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Performance Air Filter for 911 996 997 (1997-2008) 3.4L 3.6L 3.8L Engine



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Sharper Throttle Response for Porsche 911 M96 & M97 Flat-Six Engines

Who It’s For: Designed specifically for Porsche 911 owners running the water-cooled M96 and M97 Flat-Six engine families in the 996 and 997.1 chassis.

The Problem: The factory paper filters in the M96 and M97 engines are built for silence and long-life durability, not maximum flow. These restrictive paper elements create a bottleneck in the factory airbox, especially as you climb toward the redline, where these flat-sixes need to breathe most. Standard filters also become a recurring cost, as they must be tossed every time they get dirty.

The Solution: We utilize BMC’s multi-layer cotton gauze technology to correct the intake restrictions of the M96 and M97 engines. By switching to a low-viscosity oil-saturated cotton, we allow a higher volume of air to reach the intake plenum while maintaining a 7-micron filtration rating—tighter than the factory 10-micron paper specs. This delivers a more induction-focused sound and immediate engine response.


Why This is the Ultimate Upgrade

  • Enhanced Intake Velocity: The epoxy-coated alloy mesh and multi-layer cotton allow for significantly higher CFM than the OEM paper filter, helping the engine reach its peak power band faster.
  • Full Moulding Construction: Unlike cheap aftermarket filters that are glued together, this unit is produced in a single mold. This means no welded joints that can crack or leak under the high heat found in the rear-engine Porsche engine bay.
  • Lifetime Serviceability: This is a "one-and-done" upgrade. When the filter gets dirty, you simply wash, re-oil, and reinstall it, maintaining factory-level fitment for the life of the vehicle.

Technical Specifications

Fitment 1997-2008 Porsche 911 (996/997)
Engine Family M96 / M97 Flat-Six
Factory Ratings 296 HP - 355 HP / 258 lb-ft - 295 lb-ft
Part Numbers 156/01, FB156/01

Compatibility & OEM Reference

Fits the Following Vehicles:

  • 1997-2001 Porsche 911 (996) 3.4L H6 Carrera / Carrera 4 / Coupe / Cabriolet
  • 2002-2006 Porsche 911 (996) 3.6L H6 Carrera / Carrera 4 / Carrera 4S / Targa
  • 2004 Porsche 911 (996) 40 Jahre Anniversary 3.6L H6
  • 2004-2008 Porsche 911 (997) 3.6L H6 Carrera / Carrera 4 / Targa 4
  • 2005-2008 Porsche 911 (997) 3.8L H6 Carrera S / Carrera 4S / Targa 4S / Club Coupe

Interchange Part Numbers:

156/01, FB156/01, 99611013103, 99611013104, 99611013152


The Performance Promise

Buy with confidence. As specialists in European performance, we know that Porsche engines require precision. This BMC filter is the same technology used by factory GT3 and RS racing programs to ensure the highest air purity without sacrificing the flow necessary for high-RPM performance.




Fitment

Make

Porsche

Engine Size

  • 3.8L
  • 3.4L
  • 3.6L

Year

  • 1997
  • 1998
  • 1999
  • 2000
  • 2001
  • 2002
  • 2003
  • 2004
  • 2005
  • 2006
  • 2007
  • 2008

Installation & Tools

The Wrench Time

  • Estimated Time: 30-45 Minutes
  • Difficulty: 2/10 - Basic hand tools and delicate sensor handling required.

Tools You Will Need

  • 10mm wrench or socket (for battery terminal & ground)
  • T20 and T25 Torx drivers (for airbox housing screws)
  • 7mm socket or flathead screwdriver (for intake boot hose clamp)
  • Small flathead screwdriver or panel popper (for delicate wiring harness clips)
  • Clean microfiber towel (for cleaning debris from lower airbox tray)
Mechanic’s Pro Tip (The "Gotcha"):
On the 3.8L M97 engine in your 911, the rear vacuum solenoid line connecting to the variable intake resonance flap is notoriously brittle from engine heat. If you pull the airbox out too aggressively, you will snap the plastic vacuum nipple clean off. Always disconnect the vacuum line gently before lifting the airbox. Additionally, ensure your performance filter is not over-saturated with oil before dropping it in; excess oil will atomize and contaminate the delicate hot-film Bosch MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor wire, triggering an immediate P0102 fault code.

Phase 1: Removing the Factory Air Filter from your 1997-2008 Porsche 911 3.8L

  1. Disconnect the Battery: Always start by popping the front hood (frunk) and disconnecting the negative battery terminal using a 10mm wrench to cut power to the DME and prevent throttle adaptation errors.
  2. Disconnect the MAF Sensor Harness: Locate the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor on the upper intake tube. Depress the center release tab using your thumb or a small flathead screwdriver and pull the harness straight off. Do not pull on the wiring loom directly.
  3. Loosen the Intake Plenum Boot: Using a 7mm socket or flathead screwdriver, loosen the worm-drive hose clamp securing the rubber intake elbow to the airbox housing. Gently work the rubber boot off the plastic outlet flange.
  4. Disconnect the Flap Vacuum Line: Trace behind the airbox on your 3.8L model to find the small vacuum supply hose for the resonance intake valve. Carefully pull the rubber elbow off the vacuum actuator nipple without twisting the brittle plastic housing.
  5. Release and Remove the Airbox Housing: Lift the entire airbox assembly upward to pop the lower retention pins out of their rubber chassis grommets. Bring the assembly to a clean workbench and remove the perimeter retaining screws using a T25 Torx driver. Separate the upper and lower halves to expose the OEM filter element.

Phase 2: Installing the Performance Air Filter

  1. Clean the Airbox Sump: Lift out the old paper air filter and discard it. Use a vacuum or a clean microfiber towel to thoroughly wipe out any road grit, leaves, or sand collected in the bottom of the lower airbox tray.
  2. Inspect the MAF Sensor: While the intake tract is open, inspect the internal MAF sensor housing. Ensure no foreign debris or residual oil is resting on the sensor grid. Handle this section with extreme care and do not touch the internal element with your fingers or mechanical tools.
  3. Seat the Performance Filter: Align your new performance air filter into the lower housing channel. Press firmly around the full rubber/polyurethane sealing edge to ensure the perimeter lip sits completely flush with zero pinch points or gaps that could allow unmetered air to bypass the filter.
  4. Reassemble and Reinstall the Airbox: Mate the upper housing to the lower tray and hand-tighten the housing fasteners using your T25 Torx driver until snug (do not over-torque into the plastic threads). Lower the airbox back into the 911 engine bay, pressing firmly down to engage the rubber locating grommets.
  5. Reconnect Intake Plumbing and Sensors: Slide the intake plenum rubber boot over the airbox outlet and tighten the hose clamp using your 7mm socket until firm. Reattach the small resonance flap vacuum line. Plug the MAF sensor wiring connector in until you hear a definitive click.
  6. Reconnect Battery and Perform Idle Adaptation: Reconnect the negative battery terminal with your 10mm wrench. Turn the ignition key to Position 2 (ON) without starting for 15 seconds, then fire the engine. CRITICAL: Do NOT touch the gas pedal for at least 20 to 30 seconds after initial startup; allow the engine to idle freely so the Porsche DME can baseline the updated air volume readings.

Disclaimer: This is a general guide provided for the 1997-2008 Porsche 911 3.8L. Always refer to your factory service manual for exact torque specifications and safety procedures.

Warranty

All products are backed by our Limited Lifetime Warranty. We stand by our quality. [See terms]

Performance Air Filter for 911 996 997 (1997-2008) 3.4L 3.6L 3.8L Engine

$140.00