k&n filter?
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,103
Likes: 384
From: Southern California
I buy K&N for the economics. One and done with an annual cleaning. In this respect it is far superior to a paper filter.
Been using them for 25+ years and have never had a SINGLE issue.
All of these claims that it lets more dirt in makes wonder if my engine will only go 299k miles instead of 300k. That is the one thing I have never seen quantified. Whoever does the test always has a bias one way or the other so I go by my own experience.
On edit, even though I did use one on my supercharged mustang I would probably not use one in a boosted engine.
Been using them for 25+ years and have never had a SINGLE issue.
All of these claims that it lets more dirt in makes wonder if my engine will only go 299k miles instead of 300k. That is the one thing I have never seen quantified. Whoever does the test always has a bias one way or the other so I go by my own experience.
On edit, even though I did use one on my supercharged mustang I would probably not use one in a boosted engine.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 1,394
Likes: 104
From: Southern KS
Hard to believe the K&N passes all that dirt and then clogs up. The dirtier is gets the better it filters.
I know there are thousands of tests out there with different results for each but an oiled, cotton gauze filter is very effective when used properly.
I know there are thousands of tests out there with different results for each but an oiled, cotton gauze filter is very effective when used properly.
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,103
Likes: 384
From: Southern California
except for one little detail...this (Testland) is an ISO certified facility....and in dirt/off road/high dust applications, yes they have a purpose.
Tuned
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 355
Likes: 1
From: San Diego,Ca/ Mexifornia
I'm glad you have never had an issue....In 1997, on a brand new car (I'm talking days old) I installed a K&N oem replacement filter...oasis documented it caused (as a result of oil contamination) 2 MAF units within weeks. K&N would not honor their warranty and this was back in the day when you purchased direct from them.....even spoke with them directly at a motorsport event ( where they had their marketing trailer set-up).....just a side-steeping circus.
I too my 95 Ford F-250 in for a recall (Cruise Control) had it serviced they also replaced the MAF unit. I wouldn't wish one (a K&N Filter) on my worst enemy, not even my ex-wife.
Freshman User
Joined: Feb 2015
Posts: 29
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte, NC
Ok, so I think that this thread clearly states that the oiled filters are not good for street applications. But what about the stock airbox? There are filters out there, like S&B, that have disposable filters. What is everyones opinion on something like that?
Moderator
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 6,103
Likes: 384
From: Southern California
If you look at the published flow data, WIX HP filters flow 98+% of K&N and have a much smoother flow post filter plus excellent filtering, for a fraction of the price! I personally run either Wix or NAPA Gold.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 7,047
Likes: 2
From: North west La
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Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 7,460
Likes: 85
From: Kent Station, WA
I had a K&N drop in filter on my V10. Went to the Ocean and drove on the beach, once I returned home I checked out the air cleaner and sand had gone past the filter. From then on I have had a Motorcraft paper filter in place. 
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Fairbanks
I put the full banks setup ,chip,air intake,filter,inter cooler , plenum , chip,controller , and gained 2 mpg, had power when needed pulled a 38' toy hauler weighing 20k, never once did I need to clean the air filter in 60,000 miles,I believe the are K&N, Granted this was on a 04 / Cummings d3500 4x4, 6 spd , I went from Alaska to Cali and back 3 times and all over in between , was my welding rig it weighed it at 10,800 lbs.
New User
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
Then why do all these CAI kit instructions tell you to unhook it during installation? Is it to fool the check engine light or something?
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 2,745
Likes: 72
From: West Virginia
For example - many vehicles have electric fans that can come on without warning which could lead to loose clothing getting caught or fingers being separated from their hand.
It would also prevent your "helper" from starting the engine or honking the horn while you have your head under the hood.
