Is it just me, or are the tabs that hold the top of the airbox down (the plastic ones toward the engine, not the metal ones toward the fender) retardedly hard to get set into place? I dont want to tear the seal on my filter but it's just stupid hard to get the tabs into place.

I just bought a new airbox 'cause I broke the plastic tabs off my old one, and am still finding it extremely difficult w/out using excessive force...

any tips?

 

do push ups, and push harder.

Seriously though, it is a pain to get the thing back in. I usually just aim for the gap between the filter rim and notches on the bottom side of the box.
What type of filter do you have? You might try comparing the current filter to an oem filter side by side. maybe the lip is bigger on the one you have in there?

I just use the OEM filters, have been for 67K miles and no problems.

 

I'm using an STi filter, same exact size as OEM...

Yeah, but I already broke one airbox pushing too hard...

eh, i guess I'll just have to get over it and try not to break it again

 

when i put the airbox top back on i remove the intake piping. it gives you a little more room to guide the tabs into the slots. also if you have any play in the filter try pulling it towards the passenger side before installing the top. hope this helps for next time.