Bought a K&N filter . . .
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,306
Likes: 0
From: Denver CO
Bought a K&N filter . . .
I've pretty much decided that for the most part my 1999 FRC will remain stock, but when having my oil changed today they checked out my filter and it is pretty bad, so I just went into the mall section and bought the K&N. I know most of the time the hp additions for such minor mods are false and just a hype for the product, but will there be any thing I will notice between my new K&N drop in and my old crappy filter? The main reason I bought the K&N is because, first, I trust the company, and second, it is washable and I don't have to throw it away like the piece of crap paper thing in there right now.
:flag
:flag
Drifting
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 1,715
Likes: 1
From: cAshburn VA
Re: Bought a K&N filter . . . (DENVER_C5)
This was the first mod I did to mine, except I went with the cutout shroud, and I definately noticed a pick up. I suggest either cutting a square out of the shroud cover over the filter, or doing the tie-wrap mod. If you want to see what the difference would be, just take the cover off and drive around the block. Dont hit it to hard, you might make the filter jump out! Actually that would be more likely on a hard brake. But just spin it around the block that way, if you dont feel a difference (i cant imagine that), then just put the cover back on. :thumbs:
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 15,324
Likes: 2,080
From: Guelph, Ontario
Re: Bought a K&N filter . . . (IFLUBYU)
Even if it gave you 10hp over stock (which it certainly does not!), it wouldn't be worth it considering the amount of dirt the K&N lets into the engine. Here is a quote from someone I know who is an expert on oil analysis:
So why risk it? Stick with the OEM paper air filter, it does a great job of trapping dirt, which means your engine will live a much longer life than if you ran the K&N.
Don't be lulled into false security just because spectrographic analysis
indicated no increase in silicon. Spectro only analyzes components of 5
microns and under, thus some of the larger dirt particles would not register
with spectro. I can assure you that if you ran a particle count/ferrography
you would see a significant difference in the +5 micron components with
either a foam or OEM paper element.. Every tractor/trailer on the highway
run paper elements. Every CAT or other commercial engined off-highway
machine run paper elements.. Rasons: they work.. Very well.... If a K&N
worked better, they would be on every major piece of equipment in the
world.. It is that simple.. On your next oil analysis, check "run particle
count". Then switch to a paper element and do the same test, again.... You
will be amazed with what you discover....
George Morrison, STLE CLS
indicated no increase in silicon. Spectro only analyzes components of 5
microns and under, thus some of the larger dirt particles would not register
with spectro. I can assure you that if you ran a particle count/ferrography
you would see a significant difference in the +5 micron components with
either a foam or OEM paper element.. Every tractor/trailer on the highway
run paper elements. Every CAT or other commercial engined off-highway
machine run paper elements.. Rasons: they work.. Very well.... If a K&N
worked better, they would be on every major piece of equipment in the
world.. It is that simple.. On your next oil analysis, check "run particle
count". Then switch to a paper element and do the same test, again.... You
will be amazed with what you discover....
George Morrison, STLE CLS
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 1,104
Likes: 0
From: "In a van down by the river" CO
Re: Bought a K&N filter . . . (Patman)
.. Rasons: they work.. Very well.... If a K&N
worked better, they would be on every major piece of equipment in the
world.. It is that simple..
So why risk it? Stick with the OEM paper air filter, it does a great job of trapping dirt, which means your engine will live a much longer life than if you ran the K&N.
worked better, they would be on every major piece of equipment in the
world.. It is that simple..
So why risk it? Stick with the OEM paper air filter, it does a great job of trapping dirt, which means your engine will live a much longer life than if you ran the K&N.
Don't get me wrong. I'm not stating that this study or test is faulty, only the reasoning that manufacturers install certain parts because they possess the highest quality and effectiveness. If this were true, manufacturers would install forged pistons, full roller rocker arms, roller camshafts, synthetic oils, etc, etc. in their engines because of their efficiency and durability. We know these types of parts are not widely used because of their cost to the manufacturers. Why would GM mount run craps when most, and I'm sure GM, believe there are far superior tires for less money out there? Because Goodyear had the lowest bid to supply tires in the required sizes and quantities. Chris
Race Director
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 15,324
Likes: 2,080
From: Guelph, Ontario
Re: Bought a K&N filter . . . (lowdowndirty)
You're missing George's point though. He's talking about how trucking companies do not use K&N air filters, and they obviously have the choice of putting whatever they want onto their fleet in order to maximize their durability and cost effectiveness. This is why you see so many large trucks running bypass oil filters and synthetic oil, that way they save hundreds of dollars on oil changes, along with extending the life of their engines. So if these trucking companies all felt K&N air filters would extend the lives of their engines and save them money as opposed to paper, they would use them. Think about how much money they would save if they could go with an air filter that never needed to be replaced, but yet they refuse to use such a filter. Why? Because they know it will reduce the life of their engines, that's why they continue using throwaway paper air filters.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,786
Likes: 49
From: Sun Devil Country
Re: Bought a K&N filter . . . (DENVER_C5)
Your best bang for the buck would be to swap out your oem airbox lid for a ZO6 oem lid (02 or later) and drop in your K&N filter. Still looks factory oem and increases the breathability. Not an expensive mod and you'll like the results. In addition, try adding the hood seal to keep out debris and additional condensation. I liked the performance results in my 99.
