Is there any difference in the lower air box along the XJ years? I had the bright idea to toss the lower portion to my 97' when I got a CAI. My gas milage suffered and I wish to go back to stock. Trouble is the junkyards only have 1996 and older, and don't feel like paying $60 for a new one.

 

I don't recall the old ones looking any different from my 1999's, just changes to the lid for the evap vac line and where the CCV draws from.

By CAI I assume you mean a cone filter with no heat shielding sitting beside the exhaust manifold?

 

Yup, that's what I mean by CAI. Pair of hose clamps holding it in place. I still have the lid oddly enough.
I figure I go back to stock, k&n filter, an maybe route a cowl intake to the box. And wrap the whole deal in thermal shielding.

 

i just did the cowl intake on thursday.. its great!

 

Which method did you install yours? I've seen one that extends across the engine into the passenger side. And the way I might try is just a hose into the driver side firewall/cowl.