Pre-filtering air prior to the air cleaner

[CJQ45]

I have a 97Q with 75k miles. I know its good practice to change the air filter every year to prevent the MAF from going bad. I found the air cleaner (at least in NY) needs to be changed more often - every six months or so. Changing it often gives excellent gas milage and maintanes a smooth ride.

When I went to change the filter- I found large particulates all over it. So I came up with an idea - why not pre-filter the air by putting a fine mesh like net on the air intake? This will keep the air filter cleaner and give better gas milage longer and protect the MAF.

After about 200 miles the "pre-filter" was flithy with all size particultes on it - but the air filter was clean.

I'll post a picture of this "pre-air filter" - let me know what you guys think of the idea. I hope this doesn't damage any systems in the Q - I dont think it would.

CJ

[CJQ45]

The picture is attached.

[elwesso]

Interesting idea... doesnt really impede air flow much but prevents all that crap from getting in there..

[DAEDALUS]

True, as long as you're willing to clean it often enough to ensure it doesn't impede air flow. Exactly why the factory filter is pleated to give as much surface area as possible within a small amount of volume. Kind of the reverse direction as adding a cone filter.

[Q45tech]

Even if it was 10 times more restrictive than oem filter, it wouldn't affect the power noticeably. Because oem has almost no restriction. [under 1.7 " water column at max rpm]

Engine wear comes from accumulation [150,000 miles of hard silicon- sand] particles too small to be filtered [efficiently] under 10 microns.

[maxnix]

Neat idea. What is the pre-filter material?

[CJQ45]

The material is made of nylon and has very fine opening. I checked the air flow using a air can to make sure that air could freely flow through the material. After 120 miles of driving daily - I see tons of stuff on the prefilter which I can just wipe clean with my hand.

The best part is it prevents insects from reaching the air filter and clogging it.

CJ