Air filters...
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Air filters...
What do you guys think about air filters? I was thinking about getting a K&N filter but I’ve heard they have some down side to them. I’d hate to pay all that money for something that wasn’t worth it. Are the oil cleaning’s a pain in the butt, are they effective. Or is it better to keep rotating in new ones (paper I think). Which route is better for my engine, which is more cost effective? Which brand is the best?
Also at what mileage interval should an air filter be changed. I know it all has to do with how dirty the filter is but is there a general rule of thumb or ball park figure. I have 15k on my truck with the original air filter but it still looks OK, but unless its caked with dirt perhaps I wouldn’t know if it needs to be changed or not.
Also at what mileage interval should an air filter be changed. I know it all has to do with how dirty the filter is but is there a general rule of thumb or ball park figure. I have 15k on my truck with the original air filter but it still looks OK, but unless its caked with dirt perhaps I wouldn’t know if it needs to be changed or not.
Last edited by WhëëlMå1; Nov 21, 2006 at 05:56 PM.
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From: MA
Welcome to FTE thebiga. For my money, the OEM filter is the best. It provides superior filtration, and obviously flows enough air to satisfy the hungry motors. Ford has spent alot of money in their designs, taking into account performance and longevity. I will trust their money. As for the service interval, it all depends on your location and typical driving duty. I think it goes without saying that someone in dusty Texas might have to change their filters a bit more than someone in the wet pacific northwest. I am SURE others will come by and give their two cents, since we do not all believe what I have stated.
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From: Fuquay Varina,NC
As far as filtration ability, the OEM one is pretty hard to beat. In tests, the only aftermarket ones i have seen that scored VERY well were the new AMSOIL EaA Donaldson style filters, and the AEM dry filters.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Texas
Stay with the factory filter. The K&N is not worth it.
1. go to www.bobistheoilguy.com He wrote a good review on different air filters and discovered that the K&N BARELY outflows the stock filter, and the K&N does not filter the air as well.
2. If you use a K&N, there is a good chance of getting oil particulate on the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor....which will cause your truck to run like crap. Then you have to remove the MAF and clean it. Not that big if a deal, but why put up with issues such as this with no real benefit?
3. I did purchase a K&N originally, and there is no difference in performance.
4. The only benefit to a K&N is they are reusable....therefore they will pay for themselves over time....BUT they don't filter as well....I plan on keeping my truck for a long long time...so for the best protection and piece of mind....it's the stock Motorcraft filter for me!
1. go to www.bobistheoilguy.com He wrote a good review on different air filters and discovered that the K&N BARELY outflows the stock filter, and the K&N does not filter the air as well.
2. If you use a K&N, there is a good chance of getting oil particulate on the Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor....which will cause your truck to run like crap. Then you have to remove the MAF and clean it. Not that big if a deal, but why put up with issues such as this with no real benefit?
3. I did purchase a K&N originally, and there is no difference in performance.
4. The only benefit to a K&N is they are reusable....therefore they will pay for themselves over time....BUT they don't filter as well....I plan on keeping my truck for a long long time...so for the best protection and piece of mind....it's the stock Motorcraft filter for me!
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It's unanimous stay with OEM read an article from a ford tech which said the factory air system will flow 10 times more air than the engine can use at WOT!!
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Postmaster
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From: Durham, NC
Originally Posted by 04 FX4 Lineman
It's unanimous stay with OEM read an article from a ford tech which said the factory air system will flow 10 times more air than the engine can use at WOT!!
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Stay with your factory filter for a bit. Later on, I'd try an AEM dry-flow to measure the change, chances are you could really see an improvement.
Our AEM filters with over 100 user reviews:
http://motorhaven.autoanything.com/air-filters/65A2591A0A0.aspx?kc=MOTORH
Our AEM filters with over 100 user reviews:
http://motorhaven.autoanything.com/air-filters/65A2591A0A0.aspx?kc=MOTORH
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Joined: Oct 2006
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From: Connecticut
I will have to be the advocate here. If your going to change the air filter as part of an overall upgrade to the truck including higher flowing exhaust and possibly an engine tune then I would recommend a good after market air filter to go along with it. 
I doubt the K&N by itself will show any noticeable change in the way your truck runs, but as long as you follow the directions and do not use too much oil when cleaning and oiling the filter you will have no problems with it.
I doubt the K&N by itself will show any noticeable change in the way your truck runs, but as long as you follow the directions and do not use too much oil when cleaning and oiling the filter you will have no problems with it.
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Originally Posted by Bob Ayers
I have been looking for the intake design information, do you know where this Ford tech article is????
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From: NJ ... the garbage state
i find this information impossible to believe, since first of all, the intake design on these new trucks is retarded with the air making a turn up into the filter and then a 180 degree turn into the throttle boddy. secondly, k&n, aem, volant, and all the intake manufacturers have dyno charts on their websites with the power gained? are they all lying and the factory stupid looking intake with noise absorbers and all flow better???
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Durham, NC
Originally Posted by iskybantilus
i find this information impossible to believe, since first of all, the intake design on these new trucks is retarded with the air making a turn up into the filter and then a 180 degree turn into the throttle boddy. secondly, k&n, aem, volant, and all the intake manufacturers have dyno charts on their websites with the power gained? are they all lying and the factory stupid looking intake with noise absorbers and all flow better???
they build them to be very efficient!! As far as intake noise, keep in mind that air turbulence causes noise, and a properly designed intake will not make noise!!