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Re: Bought a K&N filter . . . (lowdowndirty)
You may feel a VERY SMALL difference. If for nothing else, the reusable filters will save you money down the road.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,151
Likes: 1
From: N.CHARLESTON SC
Re: Bought a K&N filter . . . (JDs00PewterCoupe)
Great choice :thumbs: I went with the K&N FIPK system. When you start your modding check it out. It comes with a bigger air bridge too :cheers:
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington NC
Re: Bought a K&N filter . . . (Patman)
Even if it gave you 10hp over stock (which it certainly does not!), it wouldn't be worth it considering the amount of dirt the K&N lets into the engine. Here is a quote from someone I know who is an expert on oil analysis:
Don't be lulled into false security just because spectrographic analysis
indicated no increase in silicon. Spectro only analyzes components of 5
microns and under, thus some of the larger dirt particles would not register
with spectro. I can assure you that if you ran a particle count/ferrography
you would see a significant difference in the +5 micron components with
either a foam or OEM paper element.. Every tractor/trailer on the highway
run paper elements. Every CAT or other commercial engined off-highway
machine run paper elements.. Rasons: they work.. Very well.... If a K&N
worked better, they would be on every major piece of equipment in the
world.. It is that simple.. On your next oil analysis, check "run particle
count". Then switch to a paper element and do the same test, again.... You
will be amazed with what you discover....
George Morrison, STLE CLS
So why risk it? Stick with the OEM paper air filter, it does a great job of trapping dirt, which means your engine will live a much longer life than if you ran the K&N.
Don't be lulled into false security just because spectrographic analysis
indicated no increase in silicon. Spectro only analyzes components of 5
microns and under, thus some of the larger dirt particles would not register
with spectro. I can assure you that if you ran a particle count/ferrography
you would see a significant difference in the +5 micron components with
either a foam or OEM paper element.. Every tractor/trailer on the highway
run paper elements. Every CAT or other commercial engined off-highway
machine run paper elements.. Rasons: they work.. Very well.... If a K&N
worked better, they would be on every major piece of equipment in the
world.. It is that simple.. On your next oil analysis, check "run particle
count". Then switch to a paper element and do the same test, again.... You
will be amazed with what you discover....
George Morrison, STLE CLS
So why risk it? Stick with the OEM paper air filter, it does a great job of trapping dirt, which means your engine will live a much longer life than if you ran the K&N.
Couldn't agree more. I've seen too many analysis where the K&N passed more stuff when new and got worse with age. IMO it is an investment with no upside.
Also have never seen a definitive test hwere the K&N increased the HP on a C5.
Having said all of this I do like their oil filter for the C5.
Coolest Guy Evar!
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,570
Likes: 3
From: Fairfax VA
Re: Bought a K&N filter . . . (Richin Chicago)
Even if it gave you 10hp over stock (which it certainly does not!), it wouldn't be worth it considering the amount of dirt the K&N lets into the engine. Here is a quote from someone I know who is an expert on oil analysis:
Don't be lulled into false security just because spectrographic analysis
indicated no increase in silicon. Spectro only analyzes components of 5
microns and under, thus some of the larger dirt particles would not register
with spectro. I can assure you that if you ran a particle count/ferrography
you would see a significant difference in the +5 micron components with
either a foam or OEM paper element.. Every tractor/trailer on the highway
run paper elements. Every CAT or other commercial engined off-highway
machine run paper elements.. Rasons: they work.. Very well.... If a K&N
worked better, they would be on every major piece of equipment in the
world.. It is that simple.. On your next oil analysis, check "run particle
count". Then switch to a paper element and do the same test, again.... You
will be amazed with what you discover....
George Morrison, STLE CLS
So why risk it? Stick with the OEM paper air filter, it does a great job of trapping dirt, which means your engine will live a much longer life than if you ran the K&N.
Couldn't agree more. I've seen too many analysis where the K&N passed more stuff when new and got worse with age. IMO it is an investment with no upside.
Also have never seen a definitive test hwere the K&N increased the HP on a C5.
Having said all of this I do like their oil filter for the C5.
Don't be lulled into false security just because spectrographic analysis
indicated no increase in silicon. Spectro only analyzes components of 5
microns and under, thus some of the larger dirt particles would not register
with spectro. I can assure you that if you ran a particle count/ferrography
you would see a significant difference in the +5 micron components with
either a foam or OEM paper element.. Every tractor/trailer on the highway
run paper elements. Every CAT or other commercial engined off-highway
machine run paper elements.. Rasons: they work.. Very well.... If a K&N
worked better, they would be on every major piece of equipment in the
world.. It is that simple.. On your next oil analysis, check "run particle
count". Then switch to a paper element and do the same test, again.... You
will be amazed with what you discover....
