K&N Filters - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

volman5 · 07-16-2003, 01:46 PM

I'm considering a K&N filter for my '88 MX-6 and wonder if they are worth the money for the proported increase in horsepower and fuel economy. Does anyone have any experience in this area?

Tech · 07-16-2003, 02:22 PM

they claim a rediculous horsepower gain... i'm really not sure where they get the validity to say so, but 99% of people will only experience a couple hp gain. but then again, it's not like it's that much more than a normal filter which you would have to pay for anyway. i think they are worth it for the most part just as good car care. it's just like wiper blades... you can buy quality blades and never have a problem with water or you can get normals ones that start to go in a month or so, if not sooner.

another to check out though is Accel Kool Blue filters. that's probably what i'm going to use when i get a new car (whatever that car may be) http://www.mrgasket.com/koolblue/

Scorps · 07-16-2003, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by volman5
I'm considering a K&N filter for my '88 MX-6 and wonder if they are worth the money for the proported increase in horsepower and fuel economy. Does anyone have any experience in this area?

Man they are worth the money but I saw a filter on Trucks TV that you pay like 60 bucks(US) for but all you do is wash it out when it gets dirty then put it back in

drawerfixer · 07-16-2003, 03:12 PM

K&N filters are also washable and reusable. They carry a warranty up to 10 year/100,000 miles, by which time I'd be looking into a new car anyway. I wouldn't buy one for a brand new car, but once your factory filter gets dirty, K&N is a good buy.

K&N Website

89transam · 07-16-2003, 03:37 PM

I dunno, even if they are re useable and you do re use them the max number of times it is stil expensive. Also On certain applications I highly doubt they benefit, but would the factory really leave them off if they added 10 HP to a 120 HP car? I doubt it. Now putting one on a 800 HP engine and gaining 10 hp over a wal mart paper filter, I could see how thats possible.

For $60 you could buy better preformance stuff , plus I think accel sells thier brand of "Preformance filer" for like half as much as a K&N and saposedly they flow more air. Plus ...its blue...how trick is that yo...

zfleebin · 07-16-2003, 06:39 PM

It really depends on your stock airbox and filter. I think you would at least want to put a cold air intake on when you put it on to get the benefit of cold air because if not you are just sucking in more hot air which is not dense.

MSD · 07-16-2003, 10:01 PM

I tried putting one on my car. The K&N book lists a circular filter for my car. Maybe if I pulled the airbox off I could manage a cone, but not circular. Then, the one theat they listed as an equivalent for the STP/Fram filters was too big. Didn't fit, couldn't make it fit. I have a paper filter in there now.

As for the power gains, the 10+ can happen if you have a cold air intake. Nice thought, but I'll take the 48 bucks.

puddlesmilo · 07-17-2003, 03:10 AM

Yes they're worth it - but to make them get the HP you must open things up. Find a Jap parts house or website and get a cold air induction. This will get rid of your airbox. It will also give you more air hence more HP. Now you should open up the exhaust. Research that as well. Loud doesn't always mean fast.
Now your car breaths better - more HP.

Also K & N's look cool

rockogre · 07-17-2003, 04:50 AM

I have ran K&N filters for years. I have them on all my cars and my bike. I just like em because they do a good job of keeping the dirt out. I don't buy the horsepower claims but the air flow increase is so different that I had to jet my bike richer to use one.

pattymac · 07-17-2003, 07:50 AM

I have a K&N filter on my 2001 Dakota in the factory air box and it has helped with my fuel millage some it gets me about an extra 10 or so miles to the tank on my V6. I think they are worth themoney because you can just wash them out and reuse them insted of buying paper ones. If you are looking for theHP they you need to invest in cold air induction and high flow exaust.

volman5 · 07-17-2003, 07:56 AM

OK. I'm going to spring for the filter. Next ? How much can I expect the cold air induction and high flow exhaust to cost? Is this work something that a novice mechanic(me) do?

To edit my original post: the word should be purported and not proported. Sorry for butchering the English language.

shakran · 07-17-2003, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by 89transam
I dunno, even if they are re useable and you do re use them the max number of times it is stil expensive. Also On certain applications I highly doubt they benefit, but would the factory really leave them off if they added 10 HP to a 120 HP car? I doubt it. Now putting one on a 800 HP engine and gaining 10 hp over a wal mart paper filter, I could see how thats possible.

