The Great Air Filter Debate

[WytHorse]

I'm trying to decide what filter I want to get and I know many others go through this debate, so I think this would make a great discussion thread. Let's talk about air filters... filtering ability, opening size, air flow, oiled or dry, brand quality, etc. We can get into cone vs drop in type filters, although I think what is really more pertinent is the filter material/design itself.

Alright here's the ground rules.
1) Facts/specs/pictures/links would be great
2) On topic questions are great. Maybe you have a productive question and just don't know the answer. Probably someone else does.
3) No opinions without personal experience / supporting information. For instance, don't waste space saying "I've heard brand X's filter is no good." This makes you look dumb and doesn't help us at all. Say WHY!

Here's my first input:

Although many people say that K&N filters let too much particulate through, I have used them in my trucks in dusty conditions and haven't had any issues...my quads have all used oiled foam filters and they have done a great job, so I am wondering if there is real advantage to dry/wet other than ease of maintenance...

What say you?

 

[Mike K]

Subd

 

[BigBlue05]

I had a K&N filter on my old Jimmy and I have a k&n intake on my Mustang right now. I think that they are the best. there is a reason why brand names are brand names. It looks like you have a 12 right?

 

[WILECYOT]

I have heard in the past that oiled filters can lead to issues with the maf sensors. Now with that being said I have run a K&N filter in two different vehicles without any issues whatsoever. I am hesitant on my new mustang to get a K&N drop in for this reason though. What do you all know of this?

 

[Sky Render]

Oil can damage MAF sensors, but it usually only happens if you apply too much. I'd rather be safe than sorry, though.

AFE Power and AEM both make "dry-flow" filters that are reusable and require no oil. The AFE drop-in filter in my Mustang can actually be vacuumed and doesn't even require water to clean it.

 

[Full_Tilt]

IMO, filter choice dependws greatly on how the car is going to be used. Not only under what conditions, but also how important longevity is.
I have seen many street driven "race" cars run without filters or just with mesh screens with zero issues, simply because they were not driven in conditions where they would ingest any dirt or water.

I think it would take a long time for fine particles to cause wear and tear on an engine.
The only thing that would really concern me about running a filter that lets fine stuff through would be that it would get the MAF dirty and make it read wrong.

As fro brands and such, for a non-race car Ive always liked AEM dryflow filters. I cant say its really based on anything, but they seem to be a high quality paper filter, almost like OEM stuff, but available as a cone filter.
On race cars, Ive used the stainless steel mesh filters. Keeps the big stuff out, thats abut it.

 

[WILECYOT]

A friend of mine, this is a true story, bought a 350z of an older gentleman who lived near the beach. Of had a k&n filter in it and he cleaned the filter excessively which in turn wore it out. When my friend got the car, them owning a performance shop put it on the dyno to see how healthy the engine was. Pull after pull the power kept going up and it was substantially higher than what it should have been with just an intake. They kept pulling, set the record for bone stock Z HP N/A and blew the engine. Upon tear down the intake manifold was full of sand. It had polished the runners and allowed some sand into the cylinders which in turn upped the compression ratio.

 

[Sky Render]

A friend of mine, this is a true story, bought a 350z of an older gentleman who lived near the beach. Of had a k&n filter in it and he cleaned the filter excessively which in turn wore it out. When my friend got the car, them owning a performance shop put it on the dyno to see how healthy the engine was. Pull after pull the power kept going up and it was substantially higher than what it should have been with just an intake. They kept pulling, set the record for bone stock Z HP N/A and blew the engine. Upon tear down the intake manifold was full of sand. It had polished the runners and allowed some sand into the cylinders which in turn upped the compression ratio.

 

[WILECYOT]

 

[HellsBells]

AEM Dryflow.

100% Dry filter. Washable. No oiling involved whatsoever. Material is non-woven. Best air filters in my opinion, just a little pricey but worth it.

The fact that it doesn't need to be oiled is enough for me to use it. I've used it on three different cars with over 100,000 miles with no issues. All three cars were boosted.

 

[rford426]

agreed

 

[Scott_0]

LOL obvious bullshit is obvious

 

[tagle281]

The sand upped the compression ratio.....lol!

 

[Scott_0]

^^ story like that has to be true! LOL

 

[WILECYOT]

If the sand starts glazing the tops of the pistons what do you expect to happen? It's a true story, I can't make up BS that good.

 

[QWIKFIX]

Amsoil has a dry filter also...but didnt see a stock replacement yet for 2010 and up mustangs. I have one on my C&L racer intake and more than happy with it.

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/eaa.aspx

 

[acrophobia13]

Amsoil has a dry filter also...but didnt see a stock replacement yet for 2010 and up mustangs. I have one on my C&L racer intake and more than happy with it.

http://www.amsoil.com/storefront/eaa.aspx

Have a part #? I was looking to replace mine as well.

 

[Sky Render]

Have a part #? I was looking to replace mine as well.

Summit Racing carries AFE Power dry drop-in filters for our cars.

 

[acrophobia13]

Summit Racing carries AFE Power dry drop-in filters for our cars.

Well I'm actually looking for a cone style for the C&L Racer intake, but I don't have the car with me at school to measure it myself.

 

[HellsBells]

Well I'm actually looking for a cone style for the C&L Racer intake, but I don't have the car with me at school to measure it myself.

If you decide to get an AEM, here's the one I have that fits: 21-2059DK