As most of you are noticing...your 120k + 5.4L is starting to need a little kick in the *** every once in a while...Mine felt like it lacked the Oomph that it had before. I picked up a K&N filter (part #e-0945 for expy's) and i love it. This is just the start of a total exhaust/intake makeover that im doing...but its a good start. Right from the start i could feel the truck accelerating smoother and with less weight on the gas pedal.

Only downside to this filter is that it must air dry if cleaned. You cannot blowdry them without posibly damaging this $50 investment.

Go grab one!

McNasty

Ps. What headers/high flow cats do you recommend guys?

 

This filter has been debated here a few times and the conclusion usually comes up that they are not the way to go. It flows more air due to filtering less particles out. I think some of the more knowledgeable members here have talked about some kind of silicone sort of thing in the engine from the particles. I'm sure one of the others will post with a better explanation.

 

I did some searching on past threads:
"I had a K&N air filter and when I had my oil analyized at Blackstone Labs and found the dirt in the engine oil was much higher than average." (redvet)

BigMatt had the same problem.

 

I will stick to my paper filter and just change it about twice as often. Nothing against K&N but it's just my personal preference.

Good luck with your Expy!

Tim

 

Honestly, I've switched back and forth a few times (have the k&n in now) and I can't tell a difference in performance or mileage.

 

I did the same as Buzzard,,,,,switched back and forth,,,,,,didn't notice any performance gains at all. Just that my oil contained more dirt when I ran the K&N after getting it analyzed through Blackstone Labs.

BigMan69

 

The K&N air filter was designed for extremely dirty, dusty, off road races like Baja. The OEM paper filters would clog up in no time.
The K&N's would not clog up, so guess where the dirt went??

Stay with the OEM paper filter if you care about your vehicle!!!

Just my $0.02...

 

I put a K&N on my '98 and thought it gave a bit more pep. Course, sometimes I swear it runs better after washing it and changing the oil!

I would agree that it's not a good thing to have a bit more silicon (grit) in your oil but...I don't think it would have a big affect on overall longevity of your engine if you change oil/filter regularly and don't drive much in a dusty environment. I'm not sure of the 'micron' rating of an OEM vs K&N but we are talking very small particles here - definately smaller than the bearing clearances within a typical engine.

I ran my K&N for 80K miles and it was still in when I traded at 118K. Never burned any oil or had any issues associated with its use...and these are New England miles where winters include sanded roads. I also have one on my Harley and it gave a huge boost in performance (although that was in conjunction with exhaust and chip mod)

It's a personal choice but I don't recall seeing anyone who went with a K&N develop engine problems. I can't fault anyone for choosing not to use them but at the same time, I don't think it's going to result in problems if you do chose to use them.