I just bought my first Hilux last week - a '76 2wd, 5spd with a 20R.

I guess I should have opened the air box to check the filter before buying it, because when I did I saw that somebody butchered it with a dremel at some point. See attached images. They apparently couldn't get clearance above the choke cable connection (which also looks pretty janky) and just cut into the air box to make room - effectively bypassing the whole filter unit. The intake to the carb is looking particularly dirty and I can't imagine unfiltered air is good for any engine... It also appears they ditched any gaskets between the airbox/carb and filter/airbox (top and bottom), per the Haynes manual pictures.

Any suggestions?!

I guess for know I am going to try to rivet a piece of steel over the hole and seal it with some JB weld until I can find a real solution. Has anyone used an aftermarket performance filter unit with the 20R with the smog stuff still installed? Do they hit the hood? And what about all of the air return/vacuum lines leading in there? I understand that I can reroute the valve cover vent, or give it its own filter, but what about the rest? Any pointers are appreciated!

 

I completed my band-aid style fix of the airbox, and at least now I have filtered air for the engine. I bought $0.89 worth of steel flashing, cut and bent it to the proper shape, riveted it to the airbox, and then sealed it off with JB weld. It's not pretty, but it's super solid and certainly functional.








I'm still looking for a better long term solution that includes an aftermarket high-flow filter. I'm trying to keep the smog system intact for now, so I guess that's something to consider. I'm all ears if someone has any ideas.

 

Built a plenum