Best air filter?

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wallyuwl

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OK, so I bought a K&N air filter without doing my research first, and think I am going to return it to Amazon (along with the oil kit) and eat the return shipping since I haven't used either yet.

In researching on this site, it appears paper filters filter better, and there is no meaningful difference in air flow. In the Vibe I replace the air filter at least every 20k (probably overkill), and on the Equinox can probably run this one to 40k based on how it looks now at 18k. The Vibe ones are cheap ($12), but the Equinox filters are $25+.


I noticed talk of long-life and cleanable paper filters that can go 100k or more. I have never heard of thse. Anyone recommend a good air filter that I can look at that filters well and is cleanable?
 
The disposable FRAM paper filters seem to work no problem. They seem sturdy enough and have a good gasket around the edge for a tight fit.

I don't quite buy into the whole K&N hype.....sure, if you got a CAI, and performance exhaust, sure....but not for simple day to day driving car....

Gone 20k with various FRAM filters, and never needed to be replaced - though FRAM touts the "12 thousand mile tune up" lol. I guess in a way it all depends on how you drive and where you drive; dusty, muddy, etc. environment obviously will need it changed more often....
 
Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
Amsoil EA is the good washable air filter, other good washable air filters are AFE Pro Dry-S and AEM Dryflow.


Those last two are type I was thinking of. Oilless washable ones. I looked up both and neither make a filter to fit either of my vehicles (though I wouldn't replace the one on the Vibe at this time).

I guess I'll stick with the paper Fram or Purolator ones. Haven't had a problem yet, was just looking for an improvement if there was improvement to be had.

Going to return ship the K&N to Amazon and the oil filter kit to Advance for store credit since Amazon doesn't take returns on liquid/oils.
 
Wix.

I ran a CarQuest Red (lower-cost filter) in my Malibu for 40k and could have run it longer. I replaced it with a Napa Gold that will go at least 50k if not a good dose longer. The N.G. has a good chunk more media than the CarQuest Red it replaced.
 
If you live in an area/climate with little dust and a desent amount of rainfall during the year, keep the K&N!
Or, before you eat the return shipping cost, see if you can sell it localy on Craig's List for at least no loss. I find CL great for local sales with no advertising fee and no shipping cost for either party. Advertise it for what it is(brand new) and maybe even make a couple of bucks.
 
don't listen to the b/s about how bad k&n filters are all a myth.use that filter!!!...and learn about the pvc system and wide open throttle or just normal driving and then you will understand its not the filter that supposedly put a coat of oil on your maf....also filters far better then a paper filter...ever look in you throttle body after a while you will always find a small fine dust when you wipe with your finger..not with a k&n....i never reuse mine i always buy a new one when you can't see the wire mesh underneath...if you live in a really dusty area or do alot of off roading,then use a pre filter over your filter..
 
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I've never had any complaints with any name brand air filter...Puro, FRAM, STP, Wix or even store brands such a PB's ProLine or SEARS PowerFlo etc.
 
Originally Posted By: boxcartommie22
don't listen to the b/s about how bad k&n filters are all a myth.use that filter!!!...and learn about the pvc system and wide open throttle or just normal driving and then you will understand its not the filter that supposedly put a coat of oil on your maf


Thats just pathetic blaming the PCV system for oily MAFS. There are no pcv components in front of the MAF as all PCV air is METERED. The PCV air intake is always between the MAF and the throttlebody.

All I can say is work on 50+ cars a week for performance problems, and count the oiled MAFs behind a K&N. It ain't a coincidence. Kind of pointless having a filter that trashes a MAF when over oiled, and filters like garbage when insufficiently oiled, and arguably even when properly oiled.

Lean codes on that Stang? K&N sticker on the airbox? You got most of the diagnosis right there.

K&N marketing, gotta love it.
 
Originally Posted By: boxcartommie22
don't listen to the b/s about how bad k&n filters are all a myth.use that filter!!!...and learn about the pvc system and wide open throttle or just normal driving and then you will understand its not the filter that supposedly put a coat of oil on your maf....also filters far better then a paper filter...ever look in you throttle body after a while you will always find a small fine dust when you wipe with your finger..not with a k&n....i never reuse mine i always buy a new one when you can't see the wire mesh underneath...if you live in a really dusty area or do alot of off roading,then use a pre filter over your filter..


Wrong and wrong.
High silicon levels are common with K+N type filters, and cleaning MAFs is necessary initially after oiling them for a few weeks, and later because of dust.
 
Best filter?

I'd say the Donaldson powercore. Going to try and put one on the Expedition.

Best filter for the stock airbox? I use OEM.
 
I had one of those oil & fabric air filters for a while. When I looked at it up-close (I have extremely good up-close vision, i.e. really nearsighted...) I could see through it. In other words, the pore size was just naked eye size. I became uncomfortable with that and replaced it with a standard pleated "paper" air filter, one I couldn't see the pores on. I'm more comfortable with a HEPA-like air filter, like the ones industry uses in clean rooms. The air filter oil has been useful re-oiling my lawn & garden equipment foam air filters.
 
There are no pcv components in front of the MAF as all PCV air is METERED. The PCV air intake is always between the MAF and the throttlebody.


Isn't that by definition UNmetered? MAF is NOT able to account for that air because it is entering AFTER the MAF.

Is there some misunderstanding on the terminology?

- Vikas
 
K&N is not the best air filter.

K&N is blamed for a number of things that, in reality, have limited basis.

K&N is a good filter if used correctly. Cost savings may be beneficial. At close to $20 for OEM, it would roughly be 3 OEM filters per 1 K&N with cleaner/oil kit. How long do you plan to keep the vehicle?

Little recognizable power gains unless you go for an intake swap and have other upgrades.

I have personally used K&Ns for over 500k miles on my vehicles, for a total of over 15 years.
I currently have a 77 series on my truck that I've cleaned twice and a drop in filter on the Honda that looks brand new at 18k miles.
I have never seen a recognizable negative issue with using a K&N.

If you live in a filthy environment, choose something else that has better filtration.
 
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