K&N Air Filters - worth the $$?

[The73vetteman]

Thinking of replacing the old filter with a K&N unit. Will I feel any increase in power? Will it be worth $45?

 

[photovette]

I very easy thing to answer--take your air filter out--run the car around a bit--if you don't notice any difference, then the K&N won't help.

 

[SG4206]

If you are replacing a very dirty and restricted element ; you would probably feel the difference; otherwise, me and most of K&N users I know , can't feel a change.

 

[Tuna]

The difference between a fresh clean paper filter and a K&N are pretty much zero.

The big difference is that the K&N continues to provide excellent air flow as the miles add up while paper filters get restricted from dirt, oil, bugs, etc.

If you're planning on hanging on to your Vette for many more years and driving it regularly, the K&N is a good idea.

If not, buy a paper filter and put your money somewhere else. Let the next person that owns it install the K&N.

BTW, all my cars have K&N filters including my Buick 4-dr family car.

 

[attret00]

I think Tuna hit it right. The K&N will give you a life time of service. I run them in mine too.

 

[SG4206]

The K&Ns are great filters. and I have and still use them on alot of cars. You asked if you would FEEL a change,and I answered the best I knew how.

 

[wallyknoch]

This said it all.

The K&Ns are great filters. and I have and still use them on alot of cars. You asked if you would FEEL a change,and I answered the best I knew how.

 

[L88 crazy]

Not for carb Vettes

I say only for EFI Corvettes in terms of performance increase. I have one in my 72 T top. No difference at all. Put it in just for the longivity because I drive it daily.

 

[Chas]

Get the top element too...

Mine seems to run better since i put on the top element...didnt notice much from just the round , but the air flows right down the throat of the carb.with the top .
My sig has a shot of my set.
Chas

 

[Rain]

one thing I have heard is not to over oil them.. otherwise it gets sucked up in the Vette and causes problems.

Really the only negative thing I've heard..
ymmv

Rain

 

[CQRT]

Certainly demonstrates what a great market effort can do ! For the difference in cost compared to a Fram or AC Delco, users should be singing the praises of K&N with enthusiasm rather that the mixed bag seen here.

I think I'll stick with the OEM type and replace it regularly . . it's probably a wash.

Just my .02 !
Regards-

 

[Rain]

Im sticking with paper for now, too- . Best to just change the air filter out often as possible or at least keep an eye on it and swap it out at first signs of age/filth.

Spose it depends on the driving conditions too

 

[Vettefan87]

I got a K&N with my Ram Air system and so far I have loved it, all you need to do is clean and re oil it and your done. In the long run it saves you money.

Justin

 

[Vette/Berlina-coupe]

-the ultimate if EZ/Comparison-test...

-here's the proper way to make a very accurate comparison-test of your favorite paper/Air-filter vrs. the K&N/Air-filter... --remove the element from your air-cleaner and replace the lid, A.) -run your engine-speed up to say 3,000-rpm on your tachometer by simply inserting a popcicle-stick under the idle-screw, -observe the RPM's; B.)then momentarily install your ordinary paper/Air-filter element, --and observe the RPM's; C.)then install your K&N/Air-filter element, --and again observe the RPM's; D.)--obviously the winner is the filter-element which comes closest to matching the RPM's produced by the test-A absense of a filter-element.... This is also a good way of making comparisons between various brands of Paper/Air-filter elements, and against one having a few thousand miles on it as well; -you won't observe a great deal of RPM variance, but what you do carefuly write-down step-by-step is nevertheless very meaningful! -Those of you willing to participate in conducting this Comparison-test are invited to announce the results of your testing hereinbelow....
~Bob vH

 

[81 Corvette]

there is an article on this very topic in one of car magazines this month (car craft???)

i don't recall everything all the details of the motor, but suffice to say, the same motor was used for all tests. I believe the motor was pumping out 400 plus with no filter. the K&N produced as much HP as running no filter, while a paper filter caused a decrease in power to the tune of 35hp or so. They ran a speacial base that helped the air flow into the carb better and actually saw an increase over no filter.

Overall I would say, if you plan on running high horses, KNN is the way to go, otherwise a paper may be ok for you. SUffice to say, I'm using a KNN and like it.

 

[CQRT]

I'll tell you - -this is what I really enjoy about this Board - - lots of discussion and educated/experienced advice.

Thanks to all --

CQRT in AZ

 

[81 Corvette]

http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles/116_0409_kn/index1.html

I wish they would have tested a 3x14 paper filter to keep the test fair

 

[lone73]

K&N's

I have these in all my vehicles. I have bought my last one. The seat of the pants diff is imperceptible. If your car is a sunday driver it might give you a few horses and you might benefit. If you use your car daily like I do you will grow to hate these things. I am always needing the car when the filter needs to be cleaned. Takes overnight to dry once cleaned. I do not like oiling my filter at 5:45am so I can drive the dang thing to work.

Another issue is that I don't think they can ever be cleaned as good as they were when new. They always look funky no matter how long I soak them. I'm done with 'em. When I get tired of these I'll be buying the paper ones. It is just too convenient for me.

BTW, I got a K&N that fit my old stock '73 L-82 air cleaner intake if you want to buy it. Has about 500 miles on it. $20 + shipping.

good luck
.
.
.

 

[Rain]

yea, i was gonna suggest ya put used K&Ns on ebay.
they go for nearly what NEW ones are worth!

 

[The73vetteman]

Well I've read everyone's comments with great interest, and finally made my decision.

I went with a $4 paper filter from Murrays. I figure I can get through 12 of these before it would be worth buying the K&N. And as I don't drive the car much it would be years before I got to that point.

Thanks to all,
'73