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I got a new to me 2017 Z51 with only 5400 miles.
I know that I needed to replace the motor oil regardless of mileage after a year.
Does this rule also apply to engine air filters? I do not know if it was ever changed.
Another question, is everyone who has the stock airbox using OEM filters or is there a better alternative?
Probably depends on where you live - how dusty and dirty the air is. A visual inspection of the air filter would probably tell a better story. They're not cheap so if it's clean, I'd leave it.
And I use OEM - you'll probably get a lot of input on this but I figured GM likely did their homework especially with a Corvette regarding filtration and flow.
Getting to the filter is a bit of a pain. With only 5400 miles it should still be fine. I replaced mine at 12,000 with a K&N, but the OEM was still quite clean.
Probably depends on where you live - how dusty and dirty the air is. A visual inspection of the air filter would probably tell a better story. They're not cheap so if it's clean, I'd leave it.
And I use OEM - you'll probably get a lot of input on this but I figured GM likely did their homework especially with a Corvette regarding filtration and flow.
I am not sure about dirty but not dusty. SF CA.
Originally Posted by 92ragtop
Getting to the filter is a bit of a pain. With only 5400 miles it should still be fine. I replaced mine at 12,000 with a K&N, but the OEM was still quite clean.
Yes, I did YT a video and it is a pain to get access to. In my Camaro, all I had to do was unpop three clips and there it is.
Originally Posted by Redsoxnation
The OEM is better than aftermarket. Replacement can be purchased from Rock auto
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Originally Posted by 92ragtop
Getting to the filter is a bit of a pain. With only 5400 miles it should still be fine.
Yeah, it is not the easiest thing to get access to. At your car’s current mileage, the filter should be fine but the only way to be sure is to visually check it.
Visually check it. You will now know what a PITA it is to replace. I'd go stock as replacement. Unless you're kin to Daisy Duke and drive on dirt roads to yer farm, I'd say 24,000 miles would be worth a change.
Here in the SFBA, I wouldn't worry unless using dirt roads. The weird *** filter holder breaks down into two pieces for much easier re-install. I replaced OEM filter with a K&N so I don't have to do it again!
I just replaced my factory air filter this spring. Car only had 5,000 miles on it. I did a lot of research on OEM filters vs aftermarket and I came away with the decision to go with the Attack B air filter. There are videos on YouTube that show the Attack Blue filter breathes better than the factory filter and adds roughly 10 hp alone on the dyno at all ranges. It also produced a faster 1/4 mile time at the track. They make a few runs on a stock filter, swap it out then make another few runs and the Attack Blue filter produced faster runs. Also, the microfiber traps more particles than the stock paper. So, it breathes better than stock, produces more hp than stock and can washed and reused. Stock was about $79, Attack Blue was about $140.
I did notice a little deeper growl from the engine compartment after I swapped them. Have no before/after official test results but im very happy with the decision.
Afe Blue filter here. I replace every 8-10,000 miles, hell I change the oil 3-4 X a year. I do hear a larger "Growl" sound vs OEM. At least I don't' have to keep buying new OEM stuff, wash it off, spray oil it, Done. The guy who designed the filter housing should be shot, a 5-10 minute job on my other cars turns into 1-1/2 hour.
I spent the stupid $ 1,200. to get one of the last Carbon Fiber air system. See my normal avatar.
My owner's manual (2018) indicates the air filter should be changed every 37,500 miles OR 4 years, whichever comes first. If you drive in dusty conditions, more often as needed. I go by the owner's manual unless I've got a really solid basis for doing otherwise.
Follow GM's Maintenance Schedule. Since the car is a low-mile car I would use the Severe Service Schedule Vs Normal. Low-mile cars have issues due to sitting around too much. GM and all other OEMs don't design cars to sit around so do nothing to prevent issues that occur due to lack of use.
Here is the 2017 Maintenance Schedule with the Air Filter parts marked:
I suspect that GM recommends changing the filter every 4 years because the filters may degrade with age and become less effective. Dirty filters will reduce airflow while a degraded filter may let too much dirt through the filter even though it looks perfectly fine.
Question about Air Filter Replacement