Not true. I have 200,000 on one of my cars (got a K&N installed after 3k miles 'cause the paper one got a hole in it). You clean the filter with a $9 kit every 100,000 miles. That kit is good for at least 2 cleanings. The filter cost me $40, total cost $49, round to $50.

Regular filter is $15. 50/15=3.34. Filter's up for replacement every 15,000 miles. By the time I replaced the filter at 60,000 miles, I broke even on filter replacement costs. AND during all that time I was filtering more crap out of the air going into my engine, giving me a longer engine life. I'd say it's definitely worth it!

So for $50 I get 200,000 miles out of a filter

For $60 you could buy better preformance stuff , plus I think accel sells thier brand of "Preformance filer" for like half as much as a K&N and saposedly they flow more air. Plus ...its blue...how trick is that yo...

89transam · 07-17-2003, 09:13 AM

Yeah thats if you own your car for 200,000 miles I doubt the majority of the population owns a car that long.

rockogre · 07-18-2003, 05:47 AM

I don't own a vehicle with less than 150,000 miles on it. Could be the air filter and regular oil changes.

EleqTrizi'T · 07-18-2003, 01:22 PM

You need cold-air induction ($100-$250), a custom exhaust (careful research needs to be done on this), and headers. Horsepower will be great.

WarWagon · 07-19-2003, 02:15 PM

I use them on my drag car and my daily driver because both have cowl induction and my filters have a tendency to get filthy real quick. I end up cleaning and reusing my K&N about every 3 months or so. On the 'bu down at the garage, we picked up nearly a tenth when changing from a paper filter and flat base air cleaner to a k&n and a drop base cleaner.

Scorps · 07-19-2003, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by drawerfixer
K&N filters are also washable and reusable. They carry a warranty up to 10 year/100,000 miles, by which time I'd be looking into a new car anyway. I wouldn't buy one for a brand new car, but once your factory filter gets dirty, K&N is a good buy.

K&N Website

Shit then I might just go spead the money then

madsenj37 · 07-23-2003, 10:40 PM

K&Ns really do work. They are easy to care for and pay for themselves. The performance really depends on the car. With any intake and exhaust mods, a high flow filter will really shine. If nothing else, get a cold air intake kit with your K&N.

FastShark85 · 07-24-2003, 05:28 AM

Unless you live near the redline of your tachometer, it won't help, and it lets MORE dirt get through.

Test of the K&N filter

cpomdima · 08-03-2003, 06:16 PM

That was an informative link. I run a K+N, and I will continue using it even though it filters worse than paper. The performance gains for me out weigh that risk.

mirage · 08-03-2003, 07:19 PM

i heard the filter only makes a big diffrence like they claim when they are paired with heads and an intake system

blackthunder · 08-03-2003, 11:15 PM

well worth it. my talon stock dynoed at 6 hp more at the wheels. thats enough proof for me.

acpower · 08-04-2003, 01:28 AM

nice cheap upgrade... if you don't mind the deeper, throaty sound

mystic511 · 08-05-2003, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by cpomdima
That was an informative link. I run a K+N, and I will continue using it even though it filters worse than paper. The performance gains for me out weigh that risk.

Really? Have you tried using the filter recharger kit? It might just not be oiled properly if it's filtering worse then paper.

I definately recommend a K&N filter. I run a cold air intake and I have to clean the sucker about every two oil changes. Takes a couple hours to do (gotta let it dry), but it's worth it to always have a super clean filter whenever you need it. You know, every bit helps the night before hitting the tracks.

madsenj37 · 08-08-2003, 12:04 AM

make sure you get a heat shield, otherwise it may not be all that it can be.

Gnzo · 08-11-2003, 01:10 PM

I have one in my vehicle, and my mechanic laughs at me everytime he pops the hood. He used to race rally cars in New Zealand and says that you are just throwing your money away...

Lestat · 08-13-2003, 10:12 AM

I have an AEM cold air intake, I have better gas milage and a few more HP. I've had it for a year now. Works great.

Lestat · 08-13-2003, 10:15 AM

Oh one more thing, if you do decide to get one (AEM CAI) make sure you get it with the bypass valve (helps against vaporlock) and change it once a year. I nearly sucked in the worn bypass in my engine.

89transam · 08-13-2003, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Lestat
I have an AEM cold air intake, I have better gas milage and a few more HP. I've had it for a year now. Works great.

