i've been reading stuff around here about the k&n air filter. i was wondering if it really is worth the money. some of your opinions on the k&n would be helpful.

i'm currently using a penzoil paper filter. wondering if there will be a difference.

 

Here's a link to a lengthy discussion we had about air filters in the Oil and Lubrication forum. You might find some useful info there.

[link:www.ford-trucks.com/dcforum/DCForumID30/256.html|Air Filters as they relate to oil, etc...]

I prefer the low cost and ease of maintenance of disposable paper filters.

 

I prefer the low cost & infrequent maintenance of a K&N! I also noticed a power & mileage increase. Very slight, but noticeable in a 4.9L.
http://www.webphotos.com/list_photos.asp?mi=3&smi=2&a=13217

 

My truck had a K&N when I bought it. I replaced it with a paper one as I didn't have the cleaning kit at the time. I didn't notice any difference in performance with it or a paper. I also read some things here about the K&N not filtering as well, so I'm just sticking with a Wix paper filter.

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1995 F-150 Supercab XLT 155" 4x4 M5OD 302
1986 F-150 4x4 NP435 300

 

Some paper filters not only have better filtration than the K&N, they allow more air flow. The Tymar air intake available for the power stroke uses a Donaldson filter. This paper filter filters at 99.9% efficiency compared to K&N's 97%. It also allows for 33% more air flow.

Don't waste the money on the K&N. If you want a better filter there are certainly better filters on the market that won't let dirt into your engine.

 

paper having more airflow than a k &n????? i find that hard to believe. you are the only person i have heard say that the paper type filter is better than a k & n. i have had no bad experiences with my k&n in my truck. i think payin 40 bucks one time and 10 for a cleaning kit is worth the money over a 3 dollar paper filter. there is a barely noticable increase in fuel economy and performance with the k & n. and they stop more dirt because of the oil.
'75 F-100 4x4, 4" lift
35x15.5x15 super swamper TSL/SX
mini-spooled 9" rear end
390 w/ cam,headers,
and 4 barrell edelbrock

TRIED TRUE and FORD BLUE

 

Do a search. Most power stroke owners swear by the Tymar setup. The problem with the K&N for the diesel appliation is that it is actually a smaller filter than the stock. Maybe better flow, but less surface area. The Tymar kicks the butt of K&N!

By the way, K&N's don't stop more dirt. Many people won't use them because of the fine dirt they let in. I would recommend getting an oil analysis if you are using one, it will let you know if the K&N works for your application.

 

well i guess for deisil aplications it wouldnt work better i was stating that for gas engines it helps them breath better.
'75 F-100 4x4, 4" lift
35x15.5x15 super swamper TSL/SX
mini-spooled 9" rear end
390 w/ cam,headers,
and 4 barrell edelbrock

TRIED TRUE and FORD BLUE

 

I still think that anyone using a K&N should get an oil analysis to at least make sure it is filtering properly.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 06-Dec-02 AT 07:01 PM (EST)]A guy I know had to have the engine in his ATV (Honda 400EX) bored out/polished because his open element K&N filter let too much dirt pass by. This scares me because I have been running one in my truck (just a drop-in but still...) for about 8 months now and I don't want my engine getting trashed.
I know ATVs and trucks are two different things and subject to different types of conditions when used BUT the basic concept is still the same. I think I better go and dig out the old paper filter.
Oh yeah... he still uses his K&N, but has put a 'pre-charger' -some kind of nylon shroud made by K&N- around the filter. That might be trustworthy???

I'm not too sure what to believe... seems like everyone is running an aftermarket filter, if not K&N then similar, and doing just fine. Maybe this guy had poor maintenance habits with his ATVs?? Where the guys around here ride there is a LOT of sand and dust that can wreak havoc if air isn't filtered properly. Well...I'm gonna clean my filter and thoroughly inspect my intake tubes and run paper for a lil' bit. For now I'm gonna do some more research.

Ray

 

I think the real damage done to the engine by K&N is when they are cleaned and reused. I remember hearing that the military uses them is some applications, but throws them away instead of cleaning and reusing. In that case, the K&N becomes the most expensive throw away filter.

 

K&N gave my infiniti G20 a nice throaty sound, maybe a shade more power. but i did not like the light coating of arizona dust i saw in my intake that wasn't there b4 k&n

 

I'll got a K&N with prefilter I am selling ...

 

Paper all the way!!
I'd just soon but a new filter on when the old one is bad. Cheaper and easier!

 

I've also heard of the oil from a K&N mucking up Air Sensors.

Larry