Drop-in K&N air filter?

[jkm311]

It would seem that only CAIs are available for the Vibes, but I have compared the size of the standard paper drop-in filters to a few K&N filters and they SEEM to be the right size, but I do not want to risk it. Dirt, engine performance, and the $50 price tag are keeping me from knowing if a drop-in filter is available, despite none being listed on K&N's site, or at any of the auto part stores I went to. Does anybody know the correct model number that fits in the stock air intake assembly, if one exists?This newbie would appreciate it!

[tnpartsguy]

332252 is the one I used in my '06. Worked fine.

[jkm311]

I figured there had to be one. Thanks for the info. How long have you been using that filter?

[djb383]

Here's some interesting reading with regard to air filter types. You be the judge. http://www.duramax-diesel.com/spicer/index.htm

[jkm311]

Am I naive to think that a Chevy Duramax diesel test is in extreme contrast to our beloved 1.8L? The air being pulled into a diesel engine has to be many times greater than a 4-cylinder, but I will admit, that data is startling... I could be just as naive to think that one K&N is much different than another of their make. Any other air filter experiences/opinions out there?

[djb383]

You might be surprised at how much dirty air your Vibe inhales when turning 3000 rpm @ 70mph vs a Duramax that is turning 1400 rpm & 70 mph.

[tnpartsguy]

I used the same part # on my '03 for 18 months, and 20K miles. Cleaned it at the 10K mile mark. I've have the one in my '06 since it was a day old, it's got about 4k miles on it now.Diesel engines breathe a LOT more than a gasoline engine. IMHO, I like the K&N just fine, it gives a nice raspy note, and better throttle response. YMMV.

[TRDman]

Quote, originally posted by tnpartsguy »332252 is the one I used in my '06. Worked fine. I used the same part number (33-2252) on my '05 and it's been working reasonably well so far.

[harryyiii]

The theory behind this test applies to any size filter. It confirms my suspicion that the K&N filters do not filter very well. I do not know what affect the additional fine dust has on the inside of an engine, but I do not want to find out.

[djb383]

Quote, originally posted by harryyiii »The theory behind this test applies to any size filter. It confirms my suspicion that the K&N filters do not filter very well. I do not know what affect the additional fine dust has on the inside of an engine, but I do not want to find out.Thank you.

[goodvibe]

I found the Wix (Napa gold) filters to do a good job filtering and still flow well in the Vibe. Dirt comes across as silicon in a used oil analysis. It's always accompanied by more wear metals.

[djb383]

Quote, originally posted by goodvibe »I found the Wix (Napa gold) filters to do a good job filtering and still flow well in the Vibe. Dirt comes across as silicon in a used oil analysis. It's always accompanied by more wear metals.Great post, UOAs don't lie.

[Vibr8tr]

Well, before the drive to the Orlando meet this week, I got a K&N drop in for the Vibe, and helped out some. I would say, for the price, it is worth it... however I would have rather spent the extra 30-40 dollars and got a Cosmo SR.However, for those keeping things stock it's worth it. I got about 2-3 MPG better than normal (that is just by way of me doing the math at fill ups), and the cost of replacing OEM compared to K&N.... I am sure it will pay for itself. As for performance..... I haven't really noticed any difference. Maybe I gained 1-2 HP.... who knows.... but I like it, and I am glad I got it.... too bad I am now leaning twards a SR (thanks to VforVibe)

[trueimage]

sorry to bump such an old thread... but using that data... what is the best filter? stock??

[02csnow]

The k&n drop in filter

[djb383]

For the purpose of filtration, yes, the stock filter is about as good as it gets.

[quicksilver]

I've come across people/studies that talk about the K&N filters letting much more particulate into your engine, given the minimal cost benefit over a long period of time I wouldn't take the risk...My last 3 cars I put the K&N filter in, never noticed a difference..

[ToolGuy]

I have a drop in K&N in the Vibe and a cold air K&N kit on my Corvette. I had a CAI on another car of mine years ago too. I have not noticed the throttle bodies any dirtier. Plus any dirt that does come in if any gets burned up in the combustion chambers and does not go into the fuel injectors.If there it was a huge issue, K&N would not make them anymore. Even GM has introduced high flow filters on the Firebird's and Camaro's when they were still made.

