Mo'Money Mo'Money Mo'Money Mo'Problems
Very old post here I know but truths out now & I see them on daily drivers still so I'll update this for future readers?
Is it worth an engine? Worst thing to do on off road vehicles.
It is a proven fact that K&N style oiled air filters allow more dust/grit into the engine. Micro dust /grit particles get into the engine and shorten bearing, cylinder & piston ring life dramatically therefore shortening the whole engine life.
Its why the air filters there to begin with so one might as well just remove it if he don't care about his engine enough and chose these as street filters or even worst on off roaders.
They are fine when used correctly though. They belong on the race track which is what K&N designed them for originally until cashing in on our ignorance. They were not designed to be on everyday drivers.
Racers rebuild their engines frequently anyway so they don't care about long term, they just want enough hp to shave milliseconds off to win a race and use them to do just that.
Who are you trying to outrun using them on a daily driver?
IMO even if they add 30-50 hp & 5mpg they still suck on daily driven vehicles because they shorten engine life and won't pay for their self but instead cost thousands in the long run. It is a proven fact so run them at your own risk and don't ever expect engine longevity!
If you see one on a car you're looking to buy I suggest you pass because the long term problems from it will be yours!
Filter tests: Dirty dirty shame of K&N...
Filtration Testing for Amsoil, K&N, Napa, Jackson Racing, Baldwin, and Mazda air filters on a Miata
Honda tells it like it is here: It's your baby..
http://www.tegger.com/hondafaq/misc/A050400.pdf
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