I notice a lot of guys on here have the K&N air filter, any power gains to be had by getting one of those? I am talking about a unit that replaces the stock air filter, they are more expensive than a stock air filter, I am wondering if they are worth it... Thanks...

 

Yes, they are worth it. If you consider that they're about $50 and are good for th elife of your car (and then some) and only need to be cleaned about every 50000 miles. A paper filter however, only lasts about 15000 miles and are $7-10 each. So, even at the cheap price, you only get about 7 filters or about 105000 miles out of the $50 otherwise with the paper filters. Our lovely VQs are good for well above that mileage

Its possible that the replacement K&N can add up to 4 HP or so... And once they get used some (ie dirt built up on them) they filter better than paper ones. The only drawback to the K&N is if the filter gets over-oiled, either from the factory or cleaning, and then the oil can show up on your MAF sensor and cost you some pretty $$$ to replace. As long as the filter isn't over-oiled (dripping or oil gets on things easily when touched) you are all right. I use one and think that it seems to help the engine rev more freely (maybe need my head examined). I'd say try one and see what you think. You just might want to check the filter every so often as well as the screen behind the filter to make sure there's no build up form over-oiling.

 

I don't notice any power difference at all but you never have to buy another filter again.

 

This is not quite a true statement. K&N is a good product, and no one here will really argue that fact. They have been around for years, and have had very good success in the past. I am not about to start an air filter war, but here are a few things you all should be aware of. First the K&N does not last forever, and will not be the last filter you ever buy. Second, with incorrect, or insufficient cleanings you will experience pin holes. These pin holes will allow dirt and other particle into the inlet, and subsequently dust the valves. Third, the K&N is quite abit more expensive than other filters on the market. Fourth, the K&N requires the use of a cleaning "solution" for each cleaning. Most other cotton/gauze filters require the same thing. Foam filters such as Amsoil's will not require the use of such harsh, foul smelling products. Finally, there is such a thing as "over oiling" your filter. This is true in any re-usable filter. The owner must be cognicent of how much is actually being applied. I personally have drop kicked each and every K&N I have owned in the recent past as far as possible. Each has developed pin holes after the second cleaning. K&N didn't stand behind their product, and blames this "phenominon" on poor cleaning, and a lack of maintenance. This may be true for some, but not likely in my case. Since 1999, I have used nothing but Amsoil filters in all of my vehicles with nary a problem, nor have any of my customer. Infact, most have found it easier to clean and maintain than the K&N, and other filters. With that said, I will bid you all a fond good evening. Again, I am not trying intentionally to bash a product line, but look at it from all sides before jumping to a conclusion.

Bret

In edit, one more thing I forgot. K&N has issues with sealing problems, and the lack of complete sealing in many new vehicles. They will not comment on this, nor will they tell you about it. Such vehicles as the 94-97 F-series, 2000-up SuperDuties, Hondas (be nice), and other European import vehicles.

 

Good points - fortunately the seal is about as good as you can possibly get with the Max K&N stock panel filter replacement. If it lasts me 40K (use for 20K, clean, then another 20K, then get a new one) then I think you end up close to even dollarwise if you would have replaced the stock filter say every 10K miles. I don't plan on clening my K&N more than once before getting a new one for the reasons you stated.

 

I returned my K&N a few days ago. It costs around $50. I kinda/sorta/maybe noticed a small difference. Could be in my head though. Then when I re-installed my stock filter, I thought the car was driving "smoother" meaning more "buttery" acceleration. But that too could be in my head!

In any case, I have opted to drop in a BERK INTAKE and I also ordered a generic matrix filter w/open top (an additional $15) to experiment with. Possibly attaching a tube to the MAF, and extending it to a location w/cold air. (for summer setup)

G

 

I tried the Matrix. It was ok... I think the KN is better though..

 

Man, all of the AMSOIL distributers sound just like them AMWAY Pyramid pirates! (say wha?)

But, I probably will use Amsoil oil & oilfilter cause I've been brainwashed!... and I will recommend it to 5 of my friends, who each will recommend it to 5 of their friends, etc... Either that, or I'll try Royal Purple synthetic oil.

But I think I'll stick to the BERK INTAKE & K&N combo for air filtration.

G

 

Dont forget to try The Ab Stimulator, hooked up to your alternator....it adds 5-10 HP...

 

lol

Kloogy, go to sleep man! You're slowing down the forum with your posts!

G

 

Nope, dyno tested and proven for 2 hp. If you want 5-10, you have to install the deer warning whistles. They direct the air more indirectly for direct response in the direction your going.

Bret

 

This is a re-post from another thread.

Controversy exists over whether non-oiled foam filters (i.e., HKS, Monsterflow, etc.) are as effective as oiled filters (K&N, Amsoil, etc.) in removing small particulate matter. There is also a question as to whether non-oiled filters flow air as well as oiled filters.

For more information, check out the following:

http://www.knfilters.com/facts.htm

http://www.amsoil.com/products/ts.html

I have not run a non-oiled air filter on my Maxima. However, I have run both an Amsoil drop-in filter and a K&N drop-in filter. According to my butt dyno, the Amsoil performed about the same as a paper filter and the K&N performed better than both.

 

And then there are always these little gems:

http://www.tornadoair.com/

http://www.electricsupercharger.com/

 

Bret,
I've never run into any of the problems you stated above and I've used them in all of my cars.

Maybe I just took better care of mine.

 

This may be true. There are some that have never had a problem. I experienced problems, and so have many others. Again, I wasn't starting a filter war, but must have. I was cleaning mine every 10-15K miles due to high dust areas (off-road), and on the street vehicles every 15K. Manufacture, K&N, says every 25K or one year. The K&N filter on some applications requires the sealing gel beaded around the edge for a proper seal. If the seal isn't good to begin with, then all you are doing is sucking in the gel. So maybe you did take better care of them, I wasn't saying anyone didn't. Again, I stated pin holes. Obviously they are very small and would be visible after the cleaning before oiling. You may see them if you pass your hand in front of filter while holding it up to a the light, again may. I'm glad you have had good luck with all of yours todate, and hope it continues. There are other filters available, and some may be interested to hear the other side of the fence. Isn't it nice to see so many opinions though.

Bret

 

With the K&N filter, You will get better throttle response and slightly better fuel economy. More HP, don't know.