Engineering Explained - Filter Comparison
11-14-18, 03:42 PM
#1
Advanced
Thread Starter
Engineering Explained - Filter Comparison
Jason goes on to compare a Stock Filter vs Dirty Stock Filter vs Aftermarket "Premium" Filter vs K&N Filter.
TLDW;
Stock Crank Specs:
HP: 148
Torque: 145
Numbers are higher than stock due to the way the dyno was reading, whats more important is the difference between each filter. 3 Runs were done for each filter. He also did a VBOX acceleration test, which reflected similar results as the dyno.
Dirty Stock Filter: 158.25 hp / 137.25 torque
Clean Stock Filter: 160.10 hp / 137.43 torque
CarQuest Filter: 163.32 hp / 140.82 torque
K&N Filter: 164.42 hp / 142.53 torque
Last edited by RageRacerM; 11-14-18 at 03:48 PM.
11-14-18, 05:07 PM
#2
Driver School Candidate
https://youtu.be/GS69owXpGdY
Jason goes on to compare a Stock Filter vs Dirty Stock Filter vs Aftermarket "Premium" Filter vs K&N Filter.
TLDW;
Stock Crank Specs:
HP: 148
Torque: 145
Numbers are higher than stock due to the way the dyno was reading, whats more important is the difference between each filter. 3 Runs were done for each filter. He also did a VBOX acceleration test, which reflected similar results as the dyno.
Dirty Stock Filter: 158.25 hp / 137.25 torque
Clean Stock Filter: 160.10 hp / 137.43 torque
CarQuest Filter: 163.32 hp / 140.82 torque
K&N Filter: 164.42 hp / 142.53 torque
Jason goes on to compare a Stock Filter vs Dirty Stock Filter vs Aftermarket "Premium" Filter vs K&N Filter.
TLDW;
Stock Crank Specs:
HP: 148
Torque: 145
Numbers are higher than stock due to the way the dyno was reading, whats more important is the difference between each filter. 3 Runs were done for each filter. He also did a VBOX acceleration test, which reflected similar results as the dyno.
Dirty Stock Filter: 158.25 hp / 137.25 torque
Clean Stock Filter: 160.10 hp / 137.43 torque
CarQuest Filter: 163.32 hp / 140.82 torque
K&N Filter: 164.42 hp / 142.53 torque
11-15-18, 06:51 AM
#4
Advanced
Thread Starter
I only wonder how quickly the K&N gets dirty enough to hinder performance. Been debating on getting a filter. My Camry had one for over 150k miles, and never had an issue.
11-15-18, 07:20 AM
#5
Driver School Candidate
11-15-18, 09:11 AM
#6
drives cars
Also, there's no need to jump to the extreme of NO filtering at all. I think there's still an acceptable minimum level of filtering that should occur.
The following users liked this post:
RageRacerM (11-15-18)
11-15-18, 02:45 PM
#7
Advanced
Thread Starter
Obviously, keeping the engine free from damage is important. At the same time, I personally think that a lot of the fears with K&N filters is overhyped. Like I said in my previous comment, my previous Camry is still kicking despite having had a K&N filter for 150k miles. I was using the OEM paper filter up to 50k then made the switch. At 200k miles, the engine has been the most reliable part of the Camry. Maybe the Camry is more tolerant to oiled filters or maybe I jus know how to properly oil the filters. That said, I’m perfectly A-Okay with K&N. Running no filter would just be... silly, to put it lightly. The K&N does a decent job of filtering IMO, but what do I know, I jus have a 200k Camry that hasn’t had a single complaint.
All it boils down to is whether or not you want to put up with the maintenance. Again, would also like to see how quickly the dirt capacity of the K&N would be reached before performance would be hindered, but I can’t think of a reliable or measurable way of doing that since everyone drives in different environments.
Currently I’m sticking with OEM paper for the IS350 cause I just simply don’t want to deal with re-oiling it, plus I still have complimentary service from Lexus for a good many miles and years ahead.
All it boils down to is whether or not you want to put up with the maintenance. Again, would also like to see how quickly the dirt capacity of the K&N would be reached before performance would be hindered, but I can’t think of a reliable or measurable way of doing that since everyone drives in different environments.
Currently I’m sticking with OEM paper for the IS350 cause I just simply don’t want to deal with re-oiling it, plus I still have complimentary service from Lexus for a good many miles and years ahead.
Trending Topics
11-15-18, 02:56 PM
#8
Lexus Test Driver
Get a performance filter for convenience, not power. You'd objectively wouldn't be able to notice the power increase of a filter, if any.
Keep in mind too that particular video (a lot of EE's videos lately) are sponsored.
MCM ran a similar objective test and found no HP gain with filters. In fact, they even found HP loss.
FWIW I switched back to stock paper on my 200t from the Lexus F sport and didn't feel any slower. Go figure.
And the thing about K&N (or similar oiled filters) the amount of oil required to filter properly and the amount required to not go beyond to over oil is blurry and subjective--too much guesswork. The maintenance is too subjective on such a critical part. I cleaned and reoiled two massive cone filters for someone's 335i before and did not know if i was under oiling or over oiling. some parts were missing oil and some had more than others. you just kind of oil it up, shut the hood, and close your eyes and hope for the best. You'll be driving every mile thinking "did I oil that enough or did I oil too much? I don't like that kind of insecurity when it comes to maintenance.
