K&N Air Filters

[PricklyPete]

I am about to replace the air filter in my car. I have always just used regular old replacement air filters, but I was thinking about going ahead and purchasing a K&N filter. I have always heard good things about these filters, and it should be the last one I ever have to buy (with just occasional cleaning of the filter). I have also heard of improved performance with these filters (not that I am too concerned about this). Anyway, I have only heard good things, so I was wondering if anyone new of some bad. If it matters at all, I own a Mazda Millenia S. Thanks.


REPOST

AnandTech Moderator

 

[Transition]

Their good filters. You can clean them and oil them easily with the supplies K&N provides. I'd say go for it, but i'd opt for an open-element filter for a little more power and growl.

 

[BaseballSTUD]

I have never experienced anything bad with them....more horsepower...better acceleration and gas mileage....when you clean it you just have to buy a recharging kit

 

[PricklyPete]

What is an Open element filter and who makes them? Sorry if this sounds ignorant.

 

[Evadman]

2 days ago.

 

[Eli]

Go for it.

They are miles better than any stock paper piece of garbage.

 

[propellerhead]

Counterpoint:

To me this would be like going from disposable diapers, to cloth ones. I'd rather buy the cheap ones and throw the old one out than have to keep washing them.

Cheap paper filter elements are good enough as long as you replace them often. I remember seeing charts depicting the airflow of a K&N filter versus generic paper filters. They both start out with the same flow but the paper ones become restricted about halfway through the chart. The K&N ones maintain the high airflow longer.

This could be interpreted in another way -- The K&N filters don't filter as good as the paper ones. It's your call.

 

[BuckNaked]

I have two trucks, a Toyota 4x4 and a Ford Ranger 4x4, and have a K&N on my Toyota that seems to perform very well... But I was strongly recommended not to put it on the Ford... over time the air flow sensor will build up a coat of residue from the oil you spray on the filter, and negatively affect performance. I don't know how true this is, or if its something you even have to worry about with your particular car, but it might be something to consider....

Dave

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: propellerhead
Counterpoint:

To me this would be like going from disposable diapers, to cloth ones. I'd rather buy the cheap ones and throw the old one out than have to keep washing them.

Cheap paper filter elements are good enough as long as you replace them often. I remember seeing charts depicting the airflow of a K&N filter versus generic paper filters. They both start out with the same flow but the paper ones become restricted about halfway through the chart. The K&N ones maintain the high airflow longer.

This could be interpreted in another way -- The K&N filters don't filter as good as the paper ones. It's your call.

Or maybe the K&N filters absorb the particulate matter where it won't obstruct airflow.

 

[TommyWDetroit]

Originally posted by: Buck_Naked
I have two trucks, a Toyota 4x4 and a Ford Ranger 4x4, and have a K&N on my Toyota that seems to perform very well... But I was strongly recommended not to put it on the Ford... over time the air flow sensor will build up a coat of residue from the oil you spray on the filter, and negatively affect performance. I don't know how true this is, or if its something you even have to worry about with your particular car, but it might be something to consider....

Dave

I have a 95 Cougar XR7 4.6, w/K&N. After quite a while it "could" build up on the MAF sensor. Depending on if you use too much of the charging oil after cleaning. And the remedy to it is just buy a torx bit with the hole in it. (Can't remeber the EXACT name of the bit) and unscrew the maf from the aluminum housing and clean the little wires with alcohol or nail polish. I use the K&N because of the quality, and the slight bit of power gained. It's not that much really, but it provides better acceleration. As far as the earlier post that something about it flows more air, but MAY not be filtering all the air comming in. one would think it's not cleaning as well.. but in fact it cleans better. Hence the reason alot of pro dragsters use K&N. Think of it like this.. if a racing team is willing to put thier trust in a K&N for one of thier $10,000+ engines, why not use it yours?