K&N Air Filters--Any Cons?

[RichardNew]

More air does not mean more power. There is a correct amount of air. Even K&N acknowledges this when they point out “In the vast majority of cases increased airflow will increase engine performance.” But not always.

This all relates back to trying to try to keep the total pressure as high as possible. To achieve this we need to keep as much dynamic pressure created from the car speed as possible.

There are few areas more confusing than identifying dirt retention requirements when it comes to air filters. Most vehicle owner’s manuals remain silent on the point. In fact, few air filter manufacturers publish any information as to the filtration efficiency of their filters. This stands in marked contrast to oil and fuel filters where there is a relatively large amount of information regarding filtration requirements and capabilities. Studies have shown most engine wear is caused by particles 10 to 20 microns in size.

My quick answer is you won't actually feel any gain with an aftermarket filter. You'll get more noise which might make you think the car is going faster - but it isn't.

Richard Newton

[HorstP]

Of course this subject has been discussed thousands of times. And true, just slapping on a K&N filter will not make a difference. But getting a lower restriction intake, a lower restriction exhaust and the corresponding mapping did a lot of difference.
I am over 50 years old so I will put maybe at the very maximum another 60tsd miles on that thing, so why should I even care about slightly increased wear if I can get a little more fun.

[chuckr]

This is the 997GT3 4.0 straight from the factory....
looks like somebody forgot to tell them these are bad filters...

[CCM911]

I run a cone. It seems to work fine, but I am in no way an expert like some of the others that have replied. But what I really like is that now I have all the room in the world inside my engine compartment. Valve adjustments and plug changes are that much easier.

[TheSt|G]

The power gains are not large enough to be physically noticeable, plus all of the issues highlighted before. If you want the space and sound however, do as you wish.

[T77911S]

Originally Posted by john walker's workshop

Hold one up to a light and observe all the holes where fine dirt gets through. Paper for my engines.

to let more air in the holes have to be bigger.