Hey all. Don't you wonder why the K&N doesn't get dirty as quickly as a paper filter? Especially when most paper filters have many, MANY more pleats than the K&N. A lot of dirt gets through. Check your intake pipe after a while. It will be oily and gritty. Never seen this with a paper filter, unless the PCV system is malfunctioning.

In addition to the reduced filtering ability, they fit like crap. Holley has a filter similar to K&N that at least uses the same type of mount as stock. K&Ns are rigged to fit. If you have one, you know what I mean.

So...I would advise against the K&N.

 

well CAI would be better for performance. but to play it safe air filter might be a good thing. water might be the first thing to consider with CAI expecially INJEN CAI.

 

Owned!!!!

 

I read a report where a fleet engineer tested oiled gauze filters. On this fleet they routinely check engine oil for glycol (antifreeze leaks) and silica (air leaks / air filter letting dirt in). He reported increased silica levels when using an oiled gauze filter instead of a paper filter. Increased silica means more dirt is getting in to the engine. The concern is that more dirt = more wear.

He was hoping the oiled filters would work since he spends thousands of dollars a month on filters. (Some of the filters for the big equipment are very expensive) He decided to stick with paper after doing his test.

I can't find the report right now, but I remember it well since I am in the scientific instrumentation field. I always take note when instruments are used on engine related tests. (when I worked in LC our instrument was used by NASCAR to test fuels for illegal additives!).

 

I recently had an issue with a K&N Drop In Filter on my QX4. It was purchased brand new, pre-oiled by K&N, in a sealed box, in a sealed bag. About a week after I put the K&N in the Mass Air Flow sensor (MAS) went dead. The engine would not rev above 3k. To make a long story short. K&N was great and paid for the parts and labor for the new MAS and the supposedly independent testing K&N had done showed that the MAS failed due to a manufacturing defect and NOT due to oil from the K&N drop-in. I have some doubts however as I''ve heard and read about this happening to others. So for my 350z I'm on the stock filter right now and considering pop once I do some more research. It seems that gains from a drop-in K&N are nominal at best and just in case the independent research is wrong I don't wanna deal with another dead MAS or extra dirt gettin in the engine.

 

As indicated above, I have 5K miles on my K&N with no problems whatsoever, And yes, I did feel a kick in the butt when I installed it.

Lou

 

Placebo Effect

 

Use a popcharger.

 

Hey I know that most CAI use K&N. I know what I'm talkin aboot. I was just replying to Ares' post. And I just gave my opinion. Why U gotta start talking SH*T? U need to sit down and STFU.

Why the heck are U SO defensive about the whole K&N drop-in filter thing? Geez....

I think we should all be quiet so we don't hurt this guy's feelings.

 

AndyB

It was not the "Placebo Effect" as stated above. If you read my posts you will see that I just put on a POP-Charger, and really felt very little difference from that. The sound from the POP-Charger however, IMO, is worth the price of admission. When I really didn't feel much change, I called Doug Stewart at Crawford to ask him if I had done something stupid. He told me, that I didn't lose any power, but he didn't think I gained much either.

I know I gained something with the K&N. I guess what I'm saying is the K&N DropIn and the POP-Charger are about the same in added power from stock, but the POP-Charger has the sound.

Oh, BTW, My K&N DropIn is still available if anyone is interested.

Lou

 

The popcharger has been dyon proven to give about 6.5 HP to the Z.

 

where do you get pop chargers?

 

Avalon Racing or Performance Nissan. They're both sponsors here.

Lou

 

I just installed my new Pop Charger (got it from Performance Nissan) and LOVE that low growl it makes during WOT! Butt dyno says its got more horsey's at the rear wheels and I also noticed it idled a whole lot smoother. I've installed CAI's on the last two cars I've owned (wife won't let me touch her SUV) and noticed big differences in performance. I've even had a K&N drop in filter..didn't seem to make a whole lot anything I have to say and that's why I opted for the CAI's.

All the CAI"s I've installed are AEM, cold air and short rams. The Pop Charger feels the same in terms of performance as the AEM's.

 

I'm sticking with the factory filter. Alot of time and money went into r & d for the production car. And if that's what Nissan says to use then use it---you can't go wrong.

 

this is unsubstantiated. but is it "possible" that the kick in the butt many are experiencing is actually due to a new, clean filter; vs the comparitivly used and clogged filter?

just an idea, not perfect since many swapped in the K&N with less than 1000miles on the car.

and also the placebo effect may be. many praised the grounding kit. while I noticed a very marginal difference that I question if it was all in my head.

Im not hating on the grounding kit here; if nothing else; it dresses up the engine, and is no more expensive than a hose dressup kit that serves no purpose at all.

 

Hmm..interesting idea there 'ares', I got the grounding kit and didn't notice anything either but I bought it at less than half the cost of a new one I wasn't going to complain.

My OEM filter was pretty clean at the time I changed to the pop charger Monday night and noticed the difference right off the bat(especially during WOT). I noticed differences right off the bat with the other CAI's as well.

 

Just because K&N filters are used for the majority of CAI on the market does not mean that in the stock intake plumbing it will be any more effective than any other filter: as the dyno results show, it is not always gains you see. In the end, the highest results appear to be from the Popcharger due to its funneling cone and, when matched with the stock intake plumbing, it ability to reach the requisite cooler air near the front of the engine.