K&N air filter- Is it worth it?

[fsbaksh82]

hey guys
just want to know what are your opinions on K& N Air filter? Is it worth the money($49.99 )?Im thinking of getting the High Flow Air Filter which is washable and reusable and it says it will last 1 million miles. Thanks!

[Kompresshun]

It's not recommended to use one of these vehicles, due to issues the oil from the K&N filter can cause with the MAF(Mass Air Flow) system. The oil can cause the MAF to fail over time, so it's not really worth the trouble. Plus the gain is so minimal too on these vehicles, that it's not really worth wasting the money on. If you're looking for a MPG gain, i'd recommend replacing the plugs on it and switching over to synthetic oil if you already haven't. Normally I run K&N filters in everything I own, but in these cars it's not worth the risk for the small gain you would see.

[Markc]

Agreed. If you're bent on a higher flowing air filter, try AEM or similar dry flow. No oil=no worries about the MAF sensor.

[audtatious]

+2

The only "good" from a K&N is that you can clean it and reuse it, IMO.

[Towncivilian]

But if you clean and oil it too frequently, that ironically reduces it filtering capability since all filters get more efficient as they load up with dirt. There has also been a study that found that even a clogged air filter has little impact on fuel economy, since electronic fuel injection systems can compensate. Performance is another story, but a quality paper air filter is maybe $15 and you shouldn't need to change it out at a crazy interval, even if it looks clogged. The most ideal way to go would be to install an air filter restriction gauge and use that to determine your air filter change interval.

[Ridikolus]

How much HP can you gain from the AEM filter?

[AZhitman]

The same as from any washable filter: None.

Mandatory reading: http://www.nicoclub.com/archives/kn-vs-oem-filter.html

[NutriaforBreakfast]

If you don't live down a dirt road where reusing is cheaper than replacing, i wouldn't mess with it
Reminds me of the oil bath air filters-i hated working on those

I do like how K&N manufactures them -they appear to be a quality product
Some filters have to hold up to a lot of air, fuel, or water pressure, PSI, or they will collapse
That problem doesn't apply most of the time unless maybe you have a boosted engine
I was told a particle count test is a great way to look at filter's performance
You have to look at cost, effeciency of the filter (what % of the particles are captured in the particle count),
pressure, and temperature. Too much pressure and temperature will wipe out a neoprene rubber gasket
but viton, polyester, or polypropolene might hold up

You can extend your paper element by taking it out and tapping (not hitting) on the concrete to unload
the dirt. I had luck blowing it out with an air compressor-but you have to blow it out at an angle and
NOT tear or stretch the filter media.

And i agree oil on the filter media will reduce the life of your MAF and just muck up your throttle plate