Have you tested it on a dyno or does it just feel faster, cause feelings can be misleading.

edmos1 · 08-14-2003, 02:24 PM

not sold on the HP gain, but definatly affected mileage, put one in my girlfriends 2002 civic, increased the mileage by about 2 miles per gallon. I figured if I replace the filter every 12-15K at $12 a time, it will pay for itself in 4 changes???? add on the additional mpg, and it is a good idea. as far as pep, it sounds a little cooler, not too much difference.

07-16-2003, 01:46 PM	#1 (permalink)
volman5 Tilted Location: East Tennessee	K&N Filters I'm considering a K&N filter for my '88 MX-6 and wonder if they are worth the money for the proported increase in horsepower and fuel economy. Does anyone have any experience in this area?

07-16-2003, 02:22 PM	#2 (permalink)
Tech Addict Location: Baltimore MD	they claim a rediculous horsepower gain... i'm really not sure where they get the validity to say so, but 99% of people will only experience a couple hp gain. but then again, it's not like it's that much more than a normal filter which you would have to pay for anyway. i think they are worth it for the most part just as good car care. it's just like wiper blades... you can buy quality blades and never have a problem with water or you can get normals ones that start to go in a month or so, if not sooner. another to check out though is Accel Kool Blue filters. that's probably what i'm going to use when i get a new car (whatever that car may be) http://www.mrgasket.com/koolblue/ __________________ -Tim- ~I swear sometimes i feel like i'm married to a child. ~You better watch who you're calling a child, Lois, cause if i'm a child than you know what that makes you? a pedophile. and i'll be damned if i'm going to stand here and be lectured by a pervert.

07-16-2003, 03:37 PM	#5 (permalink)
89transam Psycho Location: Central California	I dunno, even if they are re useable and you do re use them the max number of times it is stil expensive. Also On certain applications I highly doubt they benefit, but would the factory really leave them off if they added 10 HP to a 120 HP car? I doubt it. Now putting one on a 800 HP engine and gaining 10 hp over a wal mart paper filter, I could see how thats possible. For $60 you could buy better preformance stuff , plus I think accel sells thier brand of "Preformance filer" for like half as much as a K&N and saposedly they flow more air. Plus ...its blue...how trick is that yo... __________________ I'd rather be rich than stupid.

07-17-2003, 04:50 AM	#9 (permalink)
rockogre I aim to misbehave! Location: SW Oklahoma	I have ran K&N filters for years. I have them on all my cars and my bike. I just like em because they do a good job of keeping the dirt out. I don't buy the horsepower claims but the air flow increase is so different that I had to jet my bike richer to use one. __________________ Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, Jesus Christ and the American G. I. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom

07-17-2003, 07:50 AM	#10 (permalink)
pattymac Upright Location: Columbia, MD	I have a K&N filter on my 2001 Dakota in the factory air box and it has helped with my fuel millage some it gets me about an extra 10 or so miles to the tank on my V6. I think they are worth themoney because you can just wash them out and reuse them insted of buying paper ones. If you are looking for theHP they you need to invest in cold air induction and high flow exaust. __________________ If you don't work at it you won't get it. PMac

07-16-2003, 03:12 PM	#4 (permalink)
drawerfixer Stonerific Location: Colorado	K&N filters are also washable and reusable. They carry a warranty up to 10 year/100,000 miles, by which time I'd be looking into a new car anyway. I wouldn't buy one for a brand new car, but once your factory filter gets dirty, K&N is a good buy. K&N Website

07-16-2003, 06:39 PM	#6 (permalink)
zfleebin Addict	It really depends on your stock airbox and filter. I think you would at least want to put a cold air intake on when you put it on to get the benefit of cold air because if not you are just sucking in more hot air which is not dense.

07-16-2003, 10:01 PM	#7 (permalink)
MSD The sky calls to us ... Super Moderator Location: CT	I tried putting one on my car. The K&N book lists a circular filter for my car. Maybe if I pulled the airbox off I could manage a cone, but not circular. Then, the one theat they listed as an equivalent for the STP/Fram filters was too big. Didn't fit, couldn't make it fit. I have a paper filter in there now. As for the power gains, the 10+ can happen if you have a cold air intake. Nice thought, but I'll take the 48 bucks.

07-17-2003, 03:10 AM	#8 (permalink)
puddlesmilo Psycho	Yes they're worth it - but to make them get the HP you must open things up. Find a Jap parts house or website and get a cold air induction. This will get rid of your airbox. It will also give you more air hence more HP. Now you should open up the exhaust. Research that as well. Loud doesn't always mean fast. Now your car breaths better - more HP. Also K & N's look cool

07-17-2003, 07:56 AM	#11 (permalink)
volman5 Tilted Location: East Tennessee	OK. I'm going to spring for the filter. Next ? How much can I expect the cold air induction and high flow exhaust to cost? Is this work something that a novice mechanic(me) do? To edit my original post: the word should be purported and not proported. Sorry for butchering the English language.

