K+N Replacement Filter?

[james11]

Hi,

I was given a K+N OEM replacement panel filter as a gift yesterday and am considering putting it in my 05 Malibu (3500 pushrod V6). Are there any benifits of the KN vs. regular replacement paper filters. Do you get better fuel econ? Is it bad for the engine?

Thanks to anyone who can give me some insight.


James

[Swahili]

I think there has been some concern in the past about the oil in the filter mucking up the mass air flow sensor (I think it's that one). I put one in my old '95 Ford Taurus and while you're not going to pick up any big increases in power with just the filter, I did notice that it took the edge off the car feeling sluggish. It wasn't quick by any means, but for the money I spent, it worked well enough for me. That said, I paid wholesale for mine and probably wouldn't pay retail for it. As for fuel economy, I didn't really pay attention to that back then so I can't really tell you for sure.

I believe the recommended cleaning intervals are 30-40,000 miles and you'll need to pick up a cleaning kit. The one I have at home is K&N 99-5050.

I've heard the argument that keeping new paper filters in the box will serve you just as well and if I'm not mistaken, the new thing might be oil-less paper filters that are reusable.

That's my .02, see what other people have to say also.

[james11]

I know that a lot of techs at the local Chevy dealer use the KN in their personal vehicles. It seems to be either love em or hate em. Some guys clai a 5% fuel economy increase with the regular OEM replacment filter. I guess I wonder if anyone has actually experienced the FE increase.

[F14CRAZY]

Depending on the design of your airbox you may be able to gain a little more by drilling it

[vsd]

I put a k&n filter in my Lexus about a month ago, I didn't really notice much of a power increase, but it does feel a lil livelier off the line, the biggest benefit I noticed is that before it would take 4 of my daily commutes to go through half a tank of gas, now I get 5 out of half a tank. I don't drive the Lexus much tho due to crappy gas milage and the requirement of 91 octane, so it could have been a fluke(I've only driven driven it a handful of times w/ the new filter), or just the result of replacing an old dirty filter w/ a new clean one. The k&n is worth it either way since you'll never have to buy a new one, just clean and re-oil once every 50,000 miles(per the k&n instructions, might wanna do it sooner). If it's new there shouldn't be any issues w/ oil mucking up the MAF, and just be careful not to over-oil it in the future.

[AndrewGS]

You won't notice anything but improved throttle responce unless you start to modify your airbox. You might see a miniscule gain in economy but it won't be detectable unless you drive the exact same route in the exact same conditions at the exact same times the exact same way.

In a stock airbox they don't need to be cleaned any more regularly than a stock filter needs replacement, but on an open-element intake they need to be cleaned pretty often. When you clean it, using the K&N kit available at parts houses, be sure to let it dry thoroughly, do not to use too much oil and only apply it on the incoming side of the filter. This will keep your MAF clean and working properly.

[james11]

Originally Posted by AndrewGS

You won't notice anything but improved throttle responce unless you start to modify your airbox. You might see a miniscule gain in economy but it won't be detectable unless you drive the exact same route in the exact same conditions at the exact same times the exact same way.

In a stock airbox they don't need to be cleaned any more regularly than a stock filter needs replacement, but on an open-element intake they need to be cleaned pretty often. When you clean it, using the K&N kit available at parts houses, be sure to let it dry thoroughly, do not to use too much oil and only apply it on the incoming side of the filter. This will keep your MAF clean and working properly.

So is it even worth it to put it in? Should I just take it back and give my Dad his money back?

[AndrewGS]

Originally Posted by james11

So is it even worth it to put it in? Should I just take it back and give my Dad his money back?

I'd use it. A couple of throw-away filters later it will have paid for itself and you'll be able to use it for the life of the car.

[james11]

Originally Posted by AndrewGS

I'd use it. A couple of throw-away filters later it will have paid for itself and you'll be able to use it for the life of the car.

Thanks. It beats buying one for $15 every 20,000 miles.

[zeobandit]

I have a K&N filter in my Silverado. I love it. Sure beats having to replace a paper one every few thousand files. I have not noticed much of a difference in fuel economy, but K&N claims 4 or 5% increase.

[61BelAir]

The air box is the limitting factor. If the air inlet is small, then changing the filter won't make any difference in HP. The benefit is that you won't have to buy another paper filter again, just a cleaning/re-oiling kit. Be careful not to over oil though as this can cause problems with the mass air sensor.

[304 vn holden]

i used a K+N filter in my car and my gas MI did inprove a bit just dont over oil the filter i had to cleen up my IDLE AIR CONTROL VALVE beause i used to much oil a small thin coat will last every 50,000 mi befour it needs an cleen and a oil and it makes cool sounds from the intake when u nail to the floor