I have run a S&B Cold Air Intake on my 1999 7.3 for a few years now. I started with Oil K&N type filter. Then switched to paper. I use a pre filter screen for both as well. I am thinking of going back to oil. I see no real difference in performance but I can clean the oil filter myself. I can usually clean the filter two or three times with one kit ($15). I can only get the paper filter from S&B for $45.

Any input on pros and con's of running oil vs paper?

 

You wouldn't see any real benefits in paper until you seriously power up. I run as high as 35 PSI boost at 3000-3200 RPM.

I get about 10,000 miles out of a paper S&B filter before I see a pressure spread between EBP and MAP on the 38R. My good ol' AIS would get 20,000 miles before this would happen - but it just couldn't deal with the 35 PSI boost.

 

I have the AFE pro stage 2. Its a clean and oil, but it has massive surface area and lasts a long time with no restrictions at all. I regularly look for dusting and check my turbine wheel and its clean. I highly recommend this kit, although not cheap. I am not a fan of K&N filters. I ran my own tests on mine when I had my old turbo get dusted while in the bush. It had fantastic flow, but let massive amounts of debris pass the filter. It was basically useless. Even freshly cleaned and oiled it was not a good filter. My opinion and research. Others may have had better luck.

 

You won't see a difference in it. I would stick with an oiled S&B to save you some money later. You can use k&n oil kit to clean it. I run 45-47 pound of boost and have never had an issue out of mine.