I've had a NISMO CAI on my Z for about a year and half. I looked at the filter yesterday and it was pretty gray and dirty. Are these filters 'cleanable'? I had a cone K&N filter on another car that was cleanable with just water and then it had to be reoiled. Any info or experience would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

99% sure its cleanable. Just use the K&N recharge kit, it'll turn red though.

 

First of all, the filter that comes with the Nismo CAI is red (at least mine is).....& it needs to be cleaned with K&N cleaner before rinsing. Just purchase a K&N recharge kit at your local AutoZone - comes with cleaner (liberally spray it on, let soak for 10 min.), rinse it off (rinse from inside out), then re-oil (red oil) as per instructions (let the filter air dry after rinsing, spray the oil sparingly 1st coat, let dry, then check for missed spots & re-oil). Just be sure you do not over oil & be sure to let the oil dry before remounting.

As a suggestion, due to where the Nismo filter is located do not go a year & a half between cleaning - too much dirt & grime gets on it & will affect both your performance & gas mileage. I've also seen K&N filters get sooo filthy they wouldn't clean as well as you would expect. I would suggest cleaning it every other oil change (every 6 mo. minimum). As dirty as you say yours is, you might want to repeat the cleaning process before oiling.

 

Thanks for the info - looks like I've got something to do next weekend. I wish that thing wasn't such a PITA to get to...