K&N filters, are they worth it?

[Adam_G]

Hi All,

It comes the time again to service the 4WD, although this time I need to change the air filter.

For the last 6 years I've used a foam unifilter but it has come to the end of its usefull life so a replacement is in order.

I have a 1997 GQ patrol with the massively powerfull 2.8L turbo diesel. Has anyone had any experience with K&N filters and are they worth the dollars?

To fit a standard paper filter will cost $45, to replace the unifilter $130 and a K&N $190. I am a bit over washing and re-oiling the uni mainly because it's such a messy pain in the arse job and I am lead to believe the K&N isn't as bad.

So do I save my money and go for paper or let the old car get a bit more air flow with the K&N?

Thanks Adam

[Benny01]

you wont notice a difference with either. just go a paper one but the amount you need to change it over time the K&N will pay itself off so its really not a big difference. its not gonna give you any noticable horsepower gains

[FNQCairns]

The Kill&N has the potential to let Kilos of silicone access through out it's lifetime to the rings and bore, happily sandblast away loads of metal, easily measured with an oil anaysis.

proper filter is always the best, today they are even better.

cheers fnq

[Adam_G]

Thanks Benny01 and FNQ,

looks like I just got another $145 worth of fishing gear!!

Adam

[BenDover]

You wont notice any power difference. If you do alot of water work/ creek crossings etc. Then id keep an oil element filter forsure. But if its for road only then yeah go papper.

[backlash08]

go paper, best option

[Adam_G]

Thanks for the help, I struggle to even get on the beach these days so paper is the go. If i don't spend the balance on fishing gear I think I'll spend it on a beach trip!

Adam

[cammo79]

You wont notice any power difference. If you do alot of water work/ creek crossings etc. Then id keep an oil element filter forsure. But if its for road only then yeah go papper.

what is an oil element filter?

[BenDover]

It a very fine foamcore filter, usually with a inner (larger mesh) and an outer (finer mesh) filter. That is soaked in oil and wringed out. Which is what ADAM_G is talking about. Depending on how many dusty roads you use as to when you need to clean it. You can get kits for them to clean them and re oil them. Pretty easy. And if you get water down your snorkle it cant get passed.

Im sure if you got litres down there some would get passed, but the usual splashs is fine. Not only that, but sooo many people dont seal their snorkles propperly anway at the airbox.

The paper ones get wet, clog up and then fall apart letting water in = bent conrods especially with high compression diesels. So surprised at how little they need. My diesel mechanic mate and his 4x4 club put it to the test, and the experts are right. 1 tablespoon in a pot is all it takes.

[cammo79]

is that what the k&n is?

who sells them?

cam

[Tailortaker]

I've always had K&N filters in my veichles, they allow better airflow, dont allow water intake and they last a life time so no replacing.. and camo you can get them at autobarn
Cheers TT

[cammo79]

thanks all will get one today