could someone tell me when the air filter has to be replaced on my 03 is it only the paper filter that is purchased and put back in to the chrome holder or are these like some new filters that are out that i have heard about which are able to be washed and they never have to be replaced.Thank you Charlene

 

I was gonna say need a pic, but if it's on a chrome holder, you can probably wash it, oil it and put it back on. Which one do you have?
Dave Q.

***EDIT *** TO wash those, I would maybe use "Simple Green" since it's biodegradebl and not acidic. Spray it on, let it sit for about 10-15 minutes, hose it off (running the water from the inside out so you don't embed the debris in your filter) and let it dry (usually a day).
Get filter oil (although I've seen people use mineral oil) ... you have a couple of choices to apply it (either spray bottle or a steady bead on each pleat). Voila! Hope this helps.

 

I'd say trash the stock airbox and buy you a Blackwing. You can do the install yourself. Its so simple and you'll feel the difference The good thing about it is it has a meter that tells you when to clean it. Thats simple too

 

My filter is the one that drops in the front

 

Hey Char-
If it's the original one, the one that came with the car ... trash it. Replacements available.
Look into a Black Wing ...about $200 last time I checked, but worth it ... let me know if you have Q's with that one.

 

I have a question about air filters as well. I just replaced my stock paper air filter with the drop in K&N (Just dont have the $200 right now, had to buy tires). One thing I noticed was that my Oil Pressure has gone up slightly, it may not be related to this but the filter shouldnt effect the Oil Pressure should it?

 

but make it a halltech stinger............

 

Yep, go Stinger!!!

 

Nope. You're probably just driving faster.

 

How easy is it to install a black wing does it fit into the opening where the old drop in filter goes in to?Do any auto stores sell them or do i have to send for one.Thank you char

 

Charlene,

The Blackwing is relatively easy to install. It does not go into the stock air box ("where the old drop in filter goes") as it is a complete replacement for the stock box/filter. If you could picture your existing stock as box as an entire oval shaped filter, pretty close to but not quite as big as that box, then you are seeing what a Blackwing (or Halltech Stinger) is. There are excellent installation intructions here on the forum, if you do a search, if/when you get ready to install one.

As far as your stock filter, depending on how many miles are on your car, you probably do not need to replace it yet. I would look at replacing it somewhere around 20-25K miles. There are drop in replacement filters (K&N, Fram Air Hog, Cool Blue?) that may, or may not flow better than a stock paper filter.

One work of caution, with any of the after market filters that can be cleaned and oiled, be very careful with the amount of oil that you put on after cleaning. The oil, via the air flow, can get onto your MAF (air flow sensor) wires, and create problems.

I have a Blackwing on mine and am very happy with it. The Halltech Stinger is probably the best deal right now. You will need to order a Blackwing or Stinger. The others can be bought at most auto parts stores.

Good Luck,

 

Charlene - I'd also recommend the Blackwing. Or you could go with the Stinger. Both are very good. Can be cleaned and reused.

 

bah i'm going against the crowd here, i just replaced my stock filter ... with another stock filter. cost me $15.00.

I'm got my own version of the ziptie mod, so i myself dont care about any overpriced P.o.C's