K&N Drop in Filter

May 7, 2011
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Has anyone used one in a 2.3 n/a dual plug head before? If so post your results and what you thought about it. I'm thinking of getting one for mine but I want to know if its worth the money first.
 
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K&N filters have very poor filtering efficiencies, which means they let a lot of dirt through the filter media into the engine. They are known to foul MAF sensors, which your truck has, and cause valve seat and piston ring damage.

There are better and less expensive options out there now. Remember, that the first priority of an air filter is that it removes dirt from your intake so that it does not go into your engine.

Before we move further, lets clarify a few things. For starters, the stock paper air filter actually flows more than the engine needs by a huge factor. This means if you put a freer flowing filter, it yields no increase in power unless you do supporting mods to enable the engine to breathe better. This usually means larger valves, ported heads, ported intake, larger throttle body, and smoother intake tube. It also usually requires mods to increase the redline of the engine, and often a cam. In other words, you would be doing enough modifications to a 110 hp engine to make it produce ~160 hp N/A before a freer flowing filter would even be justified.

K&N Filters claim to save money and the environment by using a washable reusable element. However, you have to clean the element with their cleaner, and use their oil. You have to let it air dry after cleaning, if you use an air compressor to blow it off, that ruins it. So you have hours of downtime while you clean the beast. Combined with engine and sensor damage, inconvenience, and initial price they are far more costly than paper filters.
 
Thanks for the info. I just wanted to get a basic review of the filter like you gave me because I was thinking of buying one. I heard that it increases throttle response. Do you know if thats true?
 
I would doubt it on throttle response - may feel that way on a replacement of any filter if the original was way dirty and clogged....much like just removing a filter and running without one would feel. You wouldn't notice a difference if the filter was good versus no filter. (obviously not recommended)
 
thats always a good idea. one time when i checked/changed mine I found that one of those grocery plastic bags had made it in the box and was blocking a major amount of the air flow. needless to say the car run much better once removed. Still trying to figure out how it made it in there.