That's what I like about the F Sport filter. Or paper filters. Drop it in and done. No guesswork.
Keep in mind too that particular video (a lot of EE's videos lately) are sponsored.
MCM ran a similar objective test and found no HP gain with filters. In fact, they even found HP loss.
FWIW I switched back to stock paper on my 200t from the Lexus F sport and didn't feel any slower. Go figure.
And the thing about K&N (or similar oiled filters) the amount of oil required to filter properly and the amount required to not go beyond to over oil is blurry and subjective--too much guesswork. The maintenance is too subjective on such a critical part. I cleaned and reoiled two massive cone filters for someone's 335i before and did not know if i was under oiling or over oiling. some parts were missing oil and some had more than others. you just kind of oil it up, shut the hood, and close your eyes and hope for the best. You'll be driving every mile thinking "did I oil that enough or did I oil too much? I don't like that kind of insecurity when it comes to maintenance.
That's what I like about the F Sport filter. Or paper filters. Drop it in and done. No guesswork.
11-15-18, 03:47 PM
#9
Advanced
Thread Starter
I think a lot of other people simply think "Drop-in filter for more HP?! K" and they go with K&N and not really think about the maintenance involved. I guess E46 and I are a bit different than others in choosing convenience.
Convenience for me outweighs minimal HP gains, especially on something as variable as filters that will progressively get dirty over time. The constant cleaning and re-oiling of the K&N will annoy me. The FSport filter is easier to clean, and the fact that its a dry filter appeals to me. Less maintenance with potential HP gains works for me.
And yeah, I did see that EE's most recent videos have been sponsored, but I did see a similar test by someone on youtube comparing a K&N on an Infiniti car as well. Plus other vids. Blah. I still have my doubts, but I think the initial K&N gains are difficult to argue. Also, we have no idea how long you get to keep those initial gains. For all we know, the K&N also gets clogged the fastest and loses the gains the quickest. If someone can point me towards an article regarding this, that'd be great.
Convenience for me outweighs minimal HP gains, especially on something as variable as filters that will progressively get dirty over time. The constant cleaning and re-oiling of the K&N will annoy me. The FSport filter is easier to clean, and the fact that its a dry filter appeals to me. Less maintenance with potential HP gains works for me.
And yeah, I did see that EE's most recent videos have been sponsored, but I did see a similar test by someone on youtube comparing a K&N on an Infiniti car as well. Plus other vids. Blah. I still have my doubts, but I think the initial K&N gains are difficult to argue. Also, we have no idea how long you get to keep those initial gains. For all we know, the K&N also gets clogged the fastest and loses the gains the quickest. If someone can point me towards an article regarding this, that'd be great.
11-15-18, 05:10 PM
#10
drives cars
FWIW, I think I am going to stick with the OE stock filter. I mean, I won't miss 1-2 horsepower. I should have got the 350 if I wanted more power. Or the tune, lol.
I think where the filters might come into play is when other restrictions are also lowered - like removing the carbon filter.
I think where the filters might come into play is when other restrictions are also lowered - like removing the carbon filter.
11-16-18, 04:27 PM
#13
Former Sponsor
I don't know about K&N, but TOM'S Racing intake filter has a higher flow rate AND higher filtration down to a smaller molecular level than OEM.. I can't see any possible way anyone can argue that this is not an improvement modification ..
https://www.tomsracing.co.jp/sv/prod....php?mprID=417
"The Super Ram II Air Cleaner was designed to trap airborne dust and debris with minimal air intake resistance. The filter portion of the cleaner features a new triple layered foam material made up of cell structures. This enables trapping more unwanted debris before it reaches the engine than ever before, with the smallest air intake resistance.Tom's scrutinized over even the finest dust particles and the materials to make up the filter so maximum power figures can be achieved. They then succeeded in removing the pressure loss commonly seen on polyurethane foam to make up the most efficient unit."
https://www.tomsracing.co.jp/sv/prod....php?mprID=417
"The Super Ram II Air Cleaner was designed to trap airborne dust and debris with minimal air intake resistance. The filter portion of the cleaner features a new triple layered foam material made up of cell structures. This enables trapping more unwanted debris before it reaches the engine than ever before, with the smallest air intake resistance.Tom's scrutinized over even the finest dust particles and the materials to make up the filter so maximum power figures can be achieved. They then succeeded in removing the pressure loss commonly seen on polyurethane foam to make up the most efficient unit."
Last edited by TOPENDMS; 11-16-18 at 04:30 PM.
11-17-18, 03:12 AM
#14
For me, i rather like Scotty Kilmer's videos. Him being a mechanic with well over 50 years of experience repairing cars makes him highly credible. He even had a segment on TV many years ago. Here is his take on best air filter.
11-17-18, 11:27 PM
#15
Former Sponsor
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WV-vNGzzP_M
For me, i rather like Scotty Kilmer's videos. Him being a mechanic with well over 50 years of experience repairing cars makes him highly credible. He even had a segment on TV many years ago. Here is his take on best air filter.
For me, i rather like Scotty Kilmer's videos. Him being a mechanic with well over 50 years of experience repairing cars makes him highly credible. He even had a segment on TV many years ago. Here is his take on best air filter.
Since he only compares OEM, vs Cheap Replacement vs K&N .. I still maintain that high performance dry filters like FSport, HKS, TOMS are superior to OEM
Last edited by TOPENDMS; 11-17-18 at 11:30 PM.