K&N filters debunked, OEM filters are better?

I haven't read the reports really, but I think most people here agree that a drop-in K&N filter doesn't do shit for FX in terms of gaining HP.
 
Those articles are pretty old and I've seen lots of references to them. I don't know if this is surprising, did K&N ever claim they provided better filtering than OEM? The entire reason the filter needs oil is that it has bigger openings than and OEM filter so the oil has to help trap dust. Only reason to ever get a K&N or similar is that they're reusable but that benefit is mitigated some by the fact they're annoying to clean and oil. The flow also drops so much as the filter gets dirty because of the oil. And another potential side effect is damage to your MAF from excessive oil.

I've never seen the point of replacing a perfectly good OEM filter with a drop in unless you had to replace the filter anyways and the drop in was similar in cost. I've only ever used K&N type filters on aftermarket intakes requiring a cone style filter. Drop in filters are pretty much a waste of money.
 
they dont really make a difference but some argue they catch particles better than OEM. If you're just dropping in filters to the stock air box it doesnt really make a difference tbh, it's just that some argue the flow is better overall -which doesnt necessarily mean instant power or any power for that matter... I just like them because they are reusable
 
I have used K&n in other cars but eventually went back to OEM. The OEM filters are not expensive, easier to get, hassle free, don't have to mess around with cleaning & re-oiling, just simple plug and play. If there was a major performance improvement I would probably use them but there isn't.
 
The AEM dryflow filter does not require oil, flows and filters better than OE and is now owned by K&N. The entire performance community has moved away from oiled filters - they are now obsolete but still sold everywhere to those that don't know any better. If you have an oiled filter, lose it. The tech gets better every single year.
 
Anything in front of the cats is subject to testing and certification if you want it to be CARB legal. Many states have adopted California's regs so it's just easier to state that something isn't street legal even though it would have zero impact on emissions. The company would have to spend a lot of money to test it and it's probably not worthwhile. Notice that the stock replacement filters are street legal even though I'm pretty sure the filter material is the same as that on their intakes.

Stating that something isn't street legal doesn't really deter from sales since most of us don't care.


Cruiser said:
The AEM dryflow cone filter though indicates on their webpage that it is not street legal. http://www.aemintakes.com/search/univcone.aspx

Not sure why, it is just a filter and not something that may affect vehicle's emissions.
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Lol yeah, cause I don't think turning our fog lights to HID is legal as well

Sent from my SGH-M919
 
jumbosrule said:
The AEM dryflow filter does not require oil, flows and filters better than OE and is now owned by K&N. The entire performance community has moved away from oiled filters - they are now obsolete but still sold everywhere to those that don't know any better. If you have an oiled filter, lose it. The tech gets better every single year.
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This. There are a number of my arguments on this forum in favor of k&n filters, but I don't use them anymore.
 
I'm gonna go back to OEM on my cars after seeing this and seeing the responses. I was sold by their marketing with the ping pong ball along time ago. I never liked the idea of oil on the filter and worried about the oil traveling past the filter and sticking to the sensors.
 
Same. I've got the stillen box.. At least the dimensions of the cone filter or the JWT cone filter.

AEM has pretty much all size cone filters

Sent from my SGH-M919
 
tried a napa gold paper filter, it was to big with the rubber gasket. it fit without the rubber gasket, but there were gaps were air could enter. what paper filters are ya'll using?

edit. I just saw the comments for the dry washable filters. airaid and aem. anyone tried these?
 
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I have two different dryflow AEM filters - but it should be understood that AEM Intakes was purchased by K&N. K&N makes all filters that have the AEM label.

I've been running the AEM dryflow cone filter (not OE shape) for a year on my turbo FX with no issues and no need to clean. Visually it still looks new inside and out. I have no complaints on it or the other application for which I am using the dryflow.
 
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