K&N bashing ???
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 336
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From: Bruce WI
K&N bashing ???
Any input, I've got one with a cut out cover. Been reading some not so great opinions on them? Even if the gain is next to nothing now I'm wondering if the filtration is poor?
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,290
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From: St Marys GA
I've read lots of K&N bashing, both here and the honda civic forum that I was before. Basically, it comes down to this: the k&n doesn't filter quite as well, but flows much better when dirty. The clean flow numbers for k&n vs paper are about identical.
The primary logical reason for having the k&n is that, instead of replacing the filter, you just have to clean and re-oil it. Don't expect any hp gain, but it might keep you from losing a few hp when the filter is dirty.
The primary logical reason for having the k&n is that, instead of replacing the filter, you just have to clean and re-oil it. Don't expect any hp gain, but it might keep you from losing a few hp when the filter is dirty.
Pro
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 584
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From: Near Lockport NY Black 1986 Coupe
I've read that you actually lose hp when you install the K&N filter as opposed to the paper filter, from someone with a lot of time and a dyno. That's atleast when both are clean, not sure when they start to clog up.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
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From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Any input, I've got one with a cut out cover.
Last edited by 65Z01; Apr 7, 2008 at 06:13 PM.
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4
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From: Loxahatchee FL
I've been working on cars & motorcycles for +26 years & have been using K&N sincce they first came out. For an "old school guy" they have never let me down. Yes cleaning is a pain & needs to be done right otherwise you will have problems, but they have never lost me power. Most always gained even if only a couple of HP. Every time someone brought me a car with a K&N they were unhappy with they either over oiled it or put it on the car with water still in it (with new oil) which will make them shrink. My wife's brand new Tahoe will get one too when the original gets old. - Mike.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2007
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K & N
A paper filter actually provides more filtering as it gets older.
The biggest problem with the K & N is the over oiling issues. Typical damage to a mass air sensor is caused by excessive oil accumulating on the sensor. This failure is sometimes caused by overoiling the air filter and is identified as a check engine light.
The K & N is less restrictive, but what is it doing to filter out of the dirt from going into the engine. The more dirt is sucks in, the greater possibility of engine wear.
I would like to see an independent study on filtering, capacity and flow. I use paper and K & N filters.
The biggest problem with the K & N is the over oiling issues. Typical damage to a mass air sensor is caused by excessive oil accumulating on the sensor. This failure is sometimes caused by overoiling the air filter and is identified as a check engine light.
The K & N is less restrictive, but what is it doing to filter out of the dirt from going into the engine. The more dirt is sucks in, the greater possibility of engine wear.
I would like to see an independent study on filtering, capacity and flow. I use paper and K & N filters.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,642
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From: One day you're a Comet...the next day you're dust... Arkansas
I won't use K & N on my off road Jeep that sees lots of dust. I use one on the Vette and 2 on my motorcycle that see only highway use. It was obvious on the motorcycle I was getting more flow, I had to put in bigger carb jets.
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Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 16,838
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From: Database Error Indiana
I have been using the same K&N for 120000 miles. I do not believe there is a horsepower difference. It is easier for me to clean it than drive 7 miles (each way) to get a paper one that will not be in stock, so I have to drive that again to pick it up the next day. My 2 cents.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,290
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From: St Marys GA
By not filtering quite as well, I'm referring to the maximum size particle that can get through. It's larger for k&n than a standard paper filter.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 133
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From: Atlanta GA
I've used K&N filters in several cars I've owned. Personally I think they are a waste of money and a pain in the neck. They are too easy to over-oil or oil the wrong side, etc. The cleaning is a real pain and then you have to dry them, etc. By the time you get your K&N cleaned and recharged, you could have driven all over town shopping for air filters and changed the filters hundreds of times 
I think that based on several articles I've read and my own experience, it's better to stick with good quality standard filters and change them as needed. You'll save a lot of money, time and hassle. Additionally, the K&N filters don't do a thing for performance and the oil gets all over the inside of the intake and probably messes up the air flow metering...... I'd give them a
I think that based on several articles I've read and my own experience, it's better to stick with good quality standard filters and change them as needed. You'll save a lot of money, time and hassle. Additionally, the K&N filters don't do a thing for performance and the oil gets all over the inside of the intake and probably messes up the air flow metering...... I'd give them a
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
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From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
The biggest problem with the K & N is the over oiling issues. Typical damage to a mass air sensor is caused by excessive oil accumulating on the sensor. This failure is sometimes caused by overoiling the air filter and is identified as a check engine light.
