I drive a 96 LX, and just want to ask/be sure on a few things generally regarding the air filter and possibly replacing it.

In another thread here (automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=452489), someone posted regarding a "scoop-like" piece blocking the air filter cover from being removed and someone else replied that thing could just be pulled out, no need to undo any screws. I have such a piece in front of my filter; is this typical for all/certain year or specific models? If so, is mine included? I'd hazard to guess yes, but I want to be sure before finding out the hard way it isn't.

As far as a replacement for the filter, 3 things to bear in mind...

I don't generally drive more 20 miles a day, only occassionally spiking up to 40 on days off if out and about with friends.
Most driving will be stop-&-go city driving.
I live in a rather dusty environment, an outlying area of Kansas City, MO.
I'm not looking to "sup up" or "trick out" my car, I'd just like to get from A to B at reasonable Honda speeds without burning much gas.

Some have recommended a low/midrange K&N as a good replacement for stock. Any opinions?

im guessing you still have your stock intake. i know when i had mine i usually got any kind of filter replacement. purolator i tihnk is the brand from advanced auto parts here on the east coast. yes, you can get the k&n filter. k&n is a good brand but i think its a little bit more espensive. if you want a BRAND NAME part, go with k&n. i thik it should help with incraesing your mileage. but if you want to get to A to B w/o killing your wallet, just go with the regular type of filter. in the end, both parts do the same thing.

as for the part you are talking about, i think what you are talking about is the j-pipe. works like a bypass valve for an aem intake. prevents your car from sucking up water ( to my knowledge). but anyway, you can just easily pull it out and set it back in after you replace your filter. hope that helps

Im the one that replied in the other post. Yeah they all have the same air intake design. Its easy to change just pull out the air intake piece in the front and unbolt the 4 screws on the air filter box then unbolt the battery bracket so you can open the air filter box and theres the air filter. About the air filters I have a k&n air filter and they do seem like a good air filter to have. I jus took mine out and put the stock air filter back in and it seemed like my gas mileage wasnt as good as it was. i dont know if it was my imagination or if this is true. I do know that i am going to be cleaning my k&n air filter and putting it back in. The reason i bought the stock filter again was cuz i didnt feel like cleanin the k&n filter but i am going to now.

purolators are fine until you head for aftermarket upgrades, cuz that k&n costs around 50$$$ and thats alot for a filter. A friend of mine bought one for his truck though and he said he does get better gas mileage.