Is K&N Air Filter worth the hassle?

**autoxr** · 06-21-2007, 12:51 PM

I'm thinking about changing back to a paper filter for several reasons.

1. Not racing this car anymore at the moment.
2. What a pain in the A to clean, because you have to use an acid product to do it.
3. I have had several other people tell me they were loosing power on the dyno comared to some paper filters.
4. I dared the guy at the parts store to oil the dislpay rather than run the K&N dry in the display and he declined. And who made the paper filter they use in the display?
5. I can afford a new clean paper element every race day!
6. I can't remember when the last time 4-5hp really made any difference on the street unless your driving and import with a moped engine with a 4" muffler.

Does anyone know if the holly is any different?

If I were racing and it did make more power I would be inclined buy a new one run it until it was dirty and then trash it. Just to avoid the caustic cleaning process. I think its easier to find the few HP somewhere else.

When racing on pavement, I think the best solution is to just take the paper out of a paper element and just run a screen.

**2001NBMZ28** · 06-21-2007, 01:09 PM

Sounds like you've already talked yourself out of using one.

I use the K&N because it gets dirty so fast w/FTRA (same filter since '01). At the track I use the stock paper filter.

**autoxr** · 06-21-2007, 02:06 PM

My wife's Rotwieler got out while I was cleaning it. If I don't find the dog I may not have to worry about air filters, but rather where am I going to live!

Hey, theres no emotioncon for banging my head on a concrete floor.

**autoxr** · 06-21-2007, 02:34 PM

Found dog, back to air cleaner debate. Anyone else have any input on the K&N?

**autoxr** · 06-21-2007, 04:56 PM

The FTRA does bring up another point of view. These filters obviously get wet if you get caught in the rain. That may give the K&N an advantage on the street.
Also I tested the too much oil theory I oiled my K&N heavier than I normally would and then ran my car for about 15min including a couple of higher rpm shifts. I went back home and checked the filter and there was no excess oil.

So 2001NBMZ28, your thoughts are the K&N may not produce more power but definately filters better making worth the hassel for street use?

**Spaz** · 06-21-2007, 05:35 PM

i use my K&N religously... i have a second one for when i clean my other one... i also remove my filter completly for the track... not like i'm going to suck up a bird or something just going down the track...

**danziger** · 06-22-2007, 04:23 AM

I just use Fram papers anymore. Dynoed the K&N, the Fram, and no filter at all and there was 0-2rwhp difference. I had grit (Florida roads) get past the K&N up to the MAF housing, so I went back to paper with no issues. I think the K&N is in my garage somewhere...

**AKIRA** · 06-22-2007, 06:46 AM

Not another thread about this.

Just use the paper and the rest of us will stick to the cotton.

I dont understand the point of asking a question that is biased.

**autoxr** · 06-25-2007, 04:39 AM

First thank you everyone for your responses.

Akira,

The point is to get responses, spark a debate and find out other peoples experiences, and let them know where I am coming from on the issue. I have never had a chance to dyno the different filters, have only heard dyno rumors and wanted to find out if there was any real hp to gain from the filter and how well does it filter compared to paper filter.

If you ask a question without prefacing it with some information you won't get any useful information back. Period.

Example: What is the value of X?

Answer: Sorry, can't answer without seeing the equation first.

Why? First, whats the real question? Second. Does the equation have a valid answer?

But if you preface that same question while including the equation (information). Whats the value of X with this equation? X/32-3/8=1 Answer: X=44

Its like somebody asking, What cam should I use? Uh, I don't know. What heads do you have? What intake? You can't answer the question with out the information.

When it comes to engines. Everything is mathamatical.

But the bottom line is I wanted information from people like you. People that have more experience with this engine, filter and other mods to find out if it is worthwhile?

Thats why someone would asked a biased question.

Thanks

**BayAreaSS** · 06-26-2007, 04:04 PM

I have a K&N right now but once i get tired of cleaning it i'm thinking about switching to the paper filter.

**SStriker** · 06-27-2007, 09:23 PM

I have a K&N which came with my car. Ive cleaned it once with my buddies cleaning kit. My filter is disgusting again... but anyways i have noticed alot of stuff getting to my MAF Screen. it had bird feathers in it when i bought it!

**Z ROADSTER** · 06-28-2007, 08:18 PM

It only cost a little more to go first class. If you want the absolute best air filter available to the general public & one that is guaranteed for 100,000 miles & is prettier than all the others then get the best [ AMSOIL ]