Airbox Modification
Last Updated: 21-02-03

Introduction

Before I thought about modifying the airbox on the GTE I managed to buy a second hand K+N panel filter. I had one of these on my previous car - Rover 420GSi Turbo, and once fitted the car seemed smoother and more responsive when cold, so decided another one would be a good idea for the GTE.
The RRP for one of these was over £70 at the time. When I had the Rover I got one for half price in a Halfords sale. However, getting it second hand for £20 with an airbox included was even better because it is a reusable airfilter meaning at every service you just clean it rather than throwing it away and buying another.
Obviously for £70 it must last a long time!

I didnt notice a huge difference when I popped the K+N in, so decided that it was probably not running at its optimum - maybe it was being starved of air. So far it seemed the Astra didnt respond as well as the Rover, but I wasnt with the airbox yet...

Modifications Were Performed!

First of all I undid the bolts holding the airbox down to the engine bay, and losened the clips holding the induction piping from the airbox to the airmass meter. I could then slide the piping off and withdraw the airbox
With the Airbox off I replaced it with the spare one I got with the second hand K+N filter.
It had already been drilled - large holes in the bottom and lots of small ones in the front.
After fitting I have to admit there didnt seem to be much difference.

---