I have heard several different opinions on the use of these type of air filters. Some say use them, some say don't. I had one in my previous car for 64,000 miles and had no trouble.
If you say don't use it, they let in too much dirt, please site some information backing this up.
Thanks
2006-12-30 12:58:33 · 5 answers · asked by Ron Porkmore 4 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
All good responses. The main reason I want to buy one is the cheapest disposable filter is $39 and the K&N is only $45.
2006-12-31 03:16:17 · update #1
One thing to watch on using these is damage to your airflow meter. The modern cars that use the 'hotwire" air flow meters will give erroneous readings with a K and N type filter. Reason for this is that the oil that is absolutely "required" to be used on them (or else they won't filter the fine particles of dirt) gets blown onto the tiny wire sensor and coats it with oil that both distorts the readings that it needs to send the computer and also causes dirt to build up it which can cause it to actually blow prematurely. GM's and Fords are particularly vulnerable to this. Buddy of mine just removed his off his 2005 Chevy SIlverado for drastically reduced mileage because of that same effect. Cleaned the meter and reinstalled the factory air cleaner and returned his factory mileage on the highway. If these air cleaners were an improvement then they would be installed at the factory as the automakers are spending hundreds of millions of dollars to increase fuel mileage to give them edge over the competition. Carbureted older vehicles do not have this problem and they can get much better airflow and horsepower, etc. from a K& N or similar filter. If you do install a "high flow" filter of some sort make sure that it is not the type that you have to coat with oil on a fuel injected vehicle that uses air flow meter on the vehicle. If your vehicle is fuel injected and does not have an air flow meter as some don't, then you can usually use a K & N or similar with no problems. Just be sure that you follow the instructions to not "overoil" and make sure the excess oil is out before reinstalling on those vehicles as the extra oil slows the airflow (defeating the purpose) or coats the throttle body plates. If you "really" over oil then you can get buildups on the fuel injectors themselves on the outside of the injectors from the oil as well. We have seen all these scenarios on vehicles over the years. I have nothing against the K & N or other "performance" filters other than the precautions mentioned above. There are some very good filters available that are paper element and have higher flow but don't require oiling. I would recommend those over the K & N as no worries at all except for putting in a new element every now and then.
2006-12-30 13:25:55 · answer #1 · answered by mohavedesert 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Performance gains are negligible if any, only worth it if it makes you feel warm and fuzzy that your old paper filters aren't going to the landfill. I like the "re-use" idea OK, but cost savings from reusing makes it a financial equal. Kind of a pain to clean and reoil, plus you have to buy the kit, not worth it to me. If you have a solvent tank to clean the filter and just use normal oil to oil it, then you'd save some money.
2006-12-30 13:19:07 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had a K and N filter in several of my vehicals and they have been GREAT as long as you treat them with the filter charger system every 5000 miles, you will be happy with the increase in performance....
2006-12-30 13:45:31 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
K and N filters are the best, hands down. I've had one in both my motorcycles, and in my Hyundai Elantra. They're the best. Clean them every several thousand miles, re oil them, and put them back in. They'll last you longer than the vehicle.
And they allow more air into the engine, which translates into more horsepower. I wouldn't trade mine for anything. They're worth the $40 you'll initially pay (especially since you're gonna pay $10 for one you're gonna change in 30,000 miles anyway.
2006-12-30 13:02:19 · answer #4 · answered by vamedic4 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
yes it is fine and i have used one and they are great for street use they add horsepower and they increase gas mileage also they are very clean and easy to clean
K&N is your best bet and get the filter recharge kit to clean it and apply the oil it is great
2006-12-30 13:10:52 · answer #5 · answered by stephen h 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