K&N Cone installation

[bcr4d]

Contemplating installing a K&N Cone filter on my car, 88 Cab, and was wondering is it a do it yourself, or should it be left up to more experience techs. I'm pretty good with a wrench, timing belts and water pumps on bmw's, but thank God I haven't had to do any major repairs on my pcar yet. thanks in advance

[stormmaster]

should be a DIY

[PorscheGuy79]

No brainer, I did a similar type install when I was 16 to my mazda...can't imagine it being that much harder.

[Miguel Antonett]

No problem, definitely a DIY.

[stormmaster]

you could always opt to get a K&N replacement filter and open up the lid to the box you have to get more air volume than a cone filter.....easy to do....and it gives you those great intake sounds above 3k rpm.....not to mention its almost free except for the cost of the filter....unless you buy a different lid to cut open....and those can be had on ebay cheap enough....

[Jack Olsen]

I thought K&N's were pretty thoroughly discredited.

[bcr4d]

Could you elaborate more on why they were discredited

[oliver88]

The stock filter will give you the best protection. No real verified gains in HP or torque. One plus could be that you will never have to buy another filter as they are able to be cleaned. Most cars that run them show an increase in dirt and dust ingestion however.

[toolman]

I had a cone on my 87 with no benefit whatsoever. I went back to the stocker because it would keep the water out better.

[MattAlpha]

I put a conical K&N in my P-car.
I noticed a difference. Definately seemed that the intake was less restrictive and my engine accelerated easier. I would say I saw an real HP or torque gain though.
Is it worth it? I think so.
Just make sure if you are thinking about getting a kit or at least an adapter to post it what you are looking at here. That way someone may be able to tell you if you should avoid that one or not.

[Wil Ferch]

I wouldn't recommend a cone but if you insist, notice that many do *not* have a nipple that captures the small oil vent hose.....can lead to a small nuisance problem . No, the answer is NOT to simply screw a smaller cone filter at the end of the hose, it will saturate quickly. It involves attaching the hose to a small bottle ( with drain valve on bottom), and then venting the top of the bottle with a small cone filter.

Lotsa work for little / no gain.....at least get a cone filter housing with the nipple.

Or better, simply cut off the front face of the stock air filter housing, leaving a "band" that secures the filter. This is like a "cup" airbox. Gives you the same maintenance "Access" benefits of the cone, and all 4 air filter clips are also visible and accessible. Allows you a choice of stock or KN filter elements , too.

- Wil

[RayM]

Careful when cleaning and regreasing too. my brother put too much on after cleaning and fouled up his MAF on his A-6 and had to replace it. I also have a Dinan cold airintake on my M3 and it uses a K&N cone and Dinan recommends to just replace the cone altogehter for the same reason. After reading a variety of posts I opted not to use a K&N at all on my 911.

[mnmike]

we had quite the debate on this on the m5board. Ive put a K&N cone on basically every car ive had (get them on jegs.com in a custom size to what you need). Youll notice a huge difference in sound which is why I do it. Whenever you step on the gas the engine growls and the sound on any car is incredible. As for performance, I think you'll notice a quicker throttle response, but not really any sort of power gained (or atleast nothing noticeable). People on the M5 board whined that the K&N will suck tiny particles of dirt into your engine causing it to wear more quickly. At what rate, and if it even does this is not proven.. Even if it does make a 250,000 mile engine only last 240,000 miles who cares..

[bcr4d]

thanks for all the replys. After all the replys, I've decided to stay stock. thanks again.

[Super_Dave_D]

I kind of like the sound plus I had an extra lid so...........

[bcr4d]

Super Dave; I kind of like your set-up. Do you have a stock filter.

[Super_Dave_D]

Yes its a stock filter and a stock (well was) lid. Like I said I had an extra so if I want to go back its not an issue. I used my dremel. I left kinda like a rain guard on the top but the car hasnt seen rain since I've owned it.

[KCPSG]

The PO had already installed an K&N on my car and had gotten rid of the original airbox. I like the fact that the engine compartment is more open and everything is easily accessible, however if I had the original airbox, I would have done just what Super Dave did.