are K&N filters worthwhile?

[rh71]

didn't see a thread on this

reading about 10-15 hp gain, but is it at the cost of worse filtration? Also reusable?

 

[HarryLui]

For your stock car? Use your oem air box and paper filter.

 

[vshah]

almost zero gain, as well as worse filtration. lose lose.

maybe useful if you're running it on a race car, in combination with other airflow mods. but at that level there are probably better options than k&n

some former threads:
http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2244133
http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=2040364
http://forums.anandtech.com/showthread.php?t=168763

 

[Vetterin]

didn't see a thread on this

reading about 10-15 hp gain, but is it at the cost of worse filtration? Also reusable?

Next to porn this might be the most talked about item on the interweb.
I have use K&N on all my cars since the 80's..........and none have exploded yet (but the merits are still debatable).
FLAME SUIT ON!!!

 

[nerp]

Don't be suckered. Considering swapping in monster cable for your stock head unit? Might as well.

 

[jlee]

I have one in my MR2 because I needed a 3" filter and it was cheaper than an AEM. Everything I have with a stock intake runs a paper filter.

 

[7window]

best added gain and invention since fire was discover.


Its like bigfoot, never ending argument

 

[JCH13]

There are better options out there, generally they are more expensive. Be wary, the oil from any oil filter can screw up MAF sensors in some cars.

There is clear evidence that they don't filter as well, but in some places that might not be too terrible for your car. Not all roads and environments are created equal.

 

[PricklyPete]

No. Just stay away. Unless you are racing your car, keep the OEM filter. Your vehicle was tested with that filter in mind.

 

[FuzzyDunlop]

No Gain. Allows more dirt in.

See my sig.

 

[LTC8K6]

Unless the throttle body gets bigger, you aren't flowing any more air.

 

[Throckmorton]

No, read the link in my sig

 

[HybridSquirrel]

The stock k&n in my sti was causing wierd knock issues. I replaced it with a $10 paper one at autozone and the knock disappeared.

I also cleaned out my maf before using a paper filter, and it was filthy. Unless you are running a super high perfomance track car that needs every bit of airflow you can get, you don't need it.

 

[JCH13]

The stock k&n in my sti was causing wierd knock issues. I replaced it with a $10 paper one at autozone and the knock disappeared.

I also cleaned out my maf before using a paper filter, and it was filthy. Unless you are running a super high perfomance track car that needs every bit of airflow you can get, you don't need it.

This happens when oil is sprayed all over a MAF sensor, the car thinks much less air is going into the engine than in reality, intake charge goes lean, yay! Knocking!

 

[Vic Vega]

didn't see a thread on this

reading about 10-15 hp gain, but is it at the cost of worse filtration? Also reusable?

I guess you didn't look?

 

[Abe Froman]

I actually lean towards Purolator or Bosch Premium over K&N/Fram. Purolator & Bosch are essentially the same products since they are owned and produced by the same company. They might be more more expensive, but they last longer and they offer better protection.

 

[HybridSquirrel]

This happens when oil is sprayed all over a MAF sensor, the car thinks much less air is going into the engine than in reality, intake charge goes lean, yay! Knocking!

what I meant to say was, I cleaned the maf off, put the k&n back in, still had a problem. Replaced k&n with a paper filter, knock disappeared.

 

[CraigRT]

If it were me, I would use an OEM style filter, and look for power elsewhere.

 

[exar333]

No

 

[rh71]

I guess you didn't look?

i searched "k&n" and with spaces between.

 

[manimal]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InsspuvAmBs


http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=fvwp&v=LjJESro1HiY

 

[Gillbot]

didn't see a thread on this

reading about 10-15 hp gain, but is it at the cost of worse filtration? Also reusable?

lol

 

[exdeath]

You can "gain" HP with a larger higher CFM higher surface area filter....


...when you are boosted hard and your engine is trying to collapse and suck in the OEM induction piping.

 

[Greenman]

I always recommend that instead of buying a K&N, you should spend your money on high performance blinker fluid or ceramic muffler bearings. You'll get a better return on your investment.

 

[Carfax83]

didn't see a thread on this

reading about 10-15 hp gain, but is it at the cost of worse filtration? Also reusable?

If you get a K&N, get the full CAI unit. The CAI unit is more likely to provide an increase in the response and power of the vehicle, as well as an increase in fuel economy due to several factors, such as reduced turbulence and air resistance (factory intakes have sound baffles), increased volume of air, reduced air temperature etc...

However, having used several brands of CAIs, I would not recommend K&N. There are better brands, ie Airaid, AFE, Volant etc to name a few..