Split Sixty Three

Just wanting some opinions/feedback here as to the effectiveness/efficiency of changing over to K&N oil based air filter set-up,..What differences have you noticed,..does it really add any more horsepower or any other claims,..i.e.,improved mileage, more torque, easier starting etc.? I'm considering a change out from my usual Fram filters for my stock '72 LT-1 but before I lay my $50-60 on the table for one of these K&N Filters I'd like to hear how it's working for all here who have it installed,...Thanks for your input/thoughts,...Tom :chevy Save The Wave!!! :cheers:

Monty

I don't know if I buy into all the calims K@N makes, especially their commercial comparing it to a turbocharger, headers, or a chip. However, I think it's worth it in the sense that it is a more effective filter, and that's it's reusable. I guess it pays for itself over time since you don't have to replace and buy a new filter. You just have to clean and reoil it, but the Filtercharger kits aren't free.

As for whether it frees up any power, contributes to fuel economy, etc, I'd guess it would when compared to a dirty paper element air filter, but I'd be surprised if there was any detectable difference between a K&N and a clean paper element filter.

I will say that I know a clean K&N doesn't cost any power compared to running no air filter, at least in my test group of 1. ;) When we dyno tested and tuned my SBC 427, I had a K&N cone filter clamped right on the throttle body when we made a couple of runs. We later tweaked the throttle blade position to help it idle better (I don't use the IAC) and removed the K&N. We forgot to replace it, and pulled some more dyno's. There was no difference in power or torque between running th efilter, and running without it.

Split Sixty Three

Thanks Monty,..I picked up the thread regarding K&N Filter Lids over on the C2 Forum and people posting r generally saying as you have said here that there is "no more bang for the buck" but it looks great and wouldn't hurt anything either so I'll just stay with a reputable Fram paper or foam filter and change it out as required. :chevy Save The Wave !!! :cheers:

rxbdwl

I kind of came to that same conclusion. I put 3 to 5000 miles a year on the Vette. I figure a full service including a new air filter each spring and I'm good to go.

Taijutsu

Go w/K&N! I haver seen too many tests on Motorcycles that prove it. If nothing else, the long term costs are worth it IMHO.

AlwaysWave

I know the K & N helped get better mileage.

rob75383

This is kinda on a tangent...
Either CHP or CarCraft had a dyno test comparison with the differant sizes of K&N filters.
The 14' x 2' filter flowed as good as a 14' x 5' drop base. (or something like that)
They were surprised with the results of the tiniest filters, their power numbers matching the biggest filters.

Split Sixty Three

Thanks Always Wave,..I'll keep this in mind,..eeking out a bit more gas mileage might make it worth it,...If u don't mind me asking,...how much increase did you notice with your changeout to K&N Filters? :chevy Save The Wave!!! :cheers:

BrianCunningham

I picked up 2hp throughout the rev range on a back to back dyno run.

AlwaysWave

on the 72 Vette about 1 1/2 mpg, on the 95 Vette about 1/2 mpg, on my 4.6 T-Bird nearly 3.

Split Sixty Three

Wow, Always Wave!!,...what with the price of paradise premium gas here I might amortize my investment of buying the K&N quicker than I thought if I could pick up an 1.5 mpg with my stock LT-1 but with a 3:70 chunk and as much as I like to stick my pedal to the medal it's probably doubtful I'd see that much of a difference but every bit helps when you're only averaging 11-13 mpg. Thanks I'm beginning to get more convinced now!! :chevy Save the Wave!!! :cheers:

BSiegPaint

Just to throw one more mileage claim into the mix, I just came back to Ohio from a weekend in Philadelphia (in my '99), the second such trip in the past three months. The only difference in the car was the K&N filter and the opening up of the stock air box cover with several 2" holes for air flow. First trip averaged 31 mpg, this trip 34, average speed on both was around 72 mph.

wilb3

'95 Vette-
I noticed about 1mpg increase(city) w/open lid vs. factory airbox w/K&N.

'98 Infinity QX-4(6cyl)-
Better throttle response than with paper filter. Not sure about mpg.

yoslambo1@cs.com

there is a big article in junes hot rod magazine that shows dyno dyno results(chassis & engine). believe it or not a puralator (only $5.99) wasnt too far behind.they tested advanced flow engineering, holly power shot,purolator,rush performance filters & k&n. they were all within 5 hp of each other. :yesnod:


[Modified by yoslambo1@cs.com, 3:08 PM 5/8/2002]

70PurpleLS7

I'm constantly amazed at the number of people that buy into the K&N gimmick. For later models I can see a positive, but for those running a standard 14x3 element, it's a ripoff. Figure a 14x3 K&N filter costs roughly $45. On the flip side you change your regular "stock" filter 3 times a year (Just using a base here).

Initially at $6 a filter for above Purolator, you can buy roughly 7 filters + change for the price of the K&N. That's good enough for a little over 2 years using the 3 filters a year cycle. K&N will recommend that you clean/recharge your filter for whatever duration you would normally buy a new paper element. A filter charge system costs roughly $10 and lasts about 2, maybe 3 times. So every year your still spending $10 after the initial purchase for the cleaner/oil kit.

Using the above scenerio..

1 year Paper Element $18 K&N $44
2 years Paper Element $36 K&N $54
3 years Paper Element $54 K&N $64
4 years Paper Element $72 K&N $74
5 years Paper Element $90 K&N $84

It won't be till 5 years that you see any money savings for your purchase.

wcsinx

yeah, but Vette guys tend to hold onto their cars for a loooong time periods. ;)

I personally didn't do a before and after dyno, but I did notice that my car idled a bit smoother after installing a K&N in my stock airbox. That was worth the $40 to me.

Mr. Magoo

It keeps me from buying a new Air Filter every year, that's about it.

The Dude

I like the reusable angle, too. I haven't bought an air filter since I've owned the car--just a new recharge kit (cleaner and oil in a box) about every 2 years or so.

SWCDuke

Hey, you can just wash your old oil filter out in solvent and reuse it, too!

Duke

Split Sixty Three

I hear you Duke,...I'm not ready yet to jump out there and spend the $'s on the K&N filters when they seem to do marginally very little for older carb engines or otherwise,...other than maybe look good from what many of the posters here have indicated,...think I'll just continue to change out my FRAM as required!!! :chevy Save The Wave!!! :cheers: