DIY: how to remove hydrocarbon filters from 2024 Mustang GT / Dark Horse

[Smaaron]

I haven’t looked close at mine yet, but couldn’t you just rip these things out with long needle nose pliers without cutting any of the plastic retainers out? Or are the filters too stiff?

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[Jrws1014]

Also the increased airflow does make an audible whistling noise at the intake. I’m guessing it has to do with the limited amount of air the stock grill allows into the channeled intakes because of the filled in honeycombs in the grill that would be much more efficient if they were not closed off.

 

[dollybud]

I can attest that you can do this without removing the Mass Air Sensor if you want to.

Thanks for taking the time to do this with concise instructions along with pictures. Certainly helpful.

 

[BLUEZL600EFI]

I haven’t looked close at mine yet, but couldn’t you just rip these things out with long needle nose pliers without cutting any of the plastic retainers out? Or are the filters too stiff?

Yes Sir that's how I got mine out. you basically just unscrew/unwind them. I did not cut any internal plastic.

 

[Dave2013M3]

Smog tests are looking at the exhaust system, not the air intake.

Not in Cali, a CAI without a CARB EO# is instant fail.,

 

[Zig]

Not in Cali, a CAI without a CARB EO# is instant fail.,

Do they open the airbox?

 

[roket]

Not in Cali, a CAI without a CARB EO# is instant fail.,

and that's why i wouldnt wish my worst enemy to live in California. no fun allowed

 

[Dave2013M3]

and that's why i wouldnt wish my worst enemy to live in California. no fun allowed

Fun is allowed, it just has to have a CARB EO#. With the new S650 this is going to be a common thing with OTA updates and Ford seeing what software being installed on the car.

My 2020 GT has the Ford Performance Power kit and it has a CARB EO#.

BTW, I grew up in Mesa and graduated HS in Phoenix.

 

[Dave2013M3]

Do they open the airbox?

If you go to a standard test center, probably not as of yet. If you get sent to a referee, I would say yes. The 2024 just came out, I think as these these become more prevalent it wouldn't surprise me. Keep in mind, new vehicles don't have to smogged for 6 yrs. before the first inspection, I believe by then they will open up the airbox to check.

If I get a 2024 I would just purchase new elbows with the HC traps in there to install during inspection.

 

[mvpdj2000]

Reading some of these replies about removing the honeycomb filter is confusing. Cold Air Intakes don't have these filters so why are we making it a big deal about vapors. This can't be just a '24 concern. My '05 at the time had a paper filter as well. I still have the car 19 years later and no issues. I think we are over thinking the purpose, warranty concerns and hurting the car.

 

[jimgt2k24]

New EPA rule for 2024 models?

Reading some of these replies about removing the honeycomb filter is confusing. Cold Air Intakes don't have these filters so why are we making it a big deal about vapors. This can't be just a '24 concern. My '05 at the time had a paper filter as well. I still have the car 19 years later and no issues. I think we are over thinking the purpose, warranty concerns and hurting the car.

 

[mvpdj2000]

New EPA rule for 2024 models?

It’s possible, I know I don’t keep up with all rule changes.​

 

[NVPony]

I have a 24 manual pp. had the x pipe installed. Resonator removed. Install K&N high flow filters (sold as a dual pack by K&N). Then removed the hydro carbon filters.
I can confirm it sounds way more wicked. More pops. More musical. More bad arse. And it definitely pulls harder. Noticeably harder. Don’t care what the Dyno says. These 2 mods. X pipe and filters/HC removal is a must do. Should cost under $500

 

[LoWeLL216]

I have a 24 manual pp. had the x pipe installed. Resonator removed. Install K&N high flow filters (sold as a dual pack by K&N). Then removed the hydro carbon filters.
I can confirm it sounds way more wicked. More pops. More musical. More bad arse. And it definitely pulls harder. Noticeably harder. Don’t care what the Dyno says. These 2 mods. X pipe and filters/HC removal is a must do. Should cost under $500

I want this to be true... Only thing I've done on mine so far outside of cosmetics is an H-pipe.

 

[LoWeLL216]

I have a 24 manual pp. had the x pipe installed. Resonator removed. Install K&N high flow filters (sold as a dual pack by K&N). Then removed the hydro carbon filters.
I can confirm it sounds way more wicked. More pops. More musical. More bad arse. And it definitely pulls harder. Noticeably harder. Don’t care what the Dyno says. These 2 mods. X pipe and filters/HC removal is a must do. Should cost under $500

I want this to be true... Only thing I've done on mine so far outside of cosmetics is an H-pipe.

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