K&N Air Filter

[Parhelion]

Spent 20 minutes searching, can't believe no one has asked this question.

Alright folks, is the K&N air filter overrated in a stock setup?
https://www.knfilters.com/ford/expedition/5.4l-v8-gas/2006/

I would prefer to order the FoMoCo parts, but I had an F150 a loooong time ago where the previous owner put in a K&N cold air intake and it was genuinely amazing. Hearing it just suck in that air and translate it to the power available on the gas pedal was shocking in how noticeable it was.

But this isn't a cold air intake, just a regular ol' air filter. Thoughts? Obviously the primary benefit is not having to replace the filter and just wash it, but I'm a simple man who doesn't mind buying a new filter every couple of years.

Happy trails!

 

[GAINMOB]

no...the air filter itself isnt overrated for our trucks...CAI's are tho!!! you have to get the protection wrap for it and still need to clean it monthly...reusable filter so u save money instead of buying new filters

 

[Trainmaster]

Only eye candy, I believe.

 

[RichardH]

Only eye candy, I believe.

It can also affect the MAF. The oil I've read can get on the MAF sensor. Screws stuff up.

Normal air filters have worked fine. They're inexpensive. Jeez, we aren't replacing transmissions every year.

 

[bigdogchrisl]

It can also affect the MAF. The oil I've read can get on the MAF sensor. Screws stuff up.

Normal air filters have worked fine. They're inexpensive. Jeez, we aren't replacing transmissions every year.

X2 on the MAF problems the oiled filter causes.
Ive seen applications where CAI'S made huge gains (VW and true CAI. Also a Suburban) and other's where its done nothing. (GMC SUV and a SAAB)


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[joethefordguy]

i use it in the OEM fitting. I have seen no credible evidence of CAI benefit.

 

[Expedition Dave]

I have had at least two vehicles run like crap after oiled air filters (one was an Expedition) causing the MAF to read faulty and cause idle, acceleration, etc. issues.

In order to get more air in, you need to reduce filtering medium. The oil is supposed to grab more particles, but they do let finer grit in when compared to paper.

Yes, I have heard changes to my engine noise and even gained a perceived amount of power in the higher revs by adding them. BUT, I came to the conclusion that if you value your engine, supercharger, and turbochargers you will avoid oiled elements and stick to paper and just remember to change them.

YMMV--

 

[bigdogchrisl]

i use it in the OEM fitting. I have seen no credible evidence of CAI benefit.

Specifically referring to our beasts I hope. There is copious amounts of proof that the colder, more dense air you pack into the combustion chamber the more fuel will burn and the more GO you got.

10 million a screaming, INTERCOOLED turbos and centrifugal superchargers cant be wrong. Well, at least not on the big end in the quarter...

To your point though, I agree - especially the half-assed CAI"s whose inlet never leaves the hot ass engine bay - not only is there no evidence of a difference, I've seen some that actually perform worse due to screwing up the way our intakes direct the air.

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[joethefordguy]

Specifically referring to our beasts I hope. There is copious amounts of proof that the colder, more dense air you pack into the combustion chamber the more fuel will burn and the more GO you got.
10 million a screaming, INTERCOOLED turbos and centrifugal superchargers cant be wrong. Well, at least not on the big end in the quarter...
To your point though, I agree - especially the half-assed CAI"s whose inlet never leaves the hot ass engine bay - not only is there no evidence of a difference, I've seen some that actually perform worse due to screwing up the way our intakes direct the air.
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you are absolutely correct. I should have said that I know the theory is correct. In fact, I think there was a Chevy that pulled in air from the base of the windshield because it was cooler, and denser, for that exact reason.
However, as you said, pulling air from the engine bay, as so many do, is not going to get cooler air.
My main problem with CAIs is that absolutely no one has ever been able to tell me what the before and after temperatures are. I've read that some kits are "dyno tested" from the manufacturer, but actual specs are not listed. that matters! what car, how was the intake configured, etc.

FWIW, i have a livewire TS+ tuner that can show intake air temp with data logging. so if i ever felt like spending a few hundred dollars for engine bling, I could report a temperature difference. Maybe K&N or somebody will send a complete setup for me to try out and report on.
thanks!

 

[bigdogchrisl]

I think that would be a great testimonial. Sitting on the dyno run stock, then 2 or 3 PROPERLY INSTALLED CAI's with pulls on each. Show intake temp and HP with those being the only changes.

Actually have a definitive answer and debunk the crap ones.

That aside, i do think K&N and "Gresn Stuff" have the best filters, i just dont like/use the oiled ones as they COULD foul the MAF.

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[367KIX]

I'm another vote for sticking with disposable paper filters. I put the K&N CAI set up on my 2003, probably 10 years ago. Other than some more intake noise on acceleration, no other appreciable difference, including mileage or power. I kept the stock set up and after reading this string, I'm ready to put it back on and quit the whole K&N oiled filter routine.