K&N Products Questions

[aurorakid88]

This weekend I wanted to get my oil and air filter changed, even though its only been 1000 miles since the last, and I was thinking about K&N, I hear thier pretty good with the filters and I wanted to know is there a major difference in performance after you switch from stock to K&N?

[Oldsnut]

Yes! Better air flow, gives a little extra kick in the pants.

[scottydl]

MAJOR difference, probably not. But I'd say it's worth the upgrade if you can find a good bargain on the filters. The air intake sounds nice with a K&N, more throaty and mean. I like mine.

K&N oil filters I can't really speak on, as I've never used one. I'm sure there's probably a wealth of discussions on them at www.bobistheoilguy.com

[Letitroll98]

A guy did a test on an Aurora engine and got a power increase of 7hp just from the K&N filter. He also did the airbox mod and it got him only another 2-3 hp I think. So it's a real bang for your buck improvement expecially considering the K&N is a lifetime filter. Yes that's right, lifetime. You just wash it out and apply (gingerly, not too much) some of their oil to the filter and reinsert. Buy the oil with the filter as it's lifetime too, you use so little of it the bottle lasts virtually forever.

There is one caveat. Some UOA's (used oil analysis) have shown slightly increased silicone levels while using K&N air filters, indicating they let a bit more microscopic dust through than stock filters.


P.S. I just found that test, thanks to Howard's Aurora page (where is Howard anyway?):
www.howardm.net/dred98/4airboxtest.php

[webenergy]

I agree 100%! I have used K&N filters on all my cars and suggest them to everyone.

[algonquin]

You can feel the difference with a K@N air filter. I have used them on several different vehicles with great results. My 69 Dodge Coronet ran faster in the quarter with a K@N than with no air filter. Cheap horsepower.

[itsda5oh]

I have a K&N air filter too and love it. As far as the Oil filters go i know my dad was not able to use it in his 350z because it was to much of a filter. He would have to wait to let the engine warm completely up before he could attempt to rev the least bit. The cold oil did not want to pass the filter, and would raise the pressure significantly. However I really don't know if this would be a concern for the Northstar.

[Marc]

On the other hand, a test of the K&N vs. the Delco filter at the site noted below says that the Delco was actually superior to the K&N.

www.caddyinfo.com/airfilterstudy2.htm

[webenergy]

It doesn't surprise me that the Delco paper filter faired better. However, I'd like to see the same tests run on a Delco & K&N filter at 3000 miles rather than new. I'm pretty sure the K&N would outperform the Delco.

And, I'm sure that the fuel economy is better with the K&N than the Delco.

[BlackButy]

When I had my WAI my K&N Cone literally fell apart. I even oiled it properly when required and it just didn't hold up. I am now back to a stock air box with the air silencer and I like the sound better. I might try a K&N Panel filter but my experience with the cone makes me Leary. As far as the K&N Oil filters are concerned, they are made by Champion Labs, as well as the Mobil 1 filters. The K&N filters have a larger filtering media that allows oil to flow better than the M1 but the M1 will filter more. The delco filters are fine for our cars and maintain proper oil pressure. Right now I am using the Napa Gold oil filter made by WIX. It is supposed to be a very high quality filter. The best oil filter is supposed to be the Purolator Pure 1. They are a branch of Bosch.

[swartzrora]

I use a K&N filter on my GMC 2500 custom van because it's too much trouble to take the dog house out to change air filters every 15k. It says even dirty the air flow is higher than a new paper filter.

Works for me so far.

Haven't seen that filter for about 5 yrs :-)

[Randy T.]

swartzrora said:

I use a K&N filter on my GMC 2500 custom van because it's too much trouble to take the dog house out to change air filters every 15k. It says even dirty the air flow is higher than a new paper filter.

Works for me so far.

Haven't seen that filter for about 5 yrs :-)

I have a '93 Chevy 2500 work van. What year is yours? I have fun in it to. I twisted the axle one day, broke both the lift blocks and broke the rear u-joint off. I backed onto a log and tried to do a burnout on it. I was trying to fling it into a river. Had to get a tow truck to take me home.

[Aurora Rancher]

Save some money on the K&N (great filter) , buy an AmsOil air filter (Great Filter - less expensive) . It is also an Oil Wetted type filter, but rather than a gauze material, it is a Synthetic foam material that actually passes more air than a paper filter, equal air flow to a K&N (when New) and passes more air than either after 6 months to a year of service. Yes, like a K&N, it is re-usable/cleanable. They are usually 1/2 the price of a K&N, and yes about twice the price of a paper filter.

www.amsoil.com Use referral number "164030" on checkout.

[diamond03]

I have the drop in filter with air box mod, and notice no difference in performance. However it is still a good buy because you buy it once and it lasts for ever. Air filter oil is cheap if you do have to buy. Caution though: if you use to much oil you will have to replace MAF. I did on my old t-bird. (which had open cone, and i could tell a performance increase).

[lanceslambos]

the K&N cone filter really gives the Aurora a "hungry" sound. it's worth the cost just for the sound it gives if nothing else. i can't say for sure what performance gain you will get with just the filter as i have an aluminum short ram intake with heat shroud better known as a C.A.I. or cold air intake with a cone filter. its not a gob of extra power but its there.

[Superdemon]

May 27, 2008 11:13:38 GMT -6 lanceslambos said:

the K&N cone filter really gives the Aurora a "hungry" sound. it's worth the cost just for the sound it gives if nothing else. i can't say for sure what performance gain you will get with just the filter as i have an aluminum short ram intake with heat shroud better known as a C.A.I. or cold air intake with a cone filter. its not a gob of extra power but its there.

They are better known around here as warm air intakes as they tend to pull warmer air from the engine compartment.

[lanceslambos]

haven't seen anyone here with a heat shroud though. that makes a big difference. besides my filter sits down where the stock air box was and takes the same outside air as stock.