Accidentally put dirty air filter in backwards

So today I took my air filter out, gave it a couple whacks to dust it off and put it back in. Then I drove to the store about 10 minutes away and bought a K&N drop in filter. When I went to put the new filter in I realized I put the old one in backward when I dusted it off. My question is should I be worried about dirt and dust being sucked into my engine when I drove with the filter backwards?

 

Definitely not a good move, but any problems would have shown up quickly. You should be fine.

 

You'll be fine. Your MAF sensor probably have tossed a code if it detected a bunch of dirt and crap getting on it.

My stock air filter (Champion) only goes in one way, if you try putting it in backward it won't fit properly

 

Possibly. What's done now though is already done. If I were in your shoes I'd have a little sample of your oil analyzed and tested for contaminants and wear metals. It may sound unreasonable but I assure you it isn't. I ran tests and analyzed on the side for a few months to help a friend with his lab. I saw many notes of different random scenarios, etc from folks. I'd get it tested. 30 bucks for ASSURED piece of mind. I'd prolly send another sample of my oil from next oil change as well. To be able to compare to one another and make sure everything looks the way it should.

 

It drove normally and no engine lights. Ill look into the oil testing, seems like a good idea. Thanks you all for the responses

 

I wouldnt worry about it. Didnt sound like you drove it enough for it to matter, that and you said you smacked it a few times to get the big stuff out. Anything left would be real small and probably vaporized the minute it hit the combustion chamber.