[quicksilver]

Were those high flows similar to K&N filters?

[djb383]

Has GM ever used a oiled, cotton gauze filter? I don't think so, maybe an oil bath filter but that's totally different.

[kevera]

Quote, originally posted by djb383 » maybe an oil bath filter but that's totally different.That brings back memories.

[ToolGuy]

Quote, originally posted by quicksilver »Were those high flows similar to K&N filters?No not similar to K&N, no oil.And DJB383, the earlier subject was dirt getting into the engine from a high flow filter not the filters oil. Yes GM has used a high flow filter with the ram air hoods and SLP cars... Regarding the oil though, if a person does not over oil the filter it is fine. I wrap mine a towel over night to bleed out any oil. Also, once it is oiled, it is good for years if you want. I personally clean mine once a year. Never had a MAF issue either on any car of mine that had it. Any dirt from any filter that does get past and not burned is gotten out by changing the oil. K&N has been around for years, no problems using their stuff...

[quicksilver]

right on.

[prathman]

Quote, originally posted by MiVibe-ToolGuy »If there it was a huge issue, K&N would not make them anymore. Even GM has introduced high flow filters on the Firebird's and Camaro's when they were still made. Looking at the previously posted graphs, I wouldn't expect there to be a "huge issue" but letting more particulate matter into the engine doesn't seem like a good thing. I'd be concerned about fine sand (silicon dioxide) particles eventually causing abrasion damage to the engine cylinders and bearing surfaces. If your engine starts using more oil after 150,000 miles when it would otherwise have run fine to 200,000 it would be hard to prove whether it's due to the filter or just normal wear. Goodvibe correctly indicated that an oil analysis showing higher silicon levels would be an indication of an inadequate air filter. Has anyone here done a before/after test of silicon levels with the K&N filter vs. the OEM type?

[djb383]

Quote, originally posted by MiVibe-ToolGuy »Any dirt from any filter that does get past and not burned is gotten out by changing the oil. So, how does the dirt get to the engine oil? Would it possibly get there by passing the rings and being ground into the cylinder walls with a very abrasive action (that's not good)? And from there the dirt enters into the oil where at least some, but not all of the dirt, is trapped in the oil filter. And the dirt that passes thru the oil filter is grinding away at bearing surfaces amoung a whole host of other items that are lubed by engine oil. The vast majority of dirt found in the engine oil got there via the air filter.Quote, originally posted by trueimage »sorry to bump such an old thread... but using that data... what is the best filter? stock??Stop and think about it. The purpose of the air filter is to filter dirt from the incoming air. The more air a filter will let pass, more dirt passes with it. Hold a oiled cotton gauze filter up to the light and you will see thousands of pin holes. Yes, there is great air flow but there is more dirt flowing also. So what is going to do a better job of FILTRATION, a sturdy paper element with no visible holes, or a oiled cotton gauze filter full of pin holes. Manufacturers have designed and tested there intake systems to flow more air than the engine can consume under 99.99% of daily driving conditions. If this were not the case, the engine would be running rich, in a choke mode.For what a filter is supposed to do, a stock filter will do a better job of filtration.

[djb383]

Hey Kev, there ain't no way in hell your old enough to know what an oil bath air filter is. LOL, LOL, LOL

[kevera]

Quote, originally posted by djb383 »For what a filter is supposed to do, a stock filter will do a better job of filtration.You hit the nail on the head.You have to give up one for the other.

[kevera]

Quote, originally posted by djb383 »Hey Kev, there ain't no way in hell your old enough to know what an oil bath air filter is. LOL, LOL, LOLThat's true.But I was born and raised a Chevy guy and my grandfather and uncles all had older Chevy's with the oil bath filters.

[djb383]

I meant to add one other point. From K&N's own site they state that air speed across the filter is only 1-2 mph at 70 mph driving speed. I'm an old fart but I can still walk faster than that. Based upon K&N's findings, flow doesn't appear to be a big deal at normal speeds.