I purchased Part # 31-10164 for a 2008 Mitsubishi Evo to replace my used air filter. It looks great... dry filter, cleanable and reusable.

Everything was cool until I spent over 2 hours trying to fit the air filter. I finally took the whole air box apart to figure out why it does not fit. The filter is too big to fit the airbox!

I have taken some pictures to illustrate the problem. Below is a comparison to an OEM style filter that does fit. The AFE drop in is ALMOST the same size but is too wide by a few mm. This makes it so it covers the holes on the airbox that is needed in order for it to close and seal.

I swear, companies really need to do better R&D on their products. From the look of this thing it looks like it was never test fitted on an actual car. Otherwise the error would be obvious. The alternative is that their manufacturing quality is so shoddy that there is huge variances in air filter size. I tend to believe that is not the case.

The AFE is taller than the Cosworth (OEM fitment).

AFE is wider than the Cosworth filter.


Here is the Cosworth - it clears the hole needed for the airbox to close.

Here is the AFE - it does not clear the hole needed for the airbox to close.

Again, Cosworth.

AFE...

 

I agree on the r&d mate. Same thing happened to me on a 2004 Vw golf. The K&N drop in filter was not fitting like stock one. It was close but of and hard to fit.

 

Any update from aFe about this filter yet??

As far as I know, this is the only drop-in filter for the Evo X that is both reusable/washable and non-oiled (one of the JDM importers is now stating that the Ralliart is not intended to be reusable (LINK)). I'd really like to get one, but it's kinda pointless if the dang thing doesn't fit. Hopefully, they'll figure it out and sell a revised v2 or something, if they haven't already.

I'm really surprised that AEM doesn't jump in and sell a drop-in filter with their Dryflow material.. I bet it would sell pretty well.

 

I bought one used from lomker. He said it was a PITA to get in. With a buddy (i.e. an extra set of hands) we got it in my car in about 5 minutes. Definitely a snug fit, but it DOES FIT! Great filter.

 

I'll be installing one this weekend, will report back with my thoughts/impressions.

 

I got mine installed yesterday without issue. It took me no longer than installing the stock filter and fitment seemed just as snug and tight.

 

Just curious why you were switching from the cosworth?

 

Thanks Kracka and Scheides for the info!

Notice any improvement in MPG or sound, compared to the stock filter?

 

I can definitely hear the turbo more clearly and the car does feel a bit more responsive, the top-end also feels less choked. The fuel mileage of the X sucks so bad I don't even bother tracking it

 

I plan on getting this filter too. For those who are running this filter, how well does it compared to others such as the HKS, Works, K&N etc? Im looking for possibly a little more response and sound. I figured its dry and washable, just what i need. Hopefully i dont run into fitment problems, ill keep you guys posted.