K&N Air Filter Review - Debunking the Myths (and why OEM is better)

[Vital]

Originally Posted by ddevl_86

Thank you for the info! Would that be the oiled K&N filter?

And yes, it is very helpful! Ive read far too many forum posts and websites on the subject, but hearing about the high air-flow filters also causing future issues with letting in more dust etc is a bit concerning. I guess the oil would help trap some of those, but then the risk of over-oiling could cause issues with the MAF too. It's all very convoluted and there is really only personal choice in the end. Having another driver's experience (or multiple in this case) is very insightful on what works and what doesnt.

The dyno runs on the cars is a bit over my head in most aspects, and seeing the minimal gains doesnt really say much for the performance when actually driving it. Hearig that it "feels" improved is a good enough judgement for me.

I do also appreciate your sincerity in answering the question(s). The search bar doesn't work on my phone browsers, and finding this thread was the most relative I could with the advanced search. It seems finding specific items here isn't an easy task haha. Thanks again!

Yes correct as far as i know all K&N filters are the oiled type.

Agreed, there is very conflicting information on oiled type filters either you are for them or against them. I have had K&N air filters in my pervious cars and had no issues with any of them. I can understand that when it comes to cleaning and re-oiling it can be daunting but as you don't go over board there should no issue. Basically when you re-oil just make sure your filters isn't drenched in oil but you do want to make sure all the pleats are oiled.

So the dynos basically show that installing an inlet tube and an aftermarket air filters basically nets you the same gains as a cold air intake, but it's also much cheaper. Most intakes will require a tune as they throw off the MAF scaling because the intake is allowing in more air and leaning out the car a little. Also, i believe i saw on the forums and other members mentioning that the K&N showed the best gains out of all aftermarket filters. I don't know if that has changed, but as mentioned above the gains from just an air filter are minimal.

I think you should go for it, if you don't feel comfortable with oiled filters theres definitely dry ones which would be pretty much hassle free. Also, TRD makes an air filter too if you feel more comfortable getting an OEM-like filter instead of anything aftermarket.

[Muskoka800]

For what it’s worth I’ve used K&N oiled filers since 1988 (Mustang Gt) and many cars since without issue. I have never had an oiled sensor issue.
My process;
Lightly oil the new K&N filter. Lay it on paper towels overnight. Any excess oil will drip out.
Next day install the K&N. Save your OEM or regular paper filter.
A year later remove the K&N for service. Install the paper filter which you saved.
Clean and re-oil the K&N per the instructions.
Leave it overnight on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
The next day, or when you get to it, switch it back in and set aside your paper filter for the next service.
This way your filter is never over-oiled and your car is always “on the road”.
In the long run I save much $$$ by not repeatedly buying paper filters.
I also keep my vehicles for several hundred thousand kilometres (big daily commutes) and never experience more than a litre of oil usage during an 8,000 kilometre (~5000 mile) oil change interval. Nor have I ever experienced any sort of engine failure.
Happy Motoring!

[Tcoat]

Originally Posted by ddevl_86

Thank you for the info! Would that be the oiled K&N filter?

And yes, it is very helpful! Ive read far too many forum posts and websites on the subject, but hearing about the high air-flow filters also causing future issues with letting in more dust etc is a bit concerning. I guess the oil would help trap some of those, but then the risk of over-oiling could cause issues with the MAF too. It's all very convoluted and there is really only personal choice in the end. Having another driver's experience (or multiple in this case) is very insightful on what works and what doesnt.

The dyno runs on the cars is a bit over my head in most aspects, and seeing the minimal gains doesnt really say much for the performance when actually driving it. Hearig that it "feels" improved is a good enough judgement for me.

I do also appreciate your sincerity in answering the question(s). The search bar doesn't work on my phone browsers, and finding this thread was the most relative I could with the advanced search. It seems finding specific items here isn't an easy task haha. Thanks again!

I had the oiled TRD drop in in the '14 FRS. I really liked it. The oiling kit comes pre measured so there is little chance of over oiling unless you simply did not follow instructions. There were no noticeable gains but the increase in sound was really nice.
Didn't bother with one for the '20 86 since the improved flow already brings it up to about the same level as the drop in for the '14.

[Muskoka800]

Tcoat,
You’re also a high miler if I recall.
Consider this. The K&N filter in my 2007 Yaris came from my 2008 Yaris after it was wrecked. 250,000 kl of service in the 2008 then so far 130,000 kl service in the used replacement 2007 (which is now at 260,000 kl.). Thus far that filter has given 380,000 kl of service using a single cleaning kit. The filter bought on sale for CA$55.00 and whatever the cleaning kit cost???
What would the cost of 380,000 kl worth of decent paper filters be? Several hundred and growing for sure. And all that waste!

[ddevl_86]

Good to know the K&N lives up to it's suggested value!
Im definitely gonna get one if this $25 pro tune labs dry drop-in doesn't pan out. I like that y'all make it sound so simple to do, haha. Thanks everyone!

[DarkSideFRS]

I have a used one for sale if u want it. Ran it with the perrin inlet tube and it def felt more responsive

[ddevl_86]

Originally Posted by DarkSideFRS

I have a used one for sale if u want it. Ran it with the perrin inlet tube and it def felt more responsive

I definitely appreciate the offer, but I'll give this other filter a shot first. Receiving it next week and then changing out my drive belt, putting in the Perrin inlet tube, and painting some engine plastics. My engine bay is gonna look sweeeeeet.