I'm going to replace the air filter element. Its a stock box. Any recommendations on what element to purchase??

 

K&N, pricier than a stock replacement but worth the expense.

From this point on you'll never have to buy another air filter. Just clean and re-oil the K&N filter every 3-4 months and you're good to go !

 

S&B FILTERS (in CA) is another option. They're also cotton gauze which require a very light oil application. They include a small measured syringe to apply the oil rather than the aerosol application which owners tend to over use and contaminate the MAF.
They supply the after market with many of the filters used in after market air intake systems. A very good company to deal with with great customer service.

 

Stay with the factory style pleated paper air filter.

Oiled cotton gauze filters can contaminate the fine wire element in the MAF sensor with oil residue.

Air flow gains,with cotton gauze filters,are
somewhat overrated too.

 

I've always used K&N and the cars still going strong

 

Mine is 10 years old and still looks good. I don't think you need to clean them much more than once a year or so though.

 

NAPA, WIX, and AC Delco, alll good paper filters. Suggest you stay away from Frahm. I like to get maximum filtration, so I also would never use an oil / gauze type filter element, I know others do, and that's fine, just not for me.

 

I use Fram and change it every 10,000 miles -- inexpensive and readily available. .

 

 

Anybody know if the the stock Z06 air cleaner would be of any more help over my stock non Z06 car for '01 ??

 

...anyone care to place a bet there will be no consensus on the original question...again...

 

I use paper air filters, usually WIX. But, DELCO have proven to be GREAT air filters also.

I would stay away from oiled cloth due to: 1) possible MAF sensor oil contaimination, 2) they don't filter as well, 3) no real HP gains. Just mho.

 

 

Wix or Delco! Easy enough.

I am curious though about a previous question. Will a stock LS1 benefit from installing a stock Z06 airbox?

 

I am still under a GMPP Warranty, so I only use AC/Delco. Why give anyone a reason, to question a claim.

 

 

Yes, especially the early C5 years (use 2002 or later ZO6). It is $50-60, sounds better too, plus no water issues. After 2001, not much difference.

 

That's what I did, flows better. 02-04 Z06 lid is the ticket if you want to look stock.

 

What paper filter is used in all of the after market air intake systems?
(it's a trick question )

 

Here's my take:
There are three basic types of air filters: Pleated paper, oiled foam and oiled gauze.

Paper flows extremely well when new, but drops off quickly as it becomes dirtier and dirtier because it has almost no depth. Paper usually cannot be cleaned and is expensive to replace for the life of the vehicle. Everyone like Fram, Wix and STP make paper air filters.

Foam flows about as well as paper, but because it has depth, it can hold more dirt between washing and re-oiling. It's economical because it can be washed with detergent, dried and re-oiled over and over again. Amsoil and Uni make foam filters.

Gauze flows extremely well - better than paper or foam, but is usually less effective at trapping particulates, allowing smaller particles to enter your engine causing premature wear. Gauze can also be washed, re-oiled and re-used over and over again. K&N typically makes gauze filters.

The brand of paper filter is not extremely important since it will have to be changed frequently anyway and most if not all meet manufacturer standards for quality.

If your goal is high performance, then the K&N gauze filter is the way to go. However if your goal is longevity, then the foam filter is the way to go. The paper is easiest (simply throw it away) but is less economical in the long run.

You decide what works for YOU