K & N Performance Filter

Price Paid:  $40.00 from Kragen

Strengths:
improved fuel economy

Weaknesses:
reduced low end torque

Summary:
no performance increase
but did notice some improvement on MPG

engine rev more at 2nd and 3rd gear

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
Less than 1 month

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 3.00 votes

Price Paid:  $44.00 from Autozone

Year / Model Reviewed:
2008 Chevrolet Impala

Strengths:
Better Miles per Gallon
Better RPM running rate (lower - better on the engine)
Re-usable, environmentally friendly

Weaknesses:
Initial cost is the only "weakness" however once you realize the benefits you are receiving, that is an insignificant point.

Summary:
I have just installed a K&N Filter on my new Impala (with a 3.5ltr V6) and it helped significantly. I have had these filters on all of my cars since the very first one I have purchased and they are amazing. I have had recommendations from many mechanics and auto enthusiasts and everyone seems to agree that K&N did very well with the filters. I have noticed an increase in the MPG (better!) and the RPMs (lower!) and it helps your vehicle shift better.

Similar Products Used:
Factory, OEM, stock paper filters

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Used product for
3 Months to 1 year

Visitors rate this review
5.00 of 5, 2.00 votes

Price Paid:  $40.00 from On the web

Year / Model Reviewed:
2008 Honda Civic Si

Strengths:
Better performance, milage and a better sound from the engine.

Weaknesses:
None

Summary:
I had put one in my 2004 Accord V6 and was impressed with gain in performance, so when I bought the Civic I bought another one. The stock air filter was 3 inches thick the K&N is .5 inches thick.

Similar Products Used:
paper filter

Price Paid:  $41.00 from Pepe Boys

Year / Model Reviewed:
2008 MAZDA 3

Strengths:
Smooth durning at an speed

Weaknesses:
none

Summary:
Since Mazda wanted $22 for the stock Filter, I thought Why not just try the K and N. filter was simple to replace. I'm not sure if it will increase performance or fuel but did notice a smooth responce through all the gear...

Similar Products Used:
Stock filter

Price Paid:  $43.00 from Shucks

Year / Model Reviewed:
2005 Nissan Sentra 1.8S

Strengths:
Work as advertised in most vehicles. Well made.

Weaknesses:
Expensive. Require some user maintenance, which may be beyond some users. Low restriction means less effective filtering than a paper filter so don't use them on your off-road vehicle of if you frequently drive on non-paved roads.

Summary:
Used a K&N on my Nissan AND a 2006 Chrysler Town & Country and had better power and highway fuel economy. There was nothing earth shattering about the power improvements - just a bit more pickup - but the highway economy was a definite improvement. I saw a 2 MPG increase with the Chrysler and a 3.5 MPG increase with the Nissan (This is with a combined average mileage of almost 20,000 miles) but no noticible differences in stop-and-go MPG with either car. Mostly freeway driving and never off-road so I have not had a dust problem.

These work as advertised and seem to be adequate as far as filtration goes. Both the airboxes are sparkling clean.
I have never seen oil leaking or misting away from a K&N unless it was over oiled. REMEMBER - these are pre-oiled and do not need reoiling unless they are first cleaned using the prescribed cleaner. I suspect that most who had MAF damage have either oiled a non-cleaned filter or used too much oil when reoiling. These things come with an instruction sheet that should be followed. If you mess up your car because you can't follow instructions then it is your fault and not K&N's or the car mfg's.

The local Nissan dealer puts K&Ns into their performance vehicles - both the cold air kit and the air filters. Nissan sez to unhook the battery for at least 5 minutes so the computer will reset after you put the new filter in (or go back to the stock filter). Don't do it and the car won't run right.

With the Chrysler it was a simple drop-in. The service manager at the local dealership uses K&N and has for years. He sez he has never had a problem with one that was properly used. Of course, the local Mercury service manager sez not to use them so I don't in my Merc.

Similar Products Used:
Fram and Purolator stock filters