I have the K&N cone replacement over the stock airbox and it definitely changes the intake "sound." It might also allow a more streamlined flow into the throttle body over the stock airbox to give better air flow at various rpm's which may equate to a few hp here and there. I think the problem is when the factory does something to disturb the airflow in favor of noise reduction. If you can remove that artificially created turbulence you can probably enhance throttle response and power - of course at the expense of silence.
On just a replacement filter in the stock box... Even if the air filter provides roughly 80% more airflow than a paper filter, that is probably when put on a test that truly tests the upper limit of airflow on the filter. Does that really apply to the filter once on the car? I doubt in many cases that the air intake bottleneck will be the filter element, but will be the airbox, throttle body, exhaust, or some other combination of things.
...but then again, I just might be simplifying things.
Brian Smith
'91 C2
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