Im betting this is where most of the rants come from due to problems from over oiling.
Used many of them over the years no isssues, paper is fine too if thats what you have.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 4,290
Likes: 140
From: Salem NH
I've used K&N filters in several cars I've owned. Personally I think they are a waste of money and a pain in the neck. They are too easy to over-oil or oil the wrong side, etc. The cleaning is a real pain and then you have to dry them, etc. By the time you get your K&N cleaned and recharged, you could have driven all over town shopping for air filters and changed the filters hundreds of times
I think that based on several articles I've read and my own experience, it's better to stick with good quality standard filters and change them as needed. You'll save a lot of money, time and hassle. Additionally, the K&N filters don't do a thing for performance and the oil gets all over the inside of the intake and probably messes up the air flow metering...... I'd give them a
-- Joe
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 24,460
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From: sw Ohio
From my personal experience they are not worth the money. I had one on my Focus and it clogged up in 3000 miles and was allowing crud to mess up my MAF. I've never had problems with the cotton ones so long as they're replaced on a regular basis.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 102
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This thread is a little old, but hopefully somebody is still following it.
I have an LT4 that had a K&N in it when I bought it. I like performance, but I'm not a racer, and since I have never done the cleaning procedure on a K&N, it sounds to me like I'm just as well off with a stock filter. I certainly don't want to over-oil it, not get it dry, or whatever. Think I should just put a stock filter in?
I have an LT4 that had a K&N in it when I bought it. I like performance, but I'm not a racer, and since I have never done the cleaning procedure on a K&N, it sounds to me like I'm just as well off with a stock filter. I certainly don't want to over-oil it, not get it dry, or whatever. Think I should just put a stock filter in?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,135
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From: Sebastian Florida
St. Jude Donor '06
K&N's will flow better over paper in vehicles that have a high air flow, i.e. race cars, etc.
You can look all over the internet, there have been test after test and on a stock application; the K&N and paper flow almost identical. So get paper and keep it in could shape and you will be better off. Racing applications are another beast, that is were K&N's shine.
Dont believe me, go and look for yourself.
You can look all over the internet, there have been test after test and on a stock application; the K&N and paper flow almost identical. So get paper and keep it in could shape and you will be better off. Racing applications are another beast, that is were K&N's shine.
Dont believe me, go and look for yourself.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 102
Likes: 0
K&N's will flow better over paper in vehicles that have a high air flow, i.e. race cars, etc.
You can look all over the internet, there have been test after test and on a stock application; the K&N and paper flow almost identical. So get paper and keep it in could shape and you will be better off. Racing applications are another beast, that is were K&N's shine.
Dont believe me, go and look for yourself.
You can look all over the internet, there have been test after test and on a stock application; the K&N and paper flow almost identical. So get paper and keep it in could shape and you will be better off. Racing applications are another beast, that is were K&N's shine.
Dont believe me, go and look for yourself.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 138
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From: Round Rock texas
I have been running K&N filters for years in all my vehicles. Throttle response has improved in everyone of them after switching from paper to K&N. Not sure about the HP of fuel mileage improvements.
Cleaning is no big deal. I clean it at night when I come home and by morning it is dry. A light spray of oil and some coffee and it is ready to go back in. Much easier than going out to try to find a new paper one and cheaper. You can pick a new K&N up off ebay for a fraction of what they are in the stores locally. After 2 cleanings or paper changes they have paid for themselves.
Cleaning is no big deal. I clean it at night when I come home and by morning it is dry. A light spray of oil and some coffee and it is ready to go back in. Much easier than going out to try to find a new paper one and cheaper. You can pick a new K&N up off ebay for a fraction of what they are in the stores locally. After 2 cleanings or paper changes they have paid for themselves.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,135
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From: Sebastian Florida
St. Jude Donor '06