George Morrison, STLE CLS
So why risk it? Stick with the OEM paper air filter, it does a great job of trapping dirt, which means your engine will live a much longer life than if you ran the K&N.
Couldn't agree more. I've seen too many analysis where the K&N passed more stuff when new and got worse with age. IMO it is an investment with no upside.
Also have never seen a definitive test hwere the K&N increased the HP on a C5.
Having said all of this I do like their oil filter for the C5.
Arthur :flag
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Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
Re: Bought a K&N filter . . . (TIKTGTR)
Great choice :thumbs: I went with the K&N FIPK system. When you start your modding check it out. It comes with a bigger air bridge too :cheers:
Regarding K&N filters: I've been using them now for more than 18 years and have never had any oil-related issues. You'd think that after all these years, tens of thousands of car (and truck) users would be screaming if their K&Ns were causing premature engine failures.
My advice? Take everything you hear with a grain of salt. If the statement(s) is fairly isolated, then there's a good chance that it is false or misinterpreted.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,431
Likes: 2
From: Munich Bavaria
Re: Bought a K&N filter . . . (Dave68)
I am too have the K&N FIPK gen II System, and got serious gain in HP and Sound. However, i always thought this kind of filters are doing a BETTER job than the paper filter element. Can Somebody post more infos about this (That they might harm the engine) ? I dont panic about the filter, but dont want to risk my engine.
But before i change anything, would like to hear some more opinions, and maybe some serious facts !
Thanks,
Jochen
But before i change anything, would like to hear some more opinions, and maybe some serious facts !
Thanks,
Jochen
Drifting
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,250
Likes: 1
From: Greensboro NC
Re: Bought a K&N filter . . . (Jochen)
Hallo Jochen!
Wie geht's denn so in Bayern diese Tage?
Viele Gruesse von einem gebuehrtigen Hamburger der seit 14 Jahren in den USA lebt.
Wie geht's denn so in Bayern diese Tage?
Viele Gruesse von einem gebuehrtigen Hamburger der seit 14 Jahren in den USA lebt.
I am too have the K&N FIPK gen II System, and got serious gain in HP and Sound. However, i always thought this kind of filters are doing a BETTER job than the paper filter element. Can Somebody post more infos about this (That they might harm the engine) ? I dont panic about the filter, but dont want to risk my engine.
But before i change anything, would like to hear some more opinions, and maybe some serious facts !
Thanks,
Jochen
But before i change anything, would like to hear some more opinions, and maybe some serious facts !
Thanks,
Jochen
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 1
From: Wilmington NC
Re: Bought a K&N filter . . . (Jochen)
I am too have the K&N FIPK gen II System, and got serious gain in HP and Sound. However, i always thought this kind of filters are doing a BETTER job than the paper filter element. Can Somebody post more infos about this (That they might harm the engine) ? I dont panic about the filter, but dont want to risk my engine.
But before i change anything, would like to hear some more opinions, and maybe some serious facts !
Thanks,
Jochen
But before i change anything, would like to hear some more opinions, and maybe some serious facts !
Thanks,
Jochen
Here is a another opinion with a test:
http://www.seansa4page.com/resource/airfilter.html
Drifting
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,431
Likes: 2
From: Munich Bavaria
Re: Bought a K&N filter . . . (Alex D)
Hallo Alex,
schoenes plaetzen Erde hast Du Dir zum Leben ausgesucht ! Respekt.
Alles gute aus der alten Heimat!
Richin Chicago,
thanks for this Info. Acctually i am a bit worried now about those filter.
Hope somebody can post some more positive test results.
jochen
schoenes plaetzen Erde hast Du Dir zum Leben ausgesucht ! Respekt.
Alles gute aus der alten Heimat!
Richin Chicago,
thanks for this Info. Acctually i am a bit worried now about those filter.
Hope somebody can post some more positive test results.
jochen
Intermediate
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Dallas TX
Re: Bought a K&N filter . . . (DENVER_C5)
This was my first mod on my '99. When I first installed it, I couldn't really feel a difference. But, then I cut open my air box with a Dremel and I could really feel a difference. :cheers:
Racer
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 416
Likes: 0
From: Burleson TX
Re: Bought a K&N filter . . . (DENVER_C5)
Based upon what I have read here and on the external link, The K&N will perform better and keep your oil clean if you clean and charge it every time you change your oil. Not so much to ask from someone who loves their car. I know that K&N says every 50,000 miles (or sooner in dusty conditions), but I love my car and I love horsepower and fuel economy, so I clean mine every time I change my oil. If I had to be buy paper filters that often, I would be spending a lot more money.
:seeya
[Modified by Zen06, 8:11 PM 1/26/2004]
:seeya
[Modified by Zen06, 8:11 PM 1/26/2004]