Air filter tests

[blkfordsedan]

Just ran across a real good air filter test on Bob The Oil Guy's website. He tested both flow and filtration of K&N, Amsoil & Jackson Racing foam filters and several brands of paper filters. The results were pretty interesting. This is also a great website for oil & grease questions. (I hope I can get the link to work)

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=61&Itemid=70

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=66&Itemid=76

[timmay89]

Hey, looks pretty interesting... I think I still perfer my K&N cone filter over the standard drop in filter any day

[TominMO]

Reading his writeup confirms for me that there is little if any improvement for a low-HP motor when using any kind of aftermarket filter. The stock paper Wix, Fram, etc. is adequate; I doubt if we could tell any difference using the K&N drop-in. Of more use is to open up the bottom of the airbox to get around the restrictive factory design, which is intended to minimize noise. The larger-area filters like the cone type effectively are like opening up the bottom of the airbox, but no more. The limit is how much air a specific motor can suck in, given little to no restriction at the airbox. Cone filters on non-race cars are mainly cosmetic, which is fine too, as long as you understand that.

[chrisofna]

I wish he would of done the HKS Super Mega airflow, or as the Supra guys call it the "Super Mega Dirt Flow", apparently it doesn't really filter well, lol.

[blkfordsedan]

Reading his writeup confirms for me that there is little if any improvement for a low-HP motor when using any kind of aftermarket filter. The stock paper Wix, Fram, etc. is adequate;

Bingo!. Everything is relevant. The K&N does indeed flow better than a stock paper filter and will increase HP (note how he said is secondary test filter killed his performance on his Miata). But, the gain is proportional to the total airflow (result of HP) and dependent on the requirements. I can probably FART more air than a B3 requires at 5000 RPM!
The same principal holds true for cam swaps, throttle bodies, exhaust, etc.. It's all about the system as a total and limiting factors. Upgrading from a 65mm to a 75mm throttle body on a stock 260HP 4.6L gains nothing. Add cams, headers, flowed heads, 90MM MAF and spin it @ 6000RPM and the 65MM throttle body is a restriction. The the upgrade to 75mm is then worth 10-20 HP. Using pressure differential is a very effective way to test restriction. The gains from a K&N should be more prevalent on a BP, or even a B3 with a cam, header and larger throttle body and VAF meter. I would agree that the best mod would be to the air box inlet. Get as much COLD air to it as possible since denser air will make more HP at any given airflow.

I do like the re-usabe aspect of the K&N and the free window decal is cool, but is the reduced filtration worth it? Plus, I can buy a lot of paper filters for $48.00!

[TominMO]

1. I can probably FART more air than a B3 requires at 5000 RPM!
2. I do like the re-usable aspect of the K&N and the free window decal is cool, but is the reduced filtration worth it? Plus, I can buy a lot of paper filters for $48.00!

1. Try Bean-o for your problem.
2. Yup.

[blkfordsedan]

1. Try Bean-o for your problem.

I don't know about MO, but here in Nebraska it's not considered a problem.....actually more of an attribute. I was more bragging than complaining. LOL I wonder if K&N makes underwear?

[TominMO]

I don't know about MO, but here in Nebraska it's not considered a problem.....actually more of an attribute. I was more bragging than complaining. LOL I wonder if K&N makes underwear?

If they do, it probably doesn't filter out smells.

[blkfordsedan]

If they do, it probably doesn't filter out smells.

But that's the best part.......All they need to do is filter out the particulates.

(I think this thread has taken a wrong turn!) LOL

[JPT]

Both of you are sick! :p

[TominMO]

Both of you are sick! :p

We know.... ....deal with it! :p

[JPT]

A lot of the smell problem can be solved by having a catalytic converter installed in your "exhaust" The only problem I see is lighting it off. If you do decide to go this route, please do a write up, complete with pics and video.

[TominMO]

A lot of the smell problem can be solved by having a catalytic converter installed in your "exhaust" The only problem I see is lighting it off. If you do decide to go this route, please do a write up, complete with pics and video.

This has been tried several times by the federal government. The written reports, including pictures, audio and video, are classified. The main issue seems to be sufficient insulation or clearance gap of the catalytic converter from the scrotal sac. Lack of either of these causes extreme discomfort. Allegedly. Don't ask me how I know....

[blkfordsedan]

A lot of the smell problem can be solved by having a catalytic converter installed in your "exhaust" The only problem I see is lighting it off. If you do decide to go this route, please do a write up, complete with pics and video.

I'm hoping this procedure will be covered under Obama's health Care plan. I did have a prostrate exam a few years ago..................it may have only been a finger, but it sure felt like a catalytic converter.

[TominMO]

I'm hoping this procedure will be covered under Obama's health Care plan. I did have a prostrate exam a few years ago..................it may have only been a finger, but it sure felt like a catalytic converter.

He only had one hand on your shoulder, right?