Ceten

A few days ago I replaced the stock air filter with a K&N because...well that's just the first thing I always do. I obviously wasn't expecting to get a hp gain just from that, but it kind of feels like it's lost a step. I don't know that it actually has, or if it's just in my brain because I was subconciously hoping for a little gain and didn't get any. I read on here somewhere that when bypassing the valve to keep the "secondary" intake open (I had considered doing it because I love the way it sounds when that flapper opens up), the cars actually lose some low end torque. I'm wondering if the K&N improved airflow enough that it affected it in a similar way. I haven't put the stock one back in to test it out yet. Has anyone else noticed anything similar or have some input?

AmbyBomb

No a panel filter didn't give you such a big increase in air flow that you lost power. Put the stock one back in and see if it returns to normal.

Ceten

I certainly didn't think so either, in fact I felt a little silly typing that out. I thought after posting that maybe it was the air temp. It's been in the high 80's-low 90's since I bought it, last few days it's been around 100°F. But it really seemed like the change was instantaneous. Anyway:
OEM filter is back in. I took it for a couple of 15-90mph runs up and down the highway before and after - nothing scientific, just feeling it. The low end torque is back, 5000-7000 RPM I can't really tell a difference.

It has to be all in my head, there's really no other explanation, but I can feel a difference. I'm going to do the experiment in reverse tomorrow or the next day and take my neighbor along and not tell him what I'm doing, see if I can get a blind opinion.

Longwaldo

I always do the same and I didnt notice a difference. Interesting to hear your thoughts though.

cp2

iTrader: (1)

give your ECU some time to figure it out. sounds weird, but over time, you'll get an advantage w/ a K&N or AFE or maybe even Tom's (just not a fan of sponge filters) over paper filters; car gets less restricted air so that's a good thing.

DLPTony

Good advice. I had the K&N in my ‘16 350 and it was awesome. The oiling of the filter made me a little nervous. Did I use enough? Or was it too much?

I switched to TOM’s sponge filter for the 500 and it’s been awesome so far. I’ve had it for almost year, the car sounds more throaty and there’s a definite pep in its step.

gcmak

Either give it time or pull the battery for 15-30 minutes and have it learn everything from 'base'.

subtl

I actually did a TOMS drop in filter week after I got it. After I had installed it, I let the car run stationary for 15 minutes then I drove it around. As for performance, I did not really experience any difference. Power still felt the same, more so just sound. As for when I did it for my IS350, I noticed that the car felt more jumpy and sounded more throaty.