and available in many/most good hardware stores, dealers and fastener suppliers. They have various reach and material thickness.

A 12669 Auveco or equivalent would be correct or very close.

***The ends through the cleaner to the upper radiator mounting panel are the more critical and I'd think need done correctly. That's what determines the stability of the air cleaner assembly.

turtle96

The key to my issue is right here. I didn't know the middle hold down was shorter until I was researching vendors for an air cleaner housing gasket. I saw they had two listings for the hold down bolts and figured out they were different lengths. Embarrassing, but oh well. It's my first Corvette and I'm learning.

Thanks to all for the helpful replies, and for the offer to send me some C nuts.

does anyone know where I can get a gasket for the air cleaner housing? Right now I've got some hardware store open cell foam weather stripping I'm planning to use. I was not able to find anything OEM online.

thanks again!

WVZR-1

A correct air cleaner element installed correctly is the seal 'cover to housing'.

turtle96

I definitely agree. Is this foam seal not factory, then? Or do you have the same on yours?

belairbrian

When I bought my car it had a K&N filter and someone had added weatherstrip foam. Since I was going back to a regular filter I scrapped it all off.

turtle96

Well, I learned why the foam was there. The air box is pretty warped, so foam is needed to get a good seal. A flashlight poked into the assembly told the story. It's sealed ok now.

Anyone have any induction kits they are in love with? I may replace the housing some day. If I do, I would give some thought to something aftemarket....