Opinion on ITG Filters

[Asmodeus]

There seems to be a consensus on most car forums that I participate in that ITG filters are 'better' than K&N.

I assume that by better they mean a higher flow rate, as the topic usually revolves around getting more 'umpf' out of the car.

I'm going out on a limb here by saying that higher flow rate equates to less filtering capacity (This is not an absolute truth, as I'm sure there is some product which will have a high flow and high filtration).

IMHO, you guys are pros and I'd like to have your opinion on ITG (vs K&N).

thanks

 

[digitaldrifter91]

here is a link i found for ITG.
http://www.focussport.com/aboutitg.htm

i always thought that foam wasnt the best. it doesnt filter as well as a paper according to their site, but has alot more flow.

http://www.fuelsaver.com.au/foam.htm

they were talking about the filter and comparing it to k & n. by far i think it preforms better than k & n but i wonder if it is an oil coated foam like the amsoil.

 

[VaderSS]

I was running an ITG Maxogen cone filter on my Impala SS, but I've switched back to the stock airbox and filter to see if my silicon levels drop. I've had high silicon with a paper cone filter though, so I'm not sure if the fault is with the filter or elsewhere.

I did find a possible vacuum leak in the form of a disintegrating PCV elbow, so that may have been the problem.

Be aware that ITG makes several different types of filter, ranging from stock replacement, to cone type and also custom, made to order, filters.

From a construction point of view, the ITG Maxogen filter is a work of art, when compared to any other performance filter I've seen.

 

[AnthonyS]

quote:

---

Originally posted by Asmodeus:


I'm going out on a limb here by saying that higher flow rate equates to less filtering capacity (This is not an absolute truth, as I'm sure there is some product which will have a high flow and high filtration).

IMHO, you guys are pros and I'd like to have your opinion on ITG (vs K&N).

thanks

---

I really don't think you are going out on a limb. In fact, I have seen nothing whatsoever that contradicts what you contend. Until, I do it is a pretty absolute truth.

I can offer extremes at both ends of the spectrum. How about a solid sheet of steel? Perfect filtration and zero flow. Now what if we use that old fashioned chicken coop wire? Awesome flow and horrible filtration. All air filters used for automobiles fall somewhere in the middle. In any experiences I have ever seen, the better the filtration the worse the flow.

Now what is interesting, is some paper filters have really large surface areas like those used by BMW and Porsche from the factory. Even though they have a more restrictive media they flow as well as aftermarket filters overall because they have more area for flow.

So my theory is this... You buy the best filtering media you can get your hands on that is actually useful as a filter. Then if you need more power, you increase the area of the filter. You never sacrifice filtering ability for flow.

I have no personal experience with ITG filters. I do know however they are oil bath foam filters, which I do have experience with. It is definitely not the forefront of internal combustion engine filtering technology. It is very old actually.

I know some manufacturers of such filters claim their oil has amazing particulate retention properties. I personally don't enjoy squeezing oil into a filter though.

 

[Jim]

Paper filters all particles above a certain size and will always let though particles that are below the minimum size.

An oiled foam filter will catch ANY size particle down to less than a micron.

Here is the catch, a oiled foam filter will let though a small random number of all size particles ( not larger than the foam cells) So it all depends on how you measure the results.

As far as holding more dirt I don’t think foam has an advantage. A dry paper filter will let the big stuff fall off and drop into the air box. The oiled foam will hold everything so it will appear to be filtering more dirt.

I use a foam pre filter ahead of the paper filter in my tractor. The paper filter lasts forever and I get the best of both worlds in terms of filtering.

 

[Gebo]

I had a lot of trouble getting the right fit even going by their catalog. I was just putting in the one for my GS300 last week and it would not fit. THis was the 2nd one they sent me. It was free (only shipping) but it went into the trash. I've decided to go Baldwin.

 

[VaderSS]

Just to do an update, I put the ITG back on because Si levels went UP with the stocker. Obviously my problem lies elswhere...

[ October 10, 2003, 10:50 AM: Message edited by: VaderSS ]

 

[Steve S]

The best filters are high quality paper filters. No reason to swap them out.

 

[porterdog]

thanks for the update!