Do you think Replacement panel Filters are worth it?

[Anonymous]

They filter the air better but allow more air through. Can't be bad.

i've been reminded of the physics of that..... " How can something filter air better, but allow more air through?" think about it....
thats what made me start the poll....

[anicorsa]

Its the oil in the foam i believe... Dirt clings to it or something. :?

[anicorsa]

Here's what it says on the K&N box.

Thousands of microscopic cotton threads absorb our specifically formulated oil to create a powerful filtering media, that protects your motor from harmful contaminants. As part of our ongoing commitment to protect your engine, we verify our filtering efficiency through independent tests on a regular basis.

You be the judge... :?

[rjastra]

The facts are that aftermarket panel filters do NOT filter as well as an OEM paper filter and they provide little or no benefit in flow rates.


From Autospeed.

Oh, you might also be contemplating dropping an aftermarket filter insert into your airbox. Chances are you won't gain a thing; based on our previous intake testing, the standard filter element in an un-touched intake system is responsible for only around 3 percent of the total restriction. A drop-in replacement won't make any noticeable difference.

Again, though, the 'advantage' of a washable aftermarket filter might be attractive to you - it depends on the cost of new OE filter replacements versus the initial cost of the aftermarket filter and any necessary washing chemicals. Keep in mind filtration performance as well

We should point out the abovementioned filtering problem can be major. You can be certain car manufacturers extensively test the dust filtration effectiveness of their standard air filter; who knows how effective the filtration of an aftermarket product is? The chances are that if it flows better, it lets bigger particles through to the engine. For this reason, it's dangerous to pay attention to 'filter tests' that have been performed solely on a dyno - the filter that makes the best power is unlikely to be the best filter overall.

[anicorsa]

Performance wise, i think its all about airbox size and how restrictive the airbox and intake piping is.

[Anonymous]

The chances are that if it flows better, it lets bigger particles through to the engine.

Bingo

[Jass]

Isnt there only like 4k gain or something from a pod filter??

[DoomTrooper]

to see the difference all you have to do is take out your K&N and put in stock and watch when you go over 5000 rpm, it feels like crap, this is even more noticable when you take out a pod filter and put in the stock filter, i should know i did this and the box was de-restricted and it still felt very restricted compared to the pod, pretty much a pod that is reasonably shielded or a k&n panel are fairly similar, one gives you slightly better up top-the pod, and the panel gives you slightly more torque down low cause of less hot air, for city driving my fav is the k&n panel and believe me i've had like every type of filter in and this is my preference

just my 2cents from my experience

[FLY-SRi]

how much did u guys pay for ur panel filters? and wot model numba was it?

[shaohaok]

i think changing the air filter ultimately changes the power/torque curve rather than peak figures. i noticed a difference in throttle response and a slightly freeier rev near the top. hope u guys know what i mean :|