The VCM OTR is a high-performance intake, so it needs looking after like one. Its positioning, volume and location are what make it work so well, but there is a trade-off: more airflow means more air being filtered, and more air being filtered means the filter gets dirty faster.

How often should you clean a VCM OTR?

Every 2000 km. Inspect it, clean it if required, and put it back. Do this, and you protect two things: the life of the filter itself, and the performance gain you paid for. A clean high-flow filter quietly hands that performance gain back.

What do you clean it with?

We use and recommend the K&N 99-5000 Filter Recharge Kit. It's a four-step system made for K&N oiled cotton filters: clean, rinse, dry, oil.

How to remove and clean the filter in your VCM OTR

You don't need a hoist or a full afternoon. What you do need is a clean, flat surface to work on, the K&N Filter Recharge Kit, and enough time to let the filter dry properly before it goes back in.

Step 1: Remove the VCM OTR from the engine bay.
Loosen the hose clamp from the throttle body. Then you can lift the whole assembly out and take it to your clean workspace.

Step 2: Remove the rubber boot and clean the MAF sensor (optional, but recommended).
Loosen the large hose clamp from the rear of the OTR outlet and the boot pulls straight off. Set it aside somewhere clean so no grit ends up on the inside face. While it's off, use a good quality MAF sensor cleaner on the sensor. It's delicate, so do not use carburettor or throttle body cleaner.

Step 3: Unclip the 2 side clips on each end of the OTR.
Work around the housing section by section, keeping pressure on each clip as you go.

Step 4: Push down on the 6 top clips.
These release the top of the housing. Release each one before you move on to the next, working around the housing and keeping pressure on each clip.

Step 5: Push down on the 6 bottom clips.
Same again underneath. Once the side, top and bottom clips are all released, the housing opens up.

Step 6: Lift the air filter out of the OTR housing.
Have a look at it before you clean it. If it's caked in dust after 2000 km, that's the filter doing its job, not something going wrong.

Step 7: Clean the filter with the K&N Recharge Kit, let it dry completely, then re-oil before reinstalling.
Spray the cleaner on, let it soak in the shade, rinse with low pressure water (not a pressure washer) from the clean side out, then leave it to air dry. Don't use compressed air or a heat gun to speed it up, and don't put it back in damp. Once dry, apply the filter oil from the kit.

Reassembly

Same steps in reverse: filter in, clips on, boot on, OTR back in the engine bay. Make sure all the hose clamps are tight and every breather hose and wiring connector is plugged back in.