Both Berk and Frankencar offer more expensive versions of their intakes. The only difference between the low-cost and high-cost units are the filters. The ones that come with the Apexi dry filter tend to cost a ton more money, and they claim to flow very well while avoiding the risk of fouling the MAF sensor with oil from the filter. The more reasonably priced units tend to come with old-style oiled K&N filters, which are proven to be good filters.

Some board members, including E55AMG2 have voiced the opinion that they see no reason to buy the Apexi without proof that it is capable of flowing a good volume of air. I agree with them, but that doesn't mean that I don't want an Apexi. It just means that I'm not sure whether the Apexi is worth it or not. I hope it is, because even if the risk of fouling my MAF with an oiled filter is slim, I don't want to take the unnecessary risk. After all, it's a rule of nature that whatever CAN go wrong WILL go wrong when it comes to my cars.

Does anybody have some hard input on the two filters (other than "GREAT FILTER!" or "I LOVE IT!")? Ideally, I'd like dyno numbers, but a good butt-dyno comparison from somebody who has used both filters would be great too.

Thanks in advance for any input you guys can offer!

 

apexi = not worth it. I've had k&n on two different cars (one being my maxima) for years and have never had a problem with my MAF.

If you're really concerned, instead of re-oiling your k&n just buy a new one. It'll take years before you equal the cost of an apexi filter.

 

I have no doubt that the K&N is a good filter. I have used one before on my old B15 Sentra. Can you elaborate on why the Apexi isn't worth it? Do you say that just because it costs too much (I agree that it's expensive) or because it doesn't perform well (if it doesn't flow, I won't buy it).

Berk and Frankencar both claim the same gains with both filters, but I don't believe everything I read on a parts company's website. I'm always interested in saving money, but I'll spend a little extra for peace of mind. Of course, if the Apexi filter doesn't flow a similar volume of air as the K&N filter, using the Apexi would defeat the purpose of getting a less restrictive intake.

If money were not an issue, which filter would you get?

 

money not being an issue, apexi considering you don't have to oil it and it's good for 100k but then again, you'd have to buy another filter after that. ppl say that it's slightly louder. k&n looks better, apexi looks short and stubby imo.

 

So basically, everybody is giving me a big "I DON'T KNOW."

I know the K&N looks nice. I know that the intake will growl no matter what filter I use (even if one sounds different from the other). I know that it's convenient not to oil the Apexi. I know that the Apexi costs more.

BUT

Noise = Unimportant
Looks = Unimportant
Price = Unimportant
Convenience = Unimportant
Performance = My main concern

Let me spell it out simply.

Is the Apexi significantly more restrictive than the K&N? Performance is my primary concern and peace of mind is my secondary concern. I will give up the peace of mind I get from a non-oiled filter like the Apexi if I find out that the Apexi can't perform. I asked you guys because I didn't want to have to buy BOTH filters and test them myself.

 

No, basically everyone is giving you a big "it's a waste of money."

Apexi *may* give better flow (or it could get splashed 1 week into owning it and it won't give better flow) but even if it stays just as clean as a k&n, the extra 0.2hp you get from it is not going to be noticeable.

If money wasn't an issue I'd get k&n, because sooner or later money always becomes an issue and apexi's "gains" aren't worth the extra $$.

 

It seems like all the advantages are on K&N's side. Nearly the same performance as the Apexi (my main concern) plus it costs a LOT less. The only possible disadvantage is the oil/MAF problem, and even though I've read a lot of threads about Maximas with bad MAF sensors, I've never read one on the Org about a failed MAF caused by oil from an aftermarket filter.

Thanks for the input.

 

BTW- the Apexi filter WILL NOT go 100k miles. It is stated clearly on Berk's information page that the Apexi filter is suggested to be replaced every 30-50k miles while the K&N will last you 100K+.

 

^ Even more reason to go with K&N.

I'm convinced. I'll take my chances with the MAF issue. I know dozens of B15 Spec-V owners, an Accord driver, and a Civic driver who all have oiled filters. No problems related to filter oil from them, and none reported (as far as I know) by Org members.

 

Yes, I have the Berk with the K&N and have had ZERO issues and have been extremely happy. I would definitely suggest you hit up cobymoby at Berk Technologies to see if he will cut you a deal. He has by far the best customer service and frankencar has really gone downhill in that area as of late.

 

here look at this---> http://www.mkiv.com/techarticles/fil...t/2/index.html