Air Filter
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,673
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From: Chicago Area
Assuming you're talking about the standard paper factory type filter, I have not seen anything to show any significant difference between brands. I prefer Motorcraft for all things Ford, but will buy others if the price is better. I also apply a small amount of silicone grease on the rubber sealing surfaces to prevent any possible bypass.
If you're talking about the K&N or other "performance" type filters, I don't believe they offer a significant improvement for my 4.6 F150, and I do believe that they will allow significantly more dirt to pass. Others, who may be more qualified than I, will disagree.
If you're talking about the K&N or other "performance" type filters, I don't believe they offer a significant improvement for my 4.6 F150, and I do believe that they will allow significantly more dirt to pass. Others, who may be more qualified than I, will disagree.
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 22,436
Likes: 17
From: Louisville,Ky.
I have had no problems using a K&N filter in my truck or Mustang which has 156000 miles on it. Just don't over oil it when cleaning it and it won't foul your mass air sensor.
Plus, you will never have to buy another one again.
Jimmy
Plus, you will never have to buy another one again.
Jimmy
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 385
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From: Flat Rock, Michigan
I have to agree with lxman1 concerning the K&N. I have 36,000 miles on mine without any problems. 
If i was using a paper element i would have replaced my filter at least 2-3 times.
Although MrBSS makes some valid points concerning the paper filters, it boils down to each their own.
Initial cost of a K&N is more, but in the long run it will pay for itself. Just my 2¢ worth of
!!!
-hooD
If i was using a paper element i would have replaced my filter at least 2-3 times.
Although MrBSS makes some valid points concerning the paper filters, it boils down to each their own.
Initial cost of a K&N is more, but in the long run it will pay for itself. Just my 2¢ worth of
!!!-hooD
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,673
Likes: 0
From: Chicago Area
People who have spent some time on the K&N type filters usually report that their filtering efficiency drops by a percent or two from that of a good paper filter. That may not sound like much, but it can mean that two or three times as much dirt gets through the filter. How this affects a given engine varys greatly with the type of dirt, other operating conditions, and the engine itself. It probably won't show significant wear under normal useage and length of service. And, if the OEM air filter presents a significant restriction, your increased performance may make this an acceptable trade off.
In my experience, the K&N allows more throttle body contamination which shows up at about 40,000 miles and increased valve wear which shows up at about 100,000 miles. Also, the bullet nosed Motorcraft FA1632 filter is quite efficient mechanically and, since it is used in the larger V10 engine, seems unlikely to present much restriction on my 4.6.
Your mileage may vary!
In my experience, the K&N allows more throttle body contamination which shows up at about 40,000 miles and increased valve wear which shows up at about 100,000 miles. Also, the bullet nosed Motorcraft FA1632 filter is quite efficient mechanically and, since it is used in the larger V10 engine, seems unlikely to present much restriction on my 4.6.
Your mileage may vary!
Moderator
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 22,436
Likes: 17
From: Louisville,Ky.
In 148,000 miles since I have installed my K&N in my Mustang, I have never had to clean the MAF or throttlebody. I even have a home made ram air set up that is about 1 1/2" off of the ground. I have removed cigarette butts and other debris from the filter/housing and the intake track is as clean as it was when I bought the filter.
The oil film actually catches smaller debris then the paper filter. The car also picked up 1/10th of a second in the 1/8 mile at my local dragstrip from the K&N filter.
I will never use any other filter again. I am a lifetime user.
Jimmy
EDIT- The main problem that people have is when they over oil the filter and the excess oil collects on the MAF and throttlebody.
The oil film actually catches smaller debris then the paper filter. The car also picked up 1/10th of a second in the 1/8 mile at my local dragstrip from the K&N filter.
I will never use any other filter again. I am a lifetime user.
Jimmy
EDIT- The main problem that people have is when they over oil the filter and the excess oil collects on the MAF and throttlebody.
New User
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Wesley Chapel, FL.
I agree with lxman1 about K&N filters. I have used them on 4 different vehicles ( 88 5.0 LX, 95 SHO, 97 Polaris Trailblazer, and my 2000 f-250 5.4l) without any problems, only had smiles from increased power. I think people have problems from over oiling them. I too will never use any other filter, they pay for themselves in the long run.
Tony
Tony
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Elder User
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 605
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From: Broken Arrow, OK.
The K&N will pay for itself in the long run, I had a Chevy Beretta that had 175000 on it when I sold it and it had a K&N on it from about 20,000 on. I have had one on my 2000 F250 since I bought it and have never had to clean anything out of the intake, still looks like new in there.
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Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 196
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From: Fort Wayne, IN
I don't have enough dirty operation experience to speak to that, but from my day to day; highway and periodically offroad and 30k miles later, no problems. I am going to perform my first cleaning before summer. I guess we'll see!
TC
TC
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