Post by
3.5PandaCoupe »
https://forums.nicoclub.com/3-5pandacoupe-u264802.html
Tue May 24, 2016 3:46 pm
Yes the stock filter is more restrictive and a K&N would be better but the battle is:
1. Where is the air coming from? Is there a better, less restrictive way, to get clean, cool, fresh air to the engine?
2. What type of filter is the air passing through. For an everyday driver, finding a balance of allowing more airflow but still filtering out contaminants.
3. After the filter, what route does the air take to get into the throttle body? The factory corrugated rubber tube adds turbulence to air which in turn hinders the air flow. Finding a smooth tube; if it's metal, treated with a coating to dissipate the heat or in the case of K&N intakes, plastic which generally doesn't get as hot as a metal tube, is the best option.
So the simple answer is, yes a K&N is better than factory. BUT obviously not as good as a well designed aftermarket intake system.