Hi There,
Today I was changing the air filter on my stock 01 vette.When I released the two retainer strap handles to remove the air filter. The other end of the release straps came out of the slots in the lower part of the filter housing. I can't seem to connect the release straps. Any Advice greatly appreciated.
robsc501

 

You need to completely remove the air intake system to correctly re-attach the metal retaining straps into the correct position.
Doing otherwise is futile and you may end up with them trapped incorrectly where they'll be loose and incapable of applying the correct tension.
Think of it as a bonding experience with your car. It's easy. Loosen or remove the clamp at the throttle body, the two grommets at the radiator cover, disconnect the wire connection(s), and then the two grommets at the front of the assembly behind the bumper fascia. You can get your arms between the open hood and bumper fascia to wiggle the grommets free.
There are two rubber grommets on the horizontal cross member behind the bumper fascia that need to be released. They look just like the two on the radiator cover (don't remove the pegs, just release the grommets).
When you go to reassemble the air intake, use some lubrication to facilitate the pegs into the rubber grommets. I use white lithium because it's water proof and long lasting.

 

Hi hotwheels57,
Thanks for your assistance.
I,am looking at the grommets at the 9 & 3 o'clock positions.They are holding the upper air cleaner assembly on. I turned them with a torx bit & they released with just a 1/4 of a turn.The assembly will not come off.Whats the next step by step procedure? Will this happen again at the next filter change? I can handle the difficult repairs but having trouble with this simple air filter change.I must be brian dead or tired & aching from working on my buddies c5. spark plug change & new wires & brakes today.That went smooth.
Thanks
robsc501

 

As I previously mentioned, there is no need to loosen/remove the (TORX) pegs that the rubber grommets sit on. Just wiggle the rubber grommets free from the pegs.
There are four of the peg/grommet fasteners, two on the top of the radiator cover and two on the horizontal crossmember behind the front bumper fascia. Just wiggle them free.
They're probably being difficult since they have had no lubrication and the rubber grommets tend to stick to the pegs. You might try to lubricate them with a shot of your favorite spray lubricant to see if that facilitates their release. You should be able to see the two on the horizontal crossmember with a flashlight.
Once you have the complete assembly off and see where the metal straps are supposed to hook to, you can bend the ends so they won't fall off with each air filter change. Then lubricate them with white lithium or similar when you re-install the assembly.
This should help you visualize where the metal straps are supposed to hook and where the two grommets are that attach to the horizontal crossmember...

 

Hi hot wheels 57,
What a difference a good nights sleep makes.We were out of town on friday, so on saturday morning I sprayed the grommets with wd-40 turned the screws back in,pulled the housing straight rearward & off she came.I was trying to pull it out on thursday by pulling up. Thats when I quit rather than break something.I was pretty tired at that point.You were correct it is so easy & simple to figure out once I could see the strap connection point,but I never changed this type of filter before.I fell like a dummy with the kind of automotive experience I have,but I,am not to old to learn something new.I just saw your picture. Nice picture & thanks for expert advice.What the name brand of the filter in the picture?
Have a good day & stay cool.
Thanks again
robsc501

 

I knew you could do it. Now you're ready for even more challenging projects...
My intake filter assembly is an oem Z06 intake. It's just like what came oem on your car, except the Z06 cars had a large opening on top instead of the smaller openings on the bottom. You can buy a Z06 intake top to replace your oem top. It's a direct fit. You might find one in the site classified forums. Some prefer just to modify their tops to allow more air intake. It's your choice.
I tried an after market intake system right after I got my car and got intermittent lean codes. I didn't want to drive 300 miles round trip and pay $500 for a dyno tune. I believe my 5,200 ft altitude had much to do with it.
So, I returned to the oem intake, but increased the opening significantly, modified the square filter retainer, added an SLP coupler instead of the accordion coupler, painted the emblem and used constant torque clamps instead of the oem worm clamps. I use a K&N drop in filter. The aluminum expanded metal mesh is to keep the bugs out.
It looks almost oem until you look down behind the bumper fascia and see the larger opening. It sounds better. It runs as good as the after market intake system did...but, best of all, no more codes.

 

one on the very rare AC rechargeable units?

 

I guess I need to take another image of that...I get the same response every time I post it. This time I forgot to mention it myself to spoil everyone's fun.
It's the 110v version on a ground fault interrupter...

 

thanks for not depriving me of my moment of fun this Sunday afternoon

 

The next time you change your filter, put a couple of strips of duct tape over the metal straps to hold them in place. After changing the filter and putting everything back together, pull the duct tape off!

 

Hi hot wheels 57,
That is a very nice set up you have.I noticed the larger air screen right away.Good idea on using the aluminum mesh screen, functional & good looking too.
I know that you have installed a smooth type coupler. Do you have a good GM p/n for the z06 intake top? I would think that once I completed this mod.I would need to use a 06 filter? Would the new filter still be the slide in type? I prefer to remain with the paper type air filter.I never heard of that type of clamp.I never had a problem with the worm style. Would the IAT sensor & 90mm MAF still be sufficient with the increased air flow?
robsc501

 

Hi There Bills 03 Coupe,
Thanks for the excellent tip for the next filter change. I appreciate it.
Have a good day
robsc501

 

Here you go, pre cut with a K&N, you add the screen - $40 shipped

 

Hi Mag Red Conv,
Thanks for the picture.Where can I buy this a/box? Where do you buy the aluminum mesh screen & how do you secure it? My 01 ls1 vette is all stock & I graduated from the hot rod school long ago.I do punch it every so often.I,am just looking to increase the air flow to the engine with out throwing any codes.I don't plan on any additional performance mods.
This looks like a mod I can preform on my stock air box?What is the size of the opening & what did you use to get that nice clean cut?Does the lower half of the box where the filter rests need to be modded?
Thanks for any additional info.provided.
robsc501