How much power will a dirty air filter rob ?
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TECH Junkie
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Joined: May 2005
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From: Highland, Indiana
How much power will a dirty air filter rob ? Just curious, my car has been feeling like a dog lately so I checked out the air filter. Sure enough it was filthy. I rarely skimp on routine maintenance but somehow this one got past me.
Its a K&N so I bought the "Filter Recharger kit" and cleaned that sucker. Now the car feels alive again!! I just didn't expect it to make such a dramatic difference, so how much power can a dirty air filter (LIKE REALLY REALLY DIRTY) rob you??
Its a K&N so I bought the "Filter Recharger kit" and cleaned that sucker. Now the car feels alive again!! I just didn't expect it to make such a dramatic difference, so how much power can a dirty air filter (LIKE REALLY REALLY DIRTY) rob you??
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Joined: Jun 2005
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From: England
Cotton weave filters like k&N's are reknown for this. When they are clean they will outflow a stock OEM paper filter, however a paper filter can flow sufficently for 500bhp n/a. However a cotton weave filter will clog up sooner and end up flowing far worse than a paper one.
Another nice advantage of paper is even when dirty they still flow at an efficent rate.
Another nice advantage of paper is even when dirty they still flow at an efficent rate.
K&N filters suck *****. The yield no power gains and the oil from them can screw up your MAF, and then it just adds to the oil in your intake, like the PCV doesnt get enough in there already. Stick with a paper filter.
Originally Posted by Stang's Bane
I don't know how much power, but I do know that after I cleaned mine I got 3-4 mpg better.
Originally Posted by brad8266
.......and the oil from them can screw up your MAF......
TECH Addict
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: England
Originally Posted by BitViper
only when used INCORRECTLY..the Hp gains are on par with anyother aftermarket lid....they just look cooler
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Launching!
Joined: Mar 2006
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From: Hinesville, GA
I use a K&N filter and never had a problem. I did think this was cool. I read a book done by Hot Rod where they compared a 2002 WS6 with a paper filter and then with no filter at all. On the dyno the results was a 3 HP difference. I just thought I would share that info with you all. K&N only jacks up the MAF when it is soaked with too much oil.
K&N filters work great if you don't hose 'em too much with oil, and keep them clean.
It helps if you wash it out in such a way that it forces the dirt back out the way it came in. Then when re-oiling, only spray oil on the atmosphere side of the filter (faces the radiator when installed). The oil will get stuck in the fibers where it should be and not pull all the way through.
If I ever get a black lid instead of this clear one, I might switch over to the papers and give them a try. The white filter doesn't look as nice as my K&N under there with my red engine bay.
Speaking of, my K&N is filthy right now. I'll wash her out this weekend and post up if I feel any lost power come back. I have the SSRA, so mine gets dirty especially fast, I'd go broke buying paper filters.
Edit - Note to self: Keep the date in mind while searching Luna's threads.
I'm afraid I have to use this on myself, even though it's not too too bad......
It helps if you wash it out in such a way that it forces the dirt back out the way it came in. Then when re-oiling, only spray oil on the atmosphere side of the filter (faces the radiator when installed). The oil will get stuck in the fibers where it should be and not pull all the way through.
If I ever get a black lid instead of this clear one, I might switch over to the papers and give them a try. The white filter doesn't look as nice as my K&N under there with my red engine bay.
Speaking of, my K&N is filthy right now. I'll wash her out this weekend and post up if I feel any lost power come back. I have the SSRA, so mine gets dirty especially fast, I'd go broke buying paper filters.
Edit - Note to self: Keep the date in mind while searching Luna's threads.
I'm afraid I have to use this on myself, even though it's not too too bad......
