Is K&N Engine Air Filter good for our cars

[Fred 930]

I caution you to carefully consider some of the modifications indicated in your post. I'm amused by those who believe they know better than factory design engineers regarding engine oil viscosity, coolant types, or even gear oils. Without knowing detailed design specifics and testing, there's no way to "guess" at better aftermarket alternatives.

For example, I'm all for using highest quality oil brands that meet OEM qualifications, but I'd never think for a moment that a different viscosity might provide "better" protection. Buying quality products is smart -- attempting to redesign complicated systems without sufficient knowledge is not.

In the case of air filters that must be carefully cleaned and re-oiled, there is significant risk and little to be gained.

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[Victorofhavoc]

I caution you to carefully consider some of the modifications indicated in your post. I'm amused by those who believe they know better than factory design engineers regarding engine oil viscosity, coolant types, or even gear oils. Without knowing detailed design specifics and testing, there's no way to "guess" at better aftermarket alternatives.

For example, I'm all for using highest quality oil brands that meet OEM qualifications, but I'd never think for a moment that a different viscosity might provide "better" protection. Buying quality products is smart -- attempting to redesign complicated systems without sufficient knowledge is not.

In the case of air filters that must be carefully cleaned and re-oiled, there is significant risk and little to be gained.

I agree for the most part. I will disagree on change made by reason though. I've had the dealer change the oil twice now and I'm lab testing it. Based on results I will determine for my use case if I need to change or keep with it. This is how I discovered factory fill and dealer fill are VERY different oils. They gave me 12 oil changes for free, so I would be a fool not to try to use them.

I believe some synthetic filters will filter nearly as well as the paper media with the benefit of being able to blow them out whenever you choose. I tested a dry filter on my gti (oil analysis regularly), and it worked well.

Here's a reference article(oldie but a goodie):
https://www.nicoclub.com/archives/kn-vs-oem-filter.html

 

[Fred 930]

Fascinating old test report article from 2009 - thanks for linking. Pretty sure I read it long ago, contributing to my aversion to using any type of oiled media air filter.

Reported on that specific test:
Compared to the AC, the K&N “plugged up” nearly 3 times faster, passed 18 times more dirt and captured 37% less dirt.

But what really stuck with me:
These filters had a lower initial restriction, but they became exponentially more restrictive under a constant flow of dirt. This runs counter to the “myth” that oiled media filters actually “work better” as they get dirtier.

Anyway, if someone decides to use such filters - they really need to service them often, paying special attention to exact instructions. For me - a good quality paper filter remains the preferred choice - easier, better, faster, and less expensive.

On a related note, I once had a Briggs & Stratton engineer tell me his most important engine longevity tip was, "make sure you have a clean air filter".

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