Tuesday, September 7, 2010
5 Reasons why everyone should use a K&N Air filter
K&N has been around a long time. As long as I can remember anyway. They basically pioneered the reusable air filter. A brilliant idea at the time and still a brilliant one today. K&N also makes first class products in terms of quality, fitment and performance. So that being said, here are 5 reasons why you should have a K&N OEM replacement air filter in your vehicle.
1. Your engines now makes more power - By removing the factory filter with a filter element the restriction to airflow is now less. This results in a greater volume of air being pulled into the engine when operating. The more available air thus the more fuel you can efficiently used resulting in more combustion and power. This really only applies to an engine running at higher RPM or under heavier loads... but everyone need likes a bit more power.
2. It does not void your vehicle warranty - One of K&N's claims to fame was that you could use their air filters and, by law, would not void your factory warranty. This, of course, is very important to vehicles in the warranty period because you basically pay for the factory warranty in the price of the car and without it your just throwing money away. And subject to pay for all your own repair bills. K&N also claims that if their air filter is the direct result of engine damage in your car they will pay the bill. They warranty their air filters for a million miles.
3. Increased economy - Now that the air filter is less restrictive there is less pumping loses on the engine. Since the there is less pumping loses the engine now performs more efficiently which means fuel is being used more efficiently. This means the same engine now requires slightly less fuel to do the same job. Of course this does not mean you can drive around town with your foot to the floor and expect better fuel milage. But these days it seems every cents counts.
4. You do not have to buy another air filter - This means every time your OEM filter gets dirty you don't have to do to the dealer to buy another one and toss the old one in the garbage. This cuts down on waste, time and money. Plus now you can clean it at midnight or 6 in the morning or whenever is most convenient for you. Not on the dealerships or other shop's time schedule.
5. They are emissions legal - K&N filters are covered by EPA law to be free of defects and do not increase harmful emissions. Since an engine with a K&N filter is more efficient it may even produce less emissions. So you can feel good about the environment too.
6. I have one in all my cars - Not a big reason but theres a reason I use them.
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I use K&N or cotton washable filters (MINI Madness CAI on my MINI) too. You do get marginally better fuel mileage and noticeable improvement in midrange power build. My only issue is when washing them, they take so long to dry before you can oil them and put them back in your car. You're not supposed to use a hair dryer or other artificial heat drying device. If you don't have a spare filter, it leaves your car down for 1/2 a day.
ReplyDeleteHey Ken,
ReplyDeletecompressed air comes in very handy when drying out the freshly washed K&N filters. Once you have blown them out they are pretty much completely dry in 15 minutes and ready for a little oil. If the filter is a bit older don't use the full 90 or 120 PSI shop air or you can seperate the wire mesh with such high pressure.
If I have an R56 with the JCW airbox with the cone paper filter, there's no equivalent replacement K&N is there? It looks like all their filters are panel filters
ReplyDeleteThere is Rixter... and I have the part right in front of me.
ReplyDeleteThe K&N part number is: RU-3130
Its a universal application but it fits very well. Its the largest volume filter you can fit inside that JCW Airbox
Cool
ReplyDeleteKen do you run it thru the dishwasher?
ReplyDeleteNever tried the dishwasher. I just apply the cleaning solution, let it sit and spray it inside to out. All the dirt will wash out really well. Blow it with compressed air, apply oil and its good. I also apply very little oil. You really do not need it. The filter will catch everything without the oil
ReplyDeleteI just have to ensure it's relatively easy to remove/insert into the JCW airbox. The panels are a lot easier then the cone
ReplyDeleteHey Rixter,
ReplyDeleteYes, to install the K&N cone filter requires you disassemble the airbox for install. There is an electrical connector for the flap at the rear and a vacuum connection. Be careful when removing the vacuum hose and do not disconnect it at the manifold or it is a bigger job to get it reconnected.
I just spray the cleaner on the filter and rinse off over gentle flow of tap water. Then let dry.
ReplyDeletewhat is the part # for a 07 mini cooper base model?
ReplyDelete