Do K&N air filters work?

[wyvrn]

My Accord has a peppy four banger, but it isn't great on the highway. Im looking to get some more horsepower without spending big bucks. A friend of mine put this in his Ford F150 and he says it really works, but I heard from other people they don't work that well. And I don't wanna waste $40 for nothing.

Link

[vass0922]

in a 4 banger?
Unless that 4 banger, is ported out, maybe even bored out with a large fuel system (fuel injection/carb) I wouldn't bother.

With a 4 cylinder I dont think you'd notice any performance help. Probably be better of using some oil additive like slick 50 depending on how many miles you got. Larger engines would probably see more of a help than a smaller engine.

(not necessarily slick 50 but can't remember the other ones currently)

personally I see it as like putting premium gas in an engine that doesnt' require it. Doesnt help at all.

[Teknikz]

buy it, put it in, take it for a spin for about 10 mins, ..if it doesnt work, take it back right away and ask for a refund

[wyvrn]

Yeah I remember that was a thread going at that "other" place about whether oil additives did more harm than good. I think I'll go dig it up.

A K&N high-flow filter offered my Firebird's 3.1L v6 about 5-10hp as compared to the stock filtration. Not an overly impressive increase, but any increase is definitely welcomed, esp for under $50.

The relative part the equation is the total air intake requirements of your car. My modified v6 simply can intake air faster than the stock filter can deliver it. If your current filters's air intake rate is already sufficient for your engines rating, then the return could (and likely will) be minimal.

I recommend changing plenums and perhaps adding an air vortex device as well, though this does involve a few dollars and a little work. Any rate, K&N offers excellent quality even if you do not see a HP increase. With a quick cleaning at regular intervals with the K&N filter charger kit, it will actually pay for itself in the long run.

Robert Richmond

[hawkeye177]

Those oil additives are nothing but a high viscosity oil.
K&N filters work by having less restriction than other filters. They work.

[Orbiter]

A K&N Filter will reduce the air flow restriction, but the difference in HP may not be very noticeable. You may notice an increase in MPG though.

If you really want to increase your HP for little money look into replacing that maze of a stock air intake with a nice straight Cold Air Intake. Of course this will also increase your engine noise level, and probably void your warranty.

Orb

[Admin RR]

For my '90 240SX a K&N filter basically increased high end power (acceleration at high speed) somewhat and overall engine growl.

Forget oil additives for lower milage cars, as they can dirty a clean engine in a matter of minutes. Slick 50 is generally "ok" for a high milage engine, though I recommend using a good quality synthetic oil instead. The extra cost is worth it.

Also, fuel treatments are just about useless as oil treatments. If injectors need cleaning, then go to a shop the can offer proffesional cleaning with compressed combustable gas. The process can cost upwards of a $100, but the results can be superb for an older engine.

[wyvrn]

recommend changing plenums and perhaps adding an air vortex device as well, though this does involve a few dollars and a little work.

RobRich, like this one?