I just got my k&n and it came with some foam padding strip, I put it on and now my box won't close, should I just ditch it?

 

I had the same problem, but the foam isn't going to make that big of a deal if you leave it off. Besides, it doesn't stick well anyway.

 

I just put one on my 02 yesterday and the foam strip is needed to provide a good seal. Mine was very tight and required some force to get the two prongs to slide in .. then latched up fine..

 

Tried it without the foam strip and I deffinetely noticed a big difference with the k&n and the air box mod, then I put the foam strip back on, I know it sounds stupid but I felt an even bigger difference! Very happy with m 40 dollar mod.

 

Been running mine for a year and a half without the foam dealie... no trouble...

Blow it off

 

yea some of those panel filters arent the best fit w/ stock airboxes....in my tbird i had a pretty hard time and almost had to stand on the friggin' lid to get that thing closed.....

 

I think you need the foam to get a good seal. With the foam in the lid you have to be careful putting it together. I took the intake hose and throttle cables off so I could angle the top like the picture in the instructions. I didn't get the foam when I ordered the filter and sent K&N an E mail. They sent me the foam real fast. It would be a better setup if you did not have to use the foam for sure, K&N should redesign the filter. I also put a little grease on the foam so the top would slide into the hold downs easier. It sure seems to put alot of pressure on the plastic hold downs.