Author Topic: K&N Air Filters? (Read 2221 times)

21Rouge · « **on:** May 19, 2005, 12:50:20 pm »

What have your real world experience been with these under the hood air filters? Just curious if it lives up to its claims.

weebl · « **Reply #1 on:** May 19, 2005, 12:56:50 pm »

I have one, bought simply for the fact it is cleanable and reusable, which will save on costs in the long run. I had no expectations of improved fuel consumption or more horsepower. And I can't tell a difference in either regard.

Cleaning must be done properly - an over-oiled filter has resulted in many premature MAF failures. My mechanic cleans mine when I take my car in.

21Rouge · « **Reply #2 on:** May 19, 2005, 01:07:23 pm »

Cleaning must be done properly

What are the instructions to clean this filter?

ovr50 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 19, 2005, 01:36:16 pm »

Also, do NOT over-oil them or problems can occur with Mass Air Flow equipment.

barrie1 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 19, 2005, 01:44:15 pm »

I don't recommend them for some of the newer engines as they can damage the sensitive controls on them. I am useing a 14" by 6" K&N filter on my truck engine but it is carberated and dosen't have any sensors. I clean it usually once a year as the truck is not winter driven.

safristi · « **Reply #5 on:** May 19, 2005, 02:15:29 pm »

OVER_OIL!! as Barrie says they are fer OLDER ENGINES the Newbies HATE any "surprises" in their "lungs"..they are O2 sensetive!!!!

articsteve · « **Reply #6 on:** May 19, 2005, 02:20:55 pm »

Ditto, they are fine on certain older motor setups like what Barrie said. Essentially they allow more air to pass, but rely on the oil to trap much of the finer dust.

You are better off going to crappy tire buying a stocker when your filter is looking dirty. It is all about where you drive.

Essentially you wash the K&N, dry it and then oil it with their oil. Same deal on many motocross bikes and ATVs that use the washable air filters.

I would recommend against it for a new car today.

blue_oval_fan · « **Reply #7 on:** May 23, 2005, 10:55:34 pm »

I checked with the electronics wiz at the dealership where I work part time and was told to stay away from K&N filters unless I wanted to replace sensors every year. Apparently the fine oil film on the filters plays havoc with sensors.

syzygy · « **Reply #8 on:** May 26, 2005, 09:05:42 am »

I've had a K&N on my 03 ZX5 and haven't had any of the problems you are describing. As long as you follow the directions on the filtercharger kit box you shouldn't have any problems.I agree with weebl about long term costs, and that's one of the main reasons I have used them in all my vehicles. You might feel a slight increase in power, but you'll feel a definite difference once you start playing with the exhaust as well, such as a cat-back replacement.Any savings in fuel are offset by me driving my poor ford like a rented mule.

barrie1 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 26, 2005, 12:00:37 pm »

Yes it does promote hard driving when you start doing alterations like the filter and the exhaust changes. Even the engine sound will be slightly louder when you use the K&N filter systems.