I ordered XJS air filters from Auto Zone (STP brand). As I started to remove the old ones and install the new ones, I discovered the old ones had the metal plate toward the rear to allign with the throttle air intake opening, but the new ones had a metal plate slightly forward toward the center with 2 openings on the back side, with the rear opening in front of the throttle air intake. Reading other forum comments, I understand the metal plate is intentionally designed to be aligned withe the throttle air intake. So, I intend to return these and order the correct parts elsewhere, my question is, did Jaguar have different designs/construction of the air filters for different model years, based on different position of the throttle air intake opening? Are the filters with 2 openings intended for specific model years or

is this design just wrong?

Eric
XJS air filters.

 

The plate should line up with the throttle body as you know. On some cars, the air filters are shifted forward to give room for the ABS equipment. You have early filters for Autozone. Try ordering 95’s

 

There are 2 different types of air filter elements for 5.3L. Cars with ABS had the air box moved forward so the TB is at the very rear of the air box.

I replaced mine with K&N which are washable, as I live in a rural area with lots of dirt roads I can wash them every time I service the car.

 

That makes sense, as my 86 V12 with no ABS has the throttle bodies lining up with the upper picture, and my air filters look like the upper ones too.

Anyway, now I know the ones to buy from Autozone!

 

There were also carb versions of the XJ6/E Type that used similar filters.