Should I go K&N?

[The Critic]

Vehicle is a 92 Toyota Previa. Current OE filter has about 20k miles on it. With the van already being 14 years old, I doubt we'll be keeping for another decade or two. Mileage is at 65k miles.

Should I drop a K&N filter in it? Or stick with paper? Fram wants almost $20 for a paper one, K&N is only $33 shipped.

 

[outersquare]

PAPER

unless you want to be rebel again

 

[Throckmorton]

Check out Airhogs. Got mine from Amazon.com for $26 with a $20 rebate.

 

[The Critic]

No AirHog. I bought one for the Saturn earlier this year under the same offer, so I'm ineligible for the rebate.

Besides, the Airhog has this ridiculously short service interval...every 12-18 months.

 

[CharBaby]

I have used/tried a K&N in all of my vehicles since 1980. I must say that I don't notice anything. No better MPG, no better throttle responce even when passing another vehicle at WOT, no seat of the pants "kick in the pants", and I have even done many 0-60 AND 1/4 mile clockings(w & w/o K&N), with every one of my vehicles, using proven equipment for these runs... NOTHING! Maybe they work on a 500-600 HP big block in a '71 Nova at the drag strip where every 1/10 of a second means something. Im not impressed by K&N for the everyday car. And I mean NOTHING! All of my 0-60 and 1/4 mile runs were all different by 1 or 2 tenths of a second, more or less, with or without the K&N. The only reason that I own them is because I have some connections in the auto parts store business so I get them cheap.

 

[Ugly3]

Paper rules!

 

[Mike_dup1]

Why not the WIX?

My book shows 46162 for your vehicle and is 8.50 each in lots of 6 from site sponsor. Thats 4 for the price of 1 K&N + you are going to have to buy cleaner and oil for the K&N and waste time cleaning it. Not worth the extra trouble IMO, they are a PITA.

 

[Toy4x4runner]

PAPER all the way!!!! I got suckered into the KN thing for a few years, but I smartened up and went back to paper. Results: Wallet is fuller of money, and engine is cleaner. I'd only use a KN on a Carb set up, like on a drag car (what KN's were actually intended for).

 

[okiedokie]

I'd be careful of the advice seen here talking any particular product up or down, be it oil, additives, filters, whatever. I've noticed alot of that type information seems to come from site sponsor shills, many of whom would appear to be the more senior members.

 

[PW01]

Stay with the paper. I had a K&N in my Ranger and found no noticable difference in economy or power. What I did find was a "gritty" intake, and a filthy IAC.

 

[Steve S]

Why would anybody use a K@N air filter?

 

[Ugly3]

Quote:

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I'd be careful of the advice seen here talking any particular product up or down, be it oil, additives, filters, whatever. I've noticed alot of that type information seems to come from site sponsor shills, many of whom would appear to be the more senior members.

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And their names are?

 

[rn2fine]

Quote:

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I'd be careful of the advice seen here talking any particular product up or down, be it oil, additives, filters, whatever. I've noticed alot of that type information seems to come from site sponsor shills, many of whom would appear to be the more senior members.

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Speaking of hype I think that manufacturers spin more hype about their products than anyone on this board. Yes, some people have strong opinions. That is why I look at the opinions of many to detect trends and similarities. Ultimately the wealth of knowledge and experience here on the board helps me to make decisions that look beyond the hype and advertising of manufacturers. I suggest listening to everyone, then using your best judgement.

 

[harry j]

Stay away from K&N. See if there is an Eaa filter from Amsoil available, it will far and away outperform the K&N.

 

[garageman402]

Quote:

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Stay away from K&N. See if there is an Eaa filter from Amsoil available, it will far and away outperform the K&N.

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I don't think I'd go with an Eaa after seeing this:

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/airfilter/airtest3.htm

Or even this:

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/airfilter/airtest2.htm

I, too, went with a K&N, because I could get one fairly inexpensively. I think they get their numbers and reputation from the CAI's they sell, but just using a stock intake, probably better off with paper, IMHO

-Bob

 

[harry j]

Bob,
I may have missed something, but I don't see where the new Eaa was tested. With all the problems with the K&N, it looks like the Amsoil filter is the way to go. ie. filters better, needs no oil etc.

 

[surfstar]

If you put in a K&N, with such low mileage accumulation, you could never touch it and be fine. No need to clean/oil or anything, just let it be.

There will NOT be enough "damage" to shorten your engine life. I've got 212k+ miles on my Mazda, I've run a cold air intake with a K&N knockoff since 82k miles. The few UOAs I've done showed low Si. MPG/HP difference is likely nil, but for convenience, a K&N can be great.

 

[garageman402]

You're right, harry, it wasn't the new Amsoil filter, he tested the old wash-and-oil filter. After I posted that, I went to the Amsoil site, and saw the new filter, but when I entered my car info, they give a WIX filter. Maybe they will expand their fitments, it looks as though they use the same nanofiber technology as used in their oil filters, very promising......

In any case, the K&N is going out, and an AC Delco is going in......

Bob

 

[edhackett]

Why would you choose not to use a nano-fiber technology filter developed by Donaldson based on tests of an oiled foam air filter?

The Eaa filter is completely different technology and is likely to be the best air filter available.

Ed

 

[another Todd]

Stay with paper. But look around--some paper filters are better than others. I like the Pureones with the blue micronic paper and they are also lightly oiled.