07-17-2003, 09:13 AM	#13 (permalink)
89transam Psycho Location: Central California	Yeah thats if you own your car for 200,000 miles I doubt the majority of the population owns a car that long. __________________ I'd rather be rich than stupid.

07-18-2003, 05:47 AM	#14 (permalink)
rockogre I aim to misbehave! Location: SW Oklahoma	I don't own a vehicle with less than 150,000 miles on it. Could be the air filter and regular oil changes. __________________ Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you, Jesus Christ and the American G. I. One died for your soul, the other for your freedom

07-18-2003, 01:22 PM	#15 (permalink)
EleqTrizi'T Insane	You need cold-air induction ($100-$250), a custom exhaust (careful research needs to be done on this), and headers. Horsepower will be great.

07-19-2003, 02:15 PM	#16 (permalink)
WarWagon Loser	I use them on my drag car and my daily driver because both have cowl induction and my filters have a tendency to get filthy real quick. I end up cleaning and reusing my K&N about every 3 months or so. On the 'bu down at the garage, we picked up nearly a tenth when changing from a paper filter and flat base air cleaner to a k&n and a drop base cleaner.

07-23-2003, 10:40 PM	#18 (permalink)
madsenj37 Still searching... Location: NorCal For Life	K&Ns really do work. They are easy to care for and pay for themselves. The performance really depends on the car. With any intake and exhaust mods, a high flow filter will really shine. If nothing else, get a cold air intake kit with your K&N. __________________ "Only two things are certain: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not certain about the universe." -- Albert Einstein

07-24-2003, 05:28 AM	#19 (permalink)
FastShark85 Psycho Location: In the garage, under the car.	Don't get the K&N Unless you live near the redline of your tachometer, it won't help, and it lets MORE dirt get through. Test of the K&N filter

08-03-2003, 06:16 PM	#20 (permalink)
cpomdima Upright Location: Boston, USA	That was an informative link. I run a K+N, and I will continue using it even though it filters worse than paper. The performance gains for me out weigh that risk.

08-03-2003, 07:19 PM	#21 (permalink)
mirage Upright	i heard the filter only makes a big diffrence like they claim when they are paired with heads and an intake system

08-03-2003, 11:15 PM	#22 (permalink)
blackthunder Upright	well worth it. my talon stock dynoed at 6 hp more at the wheels. thats enough proof for me.

08-04-2003, 01:28 AM	#23 (permalink)
acpower Crazy	nice cheap upgrade... if you don't mind the deeper, throaty sound

08-08-2003, 12:04 AM	#25 (permalink)
madsenj37 Still searching... Location: NorCal For Life	make sure you get a heat shield, otherwise it may not be all that it can be. __________________ "Only two things are certain: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not certain about the universe." -- Albert Einstein

08-11-2003, 01:10 PM	#26 (permalink)
Gnzo Insane	I have one in my vehicle, and my mechanic laughs at me everytime he pops the hood. He used to race rally cars in New Zealand and says that you are just throwing your money away...

08-13-2003, 10:12 AM	#27 (permalink)
Lestat Psycho Location: Riverside, CA	I have an AEM cold air intake, I have better gas milage and a few more HP. I've had it for a year now. Works great. __________________ I hope life isn't a big joke, because I don't get it. - Jack Handy

08-13-2003, 10:15 AM	#28 (permalink)
Lestat Psycho Location: Riverside, CA	Oh one more thing, if you do decide to get one (AEM CAI) make sure you get it with the bypass valve (helps against vaporlock) and change it once a year. I nearly sucked in the worn bypass in my engine. __________________ I hope life isn't a big joke, because I don't get it. - Jack Handy

08-14-2003, 02:24 PM	#30 (permalink)
edmos1 Daddy Location: Right next door to Hell	not sold on the HP gain, but definatly affected mileage, put one in my girlfriends 2002 civic, increased the mileage by about 2 miles per gallon. I figured if I replace the filter every 12-15K at $12 a time, it will pay for itself in 4 changes???? add on the additional mpg, and it is a good idea. as far as pep, it sounds a little cooler, not too much difference.