Generation III External Engine - I need a better fitting lid...what are the best fitting lids?

Heres my lid that came on the car. Its and oldie. The tabs in the back dont even reach the slots so it looks like its not sitting down on the filter all the way. I need something better. Whats are the best fitting lids?


http://i489.photobucket.com/albums/rr253/senicalj/IMG00126.jpg

the best fitting lid i have tried, is the OEM SLP Blackwing that came on SS's and Firehawks.

These lids are finnicky. Are you using a paper or K&N filter? I used to have a blackwing filter and my lid never sat right, switched to paper and it looks better.

Also, it looks like you pulled the factory bellows out, that may be part of what is pushing your lid forward. You might try and trim some of the end down a few millimeters at a time and see if that helps slide it back some.

What type of hood do you have?

Ive got an MTI lid and it fits just fine on my SS.

These lids are finnicky. Are you using a paper or K&N filter? I used to have a blackwing filter and my lid never sat right, switched to paper and it looks better.

Also, it looks like you pulled the factory bellows out, that may be part of what is pushing your lid forward. You might try and trim some of the end down a few millimeters at a time and see if that helps slide it back some.

Im using a k&n. This is how I bought the car. It has a smooth bellow on it. I actualy cut it down earlier,and played with it a bit. I fixit it for now. Its sealed up now im happy. Yes you are right it was pushing the lid forward a bit but all better now.


What type of hood do you have?

I have a stock ss hood.


Ive got an MTI lid and it fits just fine on my SS.

Yes,I had a MTI clear lid on my 98. I really liked it. After this one cracks I think I might end up with another MTI.

Supposedly the newer designed SLP lids fit much better. I just ordered one and it got here today to I'll let you know how it fits when I get home and swap it out...

looks like the old TSP lid that's no longer around anymore...

I run an FTP 85mm lid, it's got a nice tight fit. But, you have to run a coupler to connect to stock MAF and drill a hole for IAT sensor. WS6store will drill the hole for free for you if you buy from them. I really like it. It does rub on the hood a little, but not bad. You can put a little cushion or file a tiny layer of a lip of the hood where it hits. It's still a great lid and would get another.

If you want a clear lid definitely get the FTP over the MTI. FTP is stronger and won't crack as easily. I chose black for looks though

+1 on the OEM/SLP Blackwing SS/Firehawk lid.

FTP here also. Fits perfect. Like mentioned above, if you run the 85mm you'll need a coupler to mate to your 75mm MAF.

I've owned 6 lids in 11 years and now have the FTP 85mm. Fits awesome, best one yet.

for what it's worth my FTP 104 fit's much better than my SLP did

for what it's worth my FTP 104 fit's much better than my SLP did

Does it rub the hood....Thats the only thing im scared of, i heard the SS hoods have some clearance issues

Supposedly the newer designed SLP lids fit much better. I just ordered one and it got here today to I'll let you know how it fits when I get home and swap it out...

I order an SLP about a week ago and installed it and it seems to have just as good a fit as my stock one.

My TSP one fit like complete shit and my regular SLP one doesn't fit that spectacular either. It rubs on the top of the hood...

Does it rub the hood....Thats the only thing im scared of, i heard the SS hoods have some clearance issues

Thats what im wondering. I think its a very common problem because the company is well aware of the problem. They have some solutions on their site but its a who knows if its gonna fit kinda thing with the ss hood

+1 on the OEM/SLP Blackwing SS/Firehawk lid.

Yeah, but compare $300 for the Blackwing or whatever they go for to $85 for the SLP... most guys will sacrifice a little fitment...

I order an SLP about a week ago and installed it and it seems to have just as good a fit as my stock one.

Yeah, mine fit like a glove too. Apparently the new ones fit better. I ordered one for my last T/A a few years back and it fit like shit... this one is MUCH better.

i switched from K&N filter to wix paper filter last night. wix filter is a lot thicker than K&N and now I can see some of the orange edges of the wix paper filter. is this normal?

i switched from K&N filter to wix paper filter last night. wix filter is a lot thicker than K&N and now I can see some of the orange edges of the wix paper filter. is this normal?

I can too so assume its normal. I have the SLP lid and it doesn't fit all that great. The front where the clamps are, its like one side is in front and one side fits inside of the bottom piece. In this pic its pretty well on the outside though.. I will have to get a pic. I feel like I have its sealed though, used a lot of extra door/window stripping stuff. The OEM lid fit a million times better, IMO. Here is a pic, but its kinda hard to see what I am talking about. Whats the best way to check for a good seal?
http://i34.tinypic.com/f0nn69.jpg

I can too so assume its normal. I have the SLP lid and it doesn't fit all that great. The front where the clamps are, its like one side is in front and one side fits inside of the bottom piece. In this pic its pretty well on the outside though.. I will have to get a pic. I feel like I have its sealed though, used a lot of extra door/window stripping stuff. The OEM lid fit a million times better, IMO. Here is a pic, but its kinda hard to see what I am talking about. Whats the best way to check for a good seal?
http://i34.tinypic.com/f0nn69.jpg

OK, so i guess it does not just happen to me. I am kinda surprised to see the poor fitment on SLP product. I, for one, thought they would get the fitment down to an art. :(

I might have to shop around for a stock lid now. Or, should I? :engarde:

I think the MTI lid is supposed to fit the best. Well a stock "lid" is the blackwing, which aint cheap. If you get the SLP just use some weather stripping stuff and make sure it seals as best you can. Some peoples SLP lids might fit better than mine some worse maybe IDK. One guy told me the old ones were made better, but I got a new one so I can't say. I know its a bitch getting the MAFS on the lid itself. Lots of lube and maybe a light sanding. Oh yeah on my new SLP lid it had little plastic pieces all over it, so be ready to do some cutting or sanding. WS6store has $1 shipping on them so that was the cheapest I could find.

I have the MTI (Carbon Fiber look, aka black plastic) lid. Fits perfect and snug.

I went outside yesterday and messed with mine some more and got it to look a little better, its not hanging over the plastic base anymore, still not a "great" fit, but for $91 shipped I kinda expected that.

I've had my SLP since 2003 or 2004 and it fits perfectly- never rubbed the hood, sits perfectly over the base etc. My Blackwing lid fits the same. I can only assume that SLP had some inconsistent manufacturing issues over the years. As for that STUPID gasket required for the K&N... you would think that for the $ it would be direct fit, esp. considering the dubious hp claims and ONGOING filtering debate...

I just bought a new SLP lid after my MTI clear lid cracked. The MTI lid fit great for years. The SLP lid fits terrible. The front tabs don't seem to go in far enough and the 2 front metal clips keep popping off. I wish I still had my MTI lid.:(