I opened up the engine for the first time on my new-to-me Boxster (98, 70k). This car is a bit of a mystery as I don't know much about it, or how it has been serviced. I'm trying to do all the "normal" stuff to get a baseline. That's why I wanted to change the air filter.
Surprise!
Someone has put an aftermarket filter (K&N?) in . The orange hose is a poorly installed gasket that is supposed to go around the intake pipe entering the box.
The air box is open on the top - maybe it seals a bit with the engine cover? I removed the hose clamps and found that you cannot remove the air filter from the box - the filter is too big to get out the top. I think the box would have to be loosened up.
I'm interested in what it would take to go back to the stock configuration. What do you guys think? I can't believe this setup is better than stock.