K&N Air Filter Question

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Dec 1, 2006 | 10:36 AM

Biker

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 1,218

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From: Plainfield IL

K&N Air Filter Question

My '86 is bone stock. I'm thinking of adding a K&N air filter with a performance (open type) air filter lid. Can I expect any performance gains with this set up?

Dec 1, 2006 | 10:47 AM

86Pacecar

Burning Brakes

Joined: Mar 2003

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From: NW MN

Not very much by itself but every mod helps when added up. Don't expect a noticeable difference.

Dec 1, 2006 | 11:24 AM

All2kool

Drifting

Joined: Oct 2006

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From: Beaverton Oregon

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biker

My '86 is bone stock. I'm thinking of adding a K&N air filter with a performance (open type) air filter lid. Can I expect any performance gains with this set up?

You will gain 0.45 HP, none of which you will notice. A K&N does not filter as well as a good Fram, so expect a dirty intake. K&N is not what it is cracked up to be. Invest the money in Supreme gas instead.

Dec 1, 2006 | 11:36 AM

runner140*

Le Mans Master

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From: Ft. Lauderdale Fl

No.....save your money and buy gas.

Dec 1, 2006 | 11:49 AM

65Z01

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From: SE NY

Cruise-In II Veteran

Typically the K&N + cut lid mod is worth 10chp or 1mph in the 1/4 mile; this is not enough to really feel on the street though.

Dec 1, 2006 | 12:07 PM

wolverine1967

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From: Lovettsville VA

i have just finished putting the K&N w/open lid in my 95.
i noticed better acceleration (punch)
and smoother shifting (used to hesitate a little)
for me it was worth the money in just the feel but i'm sure it doesn't add much HP if that's what you're looking for.
it just drives better than before.

Dec 1, 2006 | 12:12 PM

88BlackZ-51

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Joined: May 2003

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Biker

My '86 is bone stock. I'm thinking of adding a K&N air filter with a performance (open type) air filter lid. Can I expect any performance gains with this set up?

i gained around 5chp.

Dec 1, 2006 | 12:16 PM

rocco16

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Joined: Dec 2002

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From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biker

My '86 is bone stock. I'm thinking of adding a K&N air filter with a performance (open type) air filter lid. Can I expect any performance gains with this set up?

No. Do not expect any gains on a stock motor.

Note: this is comparing a fresh paper filter to a fresh K&N. Many times someone will replace a used paper unit with a fresh K&N and feel like they are getting improved performance. They likely would have experienced the same improvement with a new paper unit...

Larry
code5coupe

Last edited by rocco16; Dec 1, 2006 at 12:22 PM.

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Dec 1, 2006 | 12:45 PM

Biker

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 1,218

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From: Plainfield IL

Would a paper element allow more airflow if enclosed in an open type lid?

Dec 1, 2006 | 01:00 PM

#10

rocco16

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From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS

Quote:

Originally Posted by Biker

Would a paper element allow more airflow if enclosed in an open type lid?

Yes, theoretically.
The question then becomes, does the stock engine NEED more airflow? I.e. is the stock lid not providing all the airflow a stock engine requires? I'm guessing the answer is that it is.

Larry
code5coupe

Dec 1, 2006 | 01:08 PM

#11

wolverine1967

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From: Lovettsville VA

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocco16

Note: this is comparing a fresh paper filter to a fresh K&N. Many times someone will replace a used paper unit with a fresh K&N and feel like they are getting improved performance. They likely would have experienced the same improvement with a new paper unit...

Larry
code5coupe

sorry, but i disagree.
i had a fresh paper filter in (wix) and replaced it when i got the K&N. it just runs better with the improved flow. and it's stock.

Dec 1, 2006 | 01:23 PM

#12

rocco16

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From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolverine1967

it just runs better with the (K&N)

"Runs better" is pretty vague.
Can you be more specific?

Larry
code5coupe

Dec 1, 2006 | 01:35 PM

#13

65Z01

Team Owner

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From: SE NY

Cruise-In II Veteran

See Post #6.

Dec 1, 2006 | 01:43 PM

#14

rocco16

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From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolverine1967

i have just finished putting the K&N w/open lid in my 95.... i'm sure it doesn't add much HP if that's what you're looking for.
it just drives better than before.

My cars always drive 'better' after I've washed them.
Seriously.

Larry
code5coupe

Dec 1, 2006 | 02:45 PM

#15

rickneworleansla

Le Mans Master

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 5,141

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From: Metairie Louisiana

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocco16

My cars always drive 'better' after I've washed them.
Seriously.

Larry
code5coupe

My favorite mod too.

Dec 1, 2006 | 03:00 PM

#16

wolverine1967

Pro

Joined: Jun 2005

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From: Lovettsville VA

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocco16

My cars always drive 'better' after I've washed them.
Seriously.

Larry
code5coupe

Dec 1, 2006 | 03:14 PM

#17

B!@cK 86 V3tt3

Pro

Joined: Nov 2006

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From: Concord North Carolina

Everyone here has there own opinion. I think most of these guys ignore the LONG TERM EFFECTS, of a K&N. Take a paper and a K&N new, they are the same. 10,000 miles down the road. OMG THE K&N IS FILTERING BETTER and still does not need to be cleaned for atleast another 6 months.

That is worth it to me. K&N is reusable. Paper is not. Yes its more expensive now, but add up the paperfilters bought in the past. Gets pricey. Also open lid/K&N=10 chp. No you wont feel it but it does give a bit better acceleration and MPG.

Dec 1, 2006 | 03:20 PM

#18

rickneworleansla

Le Mans Master

Joined: Aug 2004

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From: Metairie Louisiana

Dec 1, 2006 | 03:43 PM

#19

Biker

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 1,218

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From: Plainfield IL

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocco16

My cars always drive 'better' after I've washed them.
Seriously.

Larry
code5coupe

Less aerodynamic drag without the dirt, huh?

Dec 1, 2006 | 03:51 PM

#20

Biker

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Jan 2001

Posts: 1,218

Likes: 2

From: Plainfield IL

Back on topic... Someone on a different message board I visit said he used a K&N in 1994 Impala SS with the LT-1 mill. The airflow through the filter picked up a small amount of oil and coated the O2 sensor, giving the engine chip a corrupt reading. This was discovered when the car was being dyno tuned. Anyone ever hear of this problem?

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