LexusDaisy

I saw K&N air filter as a frequent mod in another thread here. What good is it? Any noticable increase in accelleration, or just better "tone" from up front?

I like the motor sound of my ES, and it could be a little louder.... but not so much so that it would bug me on long trips. How much is filter kit? Any downside issues or problems? Easy to install?

Any advice appreciated.

WMP

I think the K&N panel filter is more of a performance "placebo", but it does give you an additional 1-2hp and a nice sporty sound under acceleration. The major benefit of the K&N filter is that it lasts much longer than an OE filter. Only needs to be cleaned after 50,000 and 100,000 miles of use.

Very easy to install. Just open up your stock airbox, slide the old filter out, and put the K&N filter in.

steviej

iTrader: (1)

the drop in filter changer is a piece of cake. The K&N fits right into the existing filter box in place of the stock filter. Every 30-50k miles you have to wash the filter and reoil it. That kit costs about $10 and will last for the life of the car. The filters run about $40 for the ES.

These filters will not give you a boost in perfomance or sound. They do eliminate the need to ever buy a paper/fiber replacement filter from the dealer (or auto store). They may provide an increase in mpg. Personally I picked up 1-2 mpg with the K&N as have others.

Some people feel that these filters allow small particulate matter through which could potentially harm the engine in the long run. However, the oil on the filter is designed to trap these particles. Hence proper care of the filter is key.

Recently, many automanufacturers have said that these filters are not recommended for newer models.

If you search, as there have been many threads on the subject, you will find two distinct sides (for and against). I think it is a mod like synthetic oil. If you are comfortable with it, run with it.

steviej

lexusk8

I have K&N in my '01 ES for the past 8 months and 13,500 miles. It's certainly a great modification with real functional benefits behind it, as well as the convenience of not having to worry about an air filter change in the future

ES Boy

Does the K&N make more noise?

GATO

iTrader: (1)

NOT TO CHANGE THE SUBJECT BUT WHAT ABOUT THOSE K&N AIR INTAKES??? WHATS THE BENEFIT? ANY INCREASE IN HP? DOES IT GIVE IT A NICE SOUND? ABOUT HOW MUCH?

EL GATO

Lexusfreak

I've put a K & N filter in my 01' as well and just came back from a long trip to Florida......the car went flawlessly & was getting fantastic gas mileage! No dought the K & N filter had a part in my fuel economy & overall performance. No the K & N filter does not make any additional noise. It's a wise, popular & inexpensive mod.

flipside909

You wont notice off the line results, but it's a little deeper throatier tone when you stomp on it. Definitely a worthy replacement filter. The TRD Drop In is basically identical but with the name and price tag of TRD labeled parts.

amf1932

Why add noise to an otherwise quiet car???

steviej

iTrader: (1)

Alan, the drop in filters add virtually no noise, just a slight more growl on full throttle take off from the line.
Don't think like a top fuel dragster or something. The K&N CAIs and the like add much more noise.

The ES with a K&N drop in filter is still as quiet as a church mouse.

steviej

W. David

it's not as though it's bad, obnoxious, civic noise.....it's sweet, harmonious Lexus noise.

amf1932

Steviej-

OK.......At the Meet in Floyd Bennett Field you'll take me for a drive in your car so I can hear the "Deep Throaty" sound. hehe

flipside909

Why put a rear wing on a front wheel drive car? Downforce?

amf1932

LOL. I like the extra weight when opening up my trunk lid.

flipside909

LMFAO!!!