K&N filter vs. stock - Any real performance gain?

[MichaelD]

I'm not talking about their conical filter that replaces your entire stock airbox; I'm talking about the OEM-sized/shape filter that drops into your stock airbox. Their site makes all these claims about horsepower and mileage increase...is this BS? I'd like to get some MPGs out of my SUV...14 MPG is killing my wallet...

Anyone have any experience w/putting a K&N filter in an SUV/truck? Thanks.

 

[The Stigenator]

<Nelson Muntz> HA HA </Nelson Muntz>

But seriously I doubt how much of a gain you will get.. if any. The K&N does provide quite a bit more of air flow than stock filters but that is where the similarities end. The thing is that I doubt you would see a mileage increase, you probably will see a power increase.

 

[b0mbrman]

The sound is cool 😀

Most importantly, they include "Powered by K&N Filter" stickers with it... 😉

 

[Fausto]

Gains are minimal at best. More HP from increased airflow from a filter really only makes a difference at high RPMs where you're actually moving a lot of air.....useful on a racing motorcycle that makes a lot of hp at the top end of the rev range, but not so useful for street purposes. Will save you having to replace the cheap paper filters every now and then tho.

Fausto

 

[StageLeft]

From what little I know the gain in mileage would take a damn long time to even break even on the cost the filter, even though it's very cheap. If they were really all that impressive car manufacturers would put them in stock. They are great but just adding that to a stock car I doubt will do anything you'll notice.

 

[MichaelD]

<< The sound is cool 😀

Most importantly, they include "Powered by K&N Filter" stickers with it... 😉 >>



Ahhhhhhh, way cool. That sticker would look nice next to my "KC Hilites!" sticker with the smiley faces! Oh well, guess I'm stuck, then. I just have to learn to keep my right foot out of the engine compartment.

ps
Fausto, I like the "Large Cash tm" quote. 😀 Got a kick out of that. 🙂

 

[b0mbrman]

<<

<< The sound is cool 😀
Most importantly, they include "Powered by K&N Filter" stickers with it... 😉 >>


Ahhhhhhh, way cool. That sticker would look nice next to my "KC Hilites!" sticker with the smiley faces! Oh well, guess I'm stuck, then. I just have to learn to keep my right foot out of the engine compartment.

ps
Fausto, I like the "Large Cash tm" quote. 😀 Got a kick out of that. 🙂 >>


Is your SUV an automatic?

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

From everything I have read the Amsoil filter sounds better than the K&N, but neither will provide any major improvement in performance or mileage.

 

[CraigRT]

<< Any real performance gain? >>



nope.

 

[BooneRebel]

Yes, the increased airflow offers up a performance gain. So would taking off the air filter, however. Both allow more particles into the engine than a standard paper filter. You should probably ask yourself if the increase in performance is worth the possible damage to your engine.

 

[Fausto]

<< Fausto, I like the "Large Cash tm" quote. Got a kick out of that. >>


Thanks....although I had to edit it out after realizing it wasn't relevant to the thread. I skimmed the first post and just assumed you were talking about your Katana. DOH! Gotta cut back on the coffee...😱

Fausto

 

[Fausto]

Anyway....the crappy mileage on your SUV is mainly due to:

- Brick-like aerodynamics
- Big-ish engine
- Heavy
- rolling resistance of big tires

The tires are about the only thing you could alter to bump up the mileage a little AFAIK. Anything that adds HP to your engine will only decrease mileage as more HP = more burned gas.

Fausto

 

[Zebo]

It will provide an infinitesmal increase in mileage and performance and it costs more in the long run.

The KN filter is $45 vs. $12 for normal paper filter. You have to clean the KN just as often as you would replace the paper filter and it's a real mess. Instead you just throwi away the paper filter away and replace it with new. Also the cleaner-reoiler kit for the KN is $15 and only lasts about 3 cleanings before you have to buy another. Again really messy and smelly and nasty.


The worset part is it takes a few days for the filter to dry before you can apply fresh oil to it. So you end up buying paper filters anyways if you want to drive your car.

 

[LAUST]

All the exhaust, intake, sparkplugs, magnets on the gas lines stuff, it's all crap, you increase the power with some of that stuff, but on large engines the milage doesn't follow.