K&N Drop In Question

Hey Guys!

I haven't cleaned the K&N Filter in over 12,000 Miles. I hear it runs better when it is dirty... I don't know if that is just BS or what but want to hear your guys opinions as when to clean the filter and how to do it. Please help I don't want to ruin the filter by cleaning it wrong or anything.

Thanks!!
~Slim

 

Paul, IIRC you're supposed to clean it with their cleaning kit every 25K miles.

 

Ok cool I will do a search for their kit. Thanks!

 

The cleaning kit is at kragen and auto zone. And its real easy to clean. i think i paid around $15 for it.

 

clean it. your oil filter doesn't work better when it's dirty....why would your air filter?

 

Which lets in less air.
A drop in does nothing for performance or MPGs.
It does let more dirt get into the engine.....unless it's dirty.

 

wrong!

 

OK,riddle me this...
If a K&N drop improves MPGs and performance,why don't auto manufacturers have a K&N or similar filter in their vehicles?
Don't give me the cost issue because a auto company can just add $15-$20 bucks or less (they would buy in volume) to the sticker,if the claims were true.
Auto manufacturers have a tough time getting to the GOV CAFE required numbers for MPGs which rises every few years.
Auto ads usually have horsepower numbers so why not the use of a K&N for more HP?
A K&N drop in maybe will increase performance a bit at 5K RPM or over.
Great for motorcycles.
Also use of a K&N lets in more dirt in an engine.
Do a Oil analysis.You'll see.
I have and saw a big difference in silica(dirt) numbers.Better to keep it dirty but then less air.
You want a bit more performance?Get a CAI.A CAI does help with performance and maybe a small MPG increase but a simple drop in.....nah.
Auto companies would jump at anything that simple to increase HP and MPGs.
This is an opinion that has been posted on the bob is the oil guy forum at times that I agree with because it makes sense.

 

I put a K & N in right away and when I take it out to clean it as I drive in really dirty dusty areas and use the original OEM filter I loose 2-4 mpg immediately so I beg to differ the quote that it does nothing for your MPG's!

 

Yeah, it is a COST issue. Every penny counts and if they can keep the vehicle at the same price by using cheaper & cheaper parts, they pocket more money. Not only that - but majority of the consumers buying vehicles don't have an interest in CLEANING a filter. They can't even keep track of their own oil changes, let alone knowing when or how to clean an air filter. And - if you take your car to a garage for work, they sure as hell don't wanna clean YOUR filter (and I wouldn't trust them to do it right anyway).

I've used K&N drop-ins for years on many vehicles. There's a lot of K&N haters out there for whatever reason - I've never had problems with any of them. I've gained gas mileage and throttle response in every situation I've used it for. I've never bought it for 'horsepower' gains as I don't really care - I don't race.

 

If you put the K&N sticker under the hood,that's good for 5 HP and 1 MPG.

What ever floats your boat,guys.

 

Part of my 2005 Avalanche Z71's package was a "High flow air filter"......It was not a K&N but I guess GM considers it an upgrade and makes a point of including them in a performance package.I'm a K&N fan and have used them in my cars/trucks and my motorcycles.As a matter of fact,when you purchase a Harley-Davidson "Screamin' Eagle" air cleaner kit,it comes stock with a K&N filter.

IMHO when used and maintained as instructed you can't go wrong.

 

Sounds like you got it all figured out.

Dyno results are out there for specific applications that prove otherwise

 

I have figured K&N out.
I said there may be a some HP gain at 4500 RPM or so.You know,Dyno RPM numbers.
From K&N
"Our automotive OE (original equipment) replacement air filters generally add 1-4 horsepower"
Do you really think you would feel a 1,2..HP gain?
You think you do because you hear more engine sound.
As far as MPG increase,K&N doesn't mention that in their advertising.
People here getting better MPG.One poster says he picked up 4 MPG using a K&N.You would think K&N would be all over that in their ads but no mention of MPG gain..
In fact...
K&N says-"We certainly understand why it is theoretically possible for a consumer to experience a mileage increase after installing a K&N air filter or intake system, however, we do not go so far as to make a general claim that our air filters and intake systems will provide an increase in mileage."

 

In regards to a K&N drop in filter... are you suppose to remove the secondary air filter?

 

They're smart in saying that....because they obviously know that some people will experience increases while others won't.

 

I bought a K&N only because it was onsale for 30 bucks. regular old fram wasn't in stock and was 18. After watching that video on here about XDI foam filters...I will get a foam filter next