K&N Filter for the 5

[dommo_g]

This was kind of my point. Even if you're some how taking in more air, the computer will compensate and start sucking more gas, too... consequently, in theory reducing the gas mileage.

Depending on the car, and how the ECU reacts to this situation, that may be true under full throttle conditions, but under normal, conservative driving, the easier the engine can pump the air, i.e., less restrictive intake and exhaust, the more efficient the engine can run. So if driving habits stay the same, a less restrictive intake and exhaust can improve fuel economy, and it can also reduce it by way of increased performance.

And the reason manufacturers don't use CAIs from the factory has nothing to do with whether or not they improve performance. Manufacturers for the most part don't design a car with performance as the priority when designing a car for the masses. Stock intakes on most any car is designed for low noise and emission reasons, while being able to pass the proper amount of air that the engine needs to run effectively.

 

[BastardMike]

Do the K+N filters really work as they claim? ie more horsepower...

If so, is it really noticeable? And is that the high performance model?

The horsepower is only raised with tthe cold air or short ram intake. +5hp. The air filter, 'Filtercharger' fits the oem specs beautifully. I put one in and in combo with Mobil 1 and some Bosch Plat +2 plugs I definately get more zoom zoom. Not hp, but some kick to the pedal/road ratio.

 

[irloyal]

The horsepower is only raised with tthe cold air or short ram intake. +5hp. The air filter, 'Filtercharger' fits the oem specs beautifully. I put one in and in combo with Mobil 1 and some Bosch Plat +2 plugs I definately get more zoom zoom. Not hp, but some kick to the pedal/road ratio.

Probably more noise than go.

 

[a10thunder]

I hate to bring the thread back from the dead, but Amazon is selling the K&N air filter for the Mazda 2.3L for $36.43 with free shipping. This is the cheapest price I've seen so far. K&N sells this filter on their website for $69.99 and Summit Racing sells it for $39.99 +$9 handling charge.

https://www.amazon.com (commissions earned)

I've used K&N filters before not so much for a performance gain but just for the low maintenance.

 

[smmra]

For those who are not aware - K&N air filter oil has a tendency to gum up throttle body sensors..........

 

[dommo_g]

For those who are not aware - K&N air filter oil has a tendency to gum up throttle body sensors..........

Source? Back it up with facts.

 

[the_saint]

While I was working at an undisclosed parts store we did see this. But we unprofesionally concluded that it was the result of dumbass end users who would over-oil the filters.

 

[antlind]

End Users

While I was working at an undisclosed parts store we did see this. But we unprofesionally concluded that it was the result of dumbass end users who would over-oil the filters.

You gotta love those dumb-ass end users.....Where would we be without them......We wouldn't anything to laugh at.
BTW, I purchased a Fujita CAI for the Mazda5 and haven't installed it yet. I read on another forum that some guys have had CEL issues when using CAIs on the 2.4L engine. Anybody out there in Mazda5-Land currently running a CAI, and have you experienced any pblms to-date?
Anthony

 

[monsta]

Therefore, anything that increases airflow should drop fuel economy. If I'm wrong with that reasoning, somebody please correct me.

Your thinking is correct with one caveat. If the increase in airflow is due to eliminating a flow restriction or reduces pumping losses you'll find that the enigne will not have to work as hard to injest the air in the first place. This can result in beter fuel economy for certain RPM ranges since the engine doesn't have to work as hard to make it's power.

A similar arguement would be to talk a brisk walk while breathing through a straw. Now take the same walk without the straw. Didn't have to work as hard the second time, right.

While it is true that most car's intakes are designed large enough to flow more than enough air at WOT (wide open throttle), some are choked a bit due to EPA noise regulations as well as packaging (ie space) in the engine compartment. I, personally, don't think the 5 suffers from either.

I would stick with the paper element. It flows more than enough air for that tiny little engine we got.

 

[dommo_g]

Pretty much what I said up there ^

Depending on the car, and how the ECU reacts to this situation, that may be true under full throttle conditions, but under normal, conservative driving, the easier the engine can pump the air, i.e., less restrictive intake and exhaust, the more efficient the engine can run. So if driving habits stay the same, a less restrictive intake and exhaust can improve fuel economy, and it can also reduce it by way of increased performance.

And the reason manufacturers don't use CAIs from the factory has nothing to do with whether or not they improve performance. Manufacturers for the most part don't design a car with performance as the priority when designing a car for the masses. Stock intakes on most any car is designed for low noise and emission reasons, while being able to pass the proper amount of air that the engine needs to run effectively.

 

[was98strat]

Pretty much what I said up there ^

If you look at the air filter tests on bobistheoilguy.com you might reconsider using an aftermarket filter. What you get in exchange for increased flow is les filtering, meaning more dirt gets past the filter and INTO the engine! I wasal set to "upgrade" to a K&N until I read that set of tests.

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/airfilter/airtest1.htm

 

[monsta]

Pretty much what I said up there ^

YUP! That's a fact, Jack! You said it first!

 

[geezerz99]

BTW, I purchased a Fujita CAI for the Mazda5 and haven't installed it yet. I read on another forum that some guys have had CEL issues when using CAIs on the 2.4L engine. Anybody out there in Mazda5-Land currently running a CAI, and have you experienced any pblms to-date?
Anthony

I am running with a fujita CAI since may. no CEL so far.