Do K&N Air filters really make a difference?

[ZoomZoomH]

a lot of people over oil it to the point that the filter DRIPS oil when they install it

you're suppose to just oil it enough that it's covered and NO DRIPPING.

 

[G-Papi]

That's what it sounds like. I doubt that it allows significant amount of oil to be sucked through if it's properly oiled on the intake side only

 

[russr]

So when you buy a new one you have to oil it prior to installation?

 

[G-Papi]

Yes. Buy the cleaning solvent and oil. (the cleaning solvent will obviously be for later.) Follow the instructions. Somebody posted about getting the spray bottle of oil. Like I said, I only oil the intake side of the filter. That's where the particulate capture of the oil is at work anyways.

 

[jdub260]

So when you buy a new one you have to oil it prior to installation?

NO a K&N will come pre Oiled and in a sealed plastic bag. It should also have a seal to put around the filter so the airbox lid closes really tight.

 

[G-Papi]

NO a K&N will come pre Oiled and in a sealed plastic bag. It should also have a seal to put around the filter so the airbox lid closes really tight.

You're right - I've just re-installed so many times I see it in my head.

 

[russr]

I'm still unsure of whether I should switch to K&N or not. I like the idea of not having to throw away an air filter - it's more environmentally friendly. however, not sure I'd remember to clean the MAF. Is that sort of cleaning part of regular maintenance for a car? How often would I need do it with k&n?

 

[G-Papi]

In all fairness to you, I'm not sure that a K&N is all that environmentally friendly. Just thought you might want to know the details. Cleaning the filter properly involves the use of a strong solvent with no real (other than user-supplied) disposal accomodations. The old oil on the filter must be broken down and washed away with all the particulate matter (dust, dirt, bugs, etc) that have accumulated since the last cleaning.

My personal preference has been to do this at least once every 15k. Vehicle operating conditions may require more frequent or seldom cleanings, though 30k is the max that I've heard.

 

[06Si to CX-7]

Buy a K&N air filter, drive 50K miles in normal conditions, and replace for $40...I've never worried about cleaning a K&N because I worried that I may screw something up by not oiling it correctly. Seriously just buy one every 50K miles and you'll be fine. No one has stated the biggest benefit of a K&N filter...they will get you an average of 2-3 mpg improved gas mileage! This alone makes it well worth the few extra bucks. Think of how much gas you save over the 50K mile lifetime of the air filter...that makes it well worth it.

 

[Killer]

Ordered a drop in today. I have had K&N Filters in my last 6 cars. never a problem.

 

[gooniac33]

It's time to replace my air filter on my 2004 6i. Currently I've got the OEM air filter in there. Just wondering whether the K&N air filters really do improve performance, mileage, etc. The K&N costs $15 more.

BTW, where's a good place to buy this stuff online?

I got all of mine off of ebay and saved about $5. But you will not really feel much of a difference with the regular drop in filter. I did in my 6S wagon simply because the one we had was clogged! LOL But the gas mileage is better now. I am averaging about 29-31 on the highway now as opposed to the 23-26 before. But again that could have been because of the clogged filter.

Now when I had my RX-8 there was a difference. And in my Speed6 I did notice a little difference. In the Speed6 it is mainly with the turbo spooling a little quicker. But not really an increase in power.