Do K&N air filters really make any difference, outside of being reusable?

Every time I could use one, I have. Feels like an increase, lower lap times...


Ed

Well I put one in one of my ION''''s checked gas mileage over a three week run. Came out the same as the stock filter. Then seeing a group of us go to the track a few times each month I left it in to see if it helped the cars ET or mph. Ran the same numbers at the track. So in my case it did nothing for nothing.Edited by: sw2cam

OK, lets go back here.
Are you talking about the straight replacement stock appearing filters or the cone shaped ones with and without the cold air box?
Stock replacements just last MUCH longer, if you clean them like the book calls for. The cone shaped ones, especially with the cold air box and runner system will do nice things for the numbers. THOSE ARE THE ONES I USE.
Ed

I''m guessing he is talking about replacement as he didn''t say a thing about a ColdAirIntakes or ShortRamIntakes.Edited by: sw2cam

Yes I was talking about the stock replacement ones, of course K&N makes many claims, even on the stock ones and I figured I would ask before I bought one. If the gas / performance is the same as a disposable I would rather just toss a new one in then wash and re-oil the K&N.

Problem with K-N filters. they have better air flow and at same time allow a lot more dirt to get through. Great for race cars that get rebuilt frequently, but if you want your car to last a few hundred thousand miles. then they are a bad choice. that's my opinion after reading a couple of test that were done and a bunch of different kinds of filters. the test showed that the OEM filters cleaned the best. A good brand is Wix or Amzoil for clean air.

Really?
The filter chosen by the manufacturer for the vehicle filters the best?
Well I'll be........

Makes sense, Higher flow requires either
more surface area with tiny air passages

or
sufficient surface area with larger air passages, which allow more air in per unit time, but also allow pieces of crap through

Along time ago when I was much younger, I ran a Filtron sock type filter on my dirt bike. I serviced this filter before each trip to the track. This was cheaper than replacing a paper element before each ride.
Now let's talk about a vehicle you drive every day. I don't want to have to open the hood between oil changes. Just about every time I see a K & N filter it is dry and filthy. So much for good filtration, it is the oil that catches the dirt. As soon as they dry out guess where all that dirt goes.
I have a good relationship with the Ford dealership in my city. We have a fleet of 135 trucks and there are at least 100 Fords. If a Ford Diesel comes into their shop with an aftermarket air cleaner setup for any warranty work. The first thing they check is blow by, if an engine is "dusted" the warranty is VOID.
You choose.

Here is one test of the filters. the Amsoil filter they tested was one of the old discontinued ones that are oiled foam. they discontinued that one and now have synthetic media ones that are much better.
Air Filtration Test
there were a couple of other tests some people did very similar in nature.

Oh and here is another test that shows how bad a K and N filter performs.

http://www.r2cperformance.com/produc...r_testing.aspx

Another good test
http://www.evolutionm.net/forums/evo...t-results.html