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not saying it has to be K&N , but that is what i have always run. I used to get emails from a co. that sells intakes and filters that they build, forgot their name. more air is the thing in any engine (why turbos)
I am not a fan of K&N either, a quality paper filter offers better filtration. Don't believe their marketing!
I had a Ford AIS with a Donaldson filter on my 7.3 diesel, desert quality filtration with good airflow. Replacement element is like $75, but it lasts forever.
I think if you want to get higher flow without sacrificing dirt/dust removal, the best option is a larger, or more air filters. If you could use two standard air filters with a merging plenum or something, that would double your air intake without compromising filtration. Brute force maybe.
This was what I put on the 7.3 diesel, great airflow and great filtration: https://www.donaldson.com/content/da...trofit-Kit.pdf
The filter box on my 2.7 looks similar, but a fraction of the size of the filter element of the Donaldson. About a $70 filter change, but rarely needs changing.
I don't know what the 2015+ air box looks like, but the previous air box was sized for the 6.2L and was more than enough for the 3.5L Ecoboost. An aftermarket filter in my 2012 Ecoboost is a complete waste of money. It would not surprise me if that is still the case...
While we are off topic, it's not really surprising that a turbocharged motor would have a lot larger air intake system than a NA engine of similar displacement.