Air filter changes...

Feb 21, 2004 4 Replies

It's about time for me to get my K&N filter cleaned again, and with all the varied input on oiled versus paper filters, I'm considering going back to paper. For one thing, there are no convenient shops nearby that can do the cleaning for me, and I don't want to mess with it myself. For what its worth, I've run the K&N in my car almost since I bought it....in 1990... with no issues. What I'd like from anyone who wishes to reply is a recommendation on a good paper filter, preferrably based on your own experiences. I'd also like to know if there are any differences I should expect switching back. I have several Ford dealerships, along with the usual gamut of auto shops (Autozone, Pep Boys, O'Reillys, Hi-Lo) close enough, so any good suggestions are welcome. One more question please.... I have aluminum heads on my car, and it seems the overall underhood temp fluctuates more now than it did with the stock heads. Is this to be expected? This is fine during cool climate, when it stays low, but I always worry during the hot Texas summers. I have a 3-core radiator, a 180-degree thermostat, and an Edelbrock aluminum water pump. My car has never overheated, but at times it sure seems to creep way up there. It didn't when the stock heads were on. In fact, it maintained a temp around 1/4 to 1/2 point, no matter the climate. Now, during very warm climate, it can get into the 3/4 range. I just need to know if this is normal or not. Again, thank for any input.



Randy



90 GT

We're living in a world that's been pulled over our eyes to blind us from the truth. Where are you, white rabbit?

formatting link


Shop at a recognized store, buy a recognized name.... don't go for the cheap one. If the packaging indicates a micron reading for dirt elimination, smaller numbers are better....... I like it when my filter plugs off early - it's doing it's job!!!

You may have had no problems with the K&N YET!!! but you make no mention of miles travelled, climate, location, driving habits, demographics, terrain (and on and on)..... There are, very likely, places where a reusable filter might be quite adequate..... I can certainly assure you that I don't live there. Dust, similar to flour, hangs in the air for a long, long time after a vehicle passes in the summer..... blowing snow that can plug ANY filter off in the winter. Much easier to scoop a new paper filter out of a box, slam dunk it into place and be on my way than to putz around with something too expensive to toss yet too tedious to "fix"....

Whether we choose to run K&N style or not, the proof in the pudding is in the amount of dirt we see downstream from the filter.....

I know how much I get paid to service K&Ns....... makes paper filters look pretty cheap. Please feel free to let me know how much I 'should' get paid to service one of these....

Jim Warman snipped-for-privacy@telusplanet.net

I've used both paper & K&N filters. To be honest... I can't tell a damn difference. Both seem to be doing their job to me. Right now I've still got the K&N in b/c of the cold air intake. *shrug* a lot of ppl seem to prefer paper.... and a lot seem to prefer K&N... to me I can't tell.. neither can given me any trouble *YET*.

-Mike

98 Mustang GT

Check out this guy's website, it may help you make a decision.

formatting link
When you get down to the end of it they're all pretty close. bill '64.5: 260, 3 sp, a/c, SVO cam, Performer intake, Holley 390, Pertronix, Hi-Po exhaust, 1.5" front & 1" rear drop, Jacobs wires, Torq Thrust D's

*SOLD* 66: '93 5.0, etc.

Colt AR15, Sig P220, Moss. 590A1, Marlin 70P

Make sure you keep that cooling system nice and clean. Once a year flush is recommended, and if you don't want to do it every year do it at least every other year. Also make sure the fan is working good. (isn't that a mechanical fan?)

Remove NO-SPAM from email address when replying

Join the Discussion

Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.

Didn't find your answer?

Ask the community — no account required