Performance Air Filters -do They Really Work
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Performance Air Filters -do They Really Work
I'm thinking of buying a performance air intake for my stock 81. The part is a K&N filter and a filtered cover p/n EC-1503. Has anyone tried this combo? I'd be glad to hear from you and let me know if its worth a 100 bucks. I want to make sure there is enough clearance under the hood.
Thanks Randy
Thanks Randy
Racer
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 337
Likes: 10
Check out my post "cold dense air is great" And boy was it ever today here in Atlanta!! I still can't get over what a major HP and torque increase this change has made.
You should plan on going back to or staying with stock induction, or plan a system like I described, taking air for the gill / gills or the cowl area. Also, IMO, the K&N filters are a worthwhile upgrade....when you need to replace your current filter.\
Happy Thanksgiving !!!
You should plan on going back to or staying with stock induction, or plan a system like I described, taking air for the gill / gills or the cowl area. Also, IMO, the K&N filters are a worthwhile upgrade....when you need to replace your current filter.\
Happy Thanksgiving !!!
Pro
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 709
Likes: 10
From: Carlsbad CA
No air filter???
many flow tests have been done to prove that you will get better air flow with an air cleaner than with out. this is due to the air turbulance that is created without the cleaner and housing. Not a valid analogy.
Bud2
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,237
Likes: 4
From: Warrnambool Victoria
Still not answering the mans' question.
The K&N filtert combo should still calm and direct the flow without restricting it BUT does any one know if it actually is better than a standard filter setup? I don't have the expertise to comment. Soneone out there should have.
Bud.
Bud.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
I think the difference in air flow is measurable, but real world difference in performance is probably minimal and very different car to car. I installed a K&N in several cars...one got about 1 mpg better, the other cars I noticed no difference at all in fuel mileage or performance otherwise. Then again, my heavy foot could have been the reason for that.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,688
Likes: 201
From: Loveland, CO
You might try a search of previous posts. I seem to remember Lars posting something regarding a scientific test of various filters.
I think the gist of the test was that K&N flows more air, but also lets more dirt into the engine.
Do you remember the old saying about "There is no such thing as a free lunch"?
Ralph.
I think the gist of the test was that K&N flows more air, but also lets more dirt into the engine.
Do you remember the old saying about "There is no such thing as a free lunch"?
Ralph.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
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From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
On my tripower I noticed a huge seat of the pants difference with K&N vs whe AC delco paper filters. They were 4 1/2 x 2 filters on each air cleaner and the paper ones were restrictive. See my Corvette Photos to the left for the pic of the K&N's. Probably less increase with a stock size air cleaner but they look cool.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 311
Likes: 0
From: Visalia CA
oem napa filters.......$3..............it'll take a while for that k&n to pay for itself. i don't think you'll see much gain unless you've made a bunch of other upgrades to utilize or need the extra air-flow.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 361
Likes: 0
From: Sacramento (Citrus Heights) California
I read a study once where they compared a K&N versus other available filters and the AC Delco paper element filters flowed better BY A MILE than anything else available. They did not test the K&N filter top though.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,116
Likes: 156
From: Mid West
Cruise-In III Veteran
Unless the filter is the major restriction point and your engine really is wanting a lot more air, you won't feel a big difference. They do flow better, but if the engine doesn't want more air (low Hp, low rpm, etc.), then the benefit will be minimal. It really depends on the filter & engine combo. Having said that, I like them and use them on all my cars.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
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I know everybody wants to see a difference since they've spent money to get it, but in the real world..............
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
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From: Dayton, Ohio
On my tripower I noticed a huge seat of the pants difference with K&N vs whe AC delco paper filters. They were 4 1/2 x 2 filters on each air cleaner and the paper ones were restrictive. See my Corvette Photos to the left for the pic of the K&N's. Probably less increase with a stock size air cleaner but they look cool.
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
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From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,428
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From: Japan
As with a gazillion other bolt-on and screw-on speed parts out there, the only time that something like a K&N filter will make an appreciable difference over another filter is at the upper end of the RPM range. If you spend all your time at 6000 RPM (or above) then you may notice a difference. For just a few more $$$ you can buy a new cam that WILL make a VERY noticeable difference, but then that would take more than 30 seconds to install......
