I am new to this Forum, and I love the lively discussions taking place.
I own a 5spd 99 V6 SR5.
I have used K&N filters in all of my cars and have complete trust in them. And as a scientist I can tell you that the numbers and the logic of the cited scientific test do not hold water. The K&N is not letting in 224% more dirt and notice the amount of max dust was higher as tested for the K&N than the stock. We need more information to make a case here against K&N, specifically I would like to see analysis of the flow of the dust going in and the what was captured simultaneously captured on the membrane.
Is the K&N worth the money? It is if you consider the replacement cost of stock filters over the lifetime of the car.
Does it add noticeable power? No, its not a significant mod, it won't add noticeable power. My 4Runner is a 5spd and the K&N definitely makes it breathe better past 3K RPM's. It use to be starving up hill after 3K RPM's. Since the K&N it just sucks more air and climbs. I'm not passing suburbans uphill in 5th gear but the car sure breathes easier and holds its own.