Air Filter Options
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 134
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Air Filter Options
Just hit 34k miles in my 16 F150 with a 2.7 and looking to replace the air filter. Not looking at a CAI or anything just looking at replacing the air filter and I was looking at getting opinions on if it's worth going to something like an AEM dry flow filter or just sticking with OEM or equivalent? My dad has a 17 with the 3.5 and he was wondering the same thing so I figured I would post to see what everyone's thoughts are on it or if anyone has switched there's to something other than OEM and what they think. Thanks in advance!
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 24,324
Likes: 5,136
From: 0,0,1
And your argument would be spot on! Between the MAF and the O2 sensors the air/fuel mixture is adjusted to maximum efficiency even as airflow might be restricted through the air filter. All a high flow air filter like K&N does is help at the top end of the RPM range which most of us don't drive at.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,274
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From: Seattle area
The Youtuber Engineeing Explained recently did a video on various drop-in filters. His (limited) tests did show a small HP benefit from an aftermarket filter. I’m of the opinion that the increased flow comes from reduced filtering, so there’s no free lunch. So it’s all about what you are looking to do.
For me, I believe Ford has optimized their filter to give the best flow and filtration. Given the power and MPG “wars” betwen the various OEM’s, Ford would never leave a poorly designed filter in the mix. If anything, the filter might be light on filtering to favor HP. But that’s just my “engineer working for a large corporation” attitude showing.
For me, I believe Ford has optimized their filter to give the best flow and filtration. Given the power and MPG “wars” betwen the various OEM’s, Ford would never leave a poorly designed filter in the mix. If anything, the filter might be light on filtering to favor HP. But that’s just my “engineer working for a large corporation” attitude showing.
Postmaster
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,724
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From: Clarksburg WV
I'm a fan of the dry media filters, if you can find a good deal on one. Sometimes they are a little expensive though.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2006
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Stick with a good paper filter, Fram, Wix, AC Delco, Napa etc. They all seem to have more pleats then the motorcraft and are about twice as think. There is a couple HP to be had with an AEM for more money but is it really worth it? These paper filters filter so well with 99+% efficiency ratings. The air filter is the most important filter in your truck, use a good one, and don't disturb it. Leave it in for what you are comfortable with. Ford's interval is 30k miles. So if you want change it out every year and be done with it. Cheap insurance for your engine.
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Senior User
Joined: Aug 2015
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From: NKY
I believe I recall someone on this forum saying some time ago the MC filter was as good as any other on the market and probably better for the EB engines, since the turbo's are very touchy when it comes to particle debris (or as Aussie broadcaster Leigh Diffy would say..day bree).
9 ECHO 1
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 12,467
Likes: 58
From: Missouri
If you don't add more filter medium with a larger filter, then all you're doing is trading filtration for flow.
The only way to increase flow without sacrificing filtration is by getting a larger filter.
The only way to increase flow without sacrificing filtration is by getting a larger filter.
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