K&N Air Filter

[Antelope]

Am I bored, dumb and stupid to think I need to buy A K&N Air Filter also what model # do I need I cross referenced it with a Purolator A4004 on the K&N webpage and it gave me K&N E-1010 cross referenced to Purolator A40048?? What Gives???

[Maynard]

i forked out the cash for a K&N and didn't notice any difference other than my wallet was lighter ;)

[denaliak02]

this is a good thread, not sure it's been discussed before. i haven't bought one yet, but i've been considering it. i talked to some people that say it only helps in newer cars.

any other experiences out there?

[LostWolf]

I just put one in the super wagon but havn't been able to drive it yet. Transmission went up in my wifes (@#&@) Jimmy, so she's been driving the wagon. With the warrenty and the what you will be saving in throw away filters why not. I have to get back to you on the preformance difference.

[Ralph]

Cross reference the same filter used for a Jeep CJ7 with a V8. Like Maynard noted, I didn't seen any difference in performance. Also my oil seems to get dirty sooner after an oil change than with paper filters. I do like the idea of not having to change the filter so oftern, however, which I believe justifies the cost.

[desert_freak]

I'd agree that their performance increase does depend on the vehicle. They will always flow more air but your vehicle may not be able to make use of the extra air, no harm no foul though. Ease of cleaning and savings in the long run make it very attractive for any vehicle you will keep for a while. I know my I6 with the one barrel carter won't really benefit from one but my high reving sandrail certainly does (use outerwearers for these applications).

The modern import cars often have an airbox with the rectangular box filter, but the real restriction is the outlet from the airbox. Often times it's not much bigger than your thumb. Those cars really benefit from the snorkel and cone filter.

Enough rambling, bottom line if you plan on keeping the vehicle for a while it will pay for itself even if you don't see a performance difference.

Just my .02,

P.J.

[<Puvong>]

I think, it's unfair if you think just the K&N filter will wake up this motor. Yes, they have been proven that this filter flows more air than most common filters in the market. I use them on all of my 4 vehicles and will not consider to use other filters.

[Veepster]

hands down a gauze type air filter is better than a paper type by design and long term usage.....will it make a difference? well sheesh that depends on a bunch of stuff.....I would say it would make the biggest difference on a motor where the original size of the air cleaner was inadequate.....

[wagdriver]

I have a K&N on my rig and I have not noticed and real difference in performance. But from an economics stand point its hard to beat it for cost. Another plus is that it should stand up to oil better than a paper job, this is especially important with our ageing beasts, and the way the PCV system is set up I think. ;)

[andy d]

this is an item of constant discussion on the bmw bb i lurk at.one thing to note is that the kn filter passes larger micron pieces of dirt than a paper filter.this is the obverse of the increased flow. the stock wag "ram air"is perfectly capable of supplying the 2150 with dense outside air. the cone hanging off the carb in a hot engine compartment is passing less o2. save your money

[Antelope]

Thanks for all the Replies!! I like the Master Mechanics logic, thanks Andy D!!

[Veepster]

just to add......I would use a drop in K&N and keep the nice factory air cleaner housing...changing to an open element in the engine compartment would defeat any gains.....

[Ralph]

Veepster, that's what I did. Nobody knows there's a K&N filter secretly lurking under that stock housing...

http://fs3.dotphoto.com/MemberImages/180113/i4EC0C3F5-3730-4A91-8673-D0511D7B4999.jpg

[Doc]

Personally I wouldn't spend the money for a K&N filter for a street-only rig. The advantage to one is in very dirty or very wet environments. All of my Jeeps have used them, especially since I've more than once filled by air cleaner with water, of which NONE got past the K&N filter.

As for being able to clean them, well that's kind of a pain, actually. Easier and faster to swap out a paper filter.

Also, if you don't follow the cleaning and oil directions explicitly, you will be allowing more and larger dirt particles to pass the filter, making it less efficient than a paper filter. You've got to maintain it perfectly.

If you have a need for a K&N, then by all means use one. If you don't NEED one, then stick with the paper filters.

-Doc