K&N filter drop in test and review

[Vibelo]

Hello, I purchased a 2004 Vibe (Base) automatic with 89,000 miles on it. I came to this forum to find some input about the K&N drop in filter on these engines. After extensive search and reading I could not really come to a conclusion. So, I did my own test in terms of MPG as I travel from Atlanta Ga to Charlotte NC twice a month. I purchased it April 5th. I drove the whole moth of April with the stock filter, I recorded an avg mpg around town of 28.6 mpg and avg mpg highway @ 31.4. In May I purchased the drop in K&N filter. I recorded avg mpg around town 29.1 and avg mpg highway @ 34.6 with the K&N drop in for the whole moth of May. I am not concern about horsepower so I am not even going to get into that. I also removed the air filter components such as box, hose, throttle body and could not find any evidence on oil coming off the filter coating these items as previously mentioned on some of the threads about the K&N filters. My driving habits are the same on highway cruise control between 75 and 79 mph. I travel 25 miles to work each day. Conclusion: in my opinion the K&N drop in filter helps with mpg and has not effect to the engine in terms of oiling the parts mentioned above.

I hope this help some of the readers that could not come to a conclusion as I did.

[Rayven01]

Sounds like a K&N dropin is a no-brainer for you then! I wish I could say the same. I did pretty much the same test you did over the course of two months (February/March) except at speeds around 60mph on the highway and got no discernible increase in MPG (power gains were similarly not a factor for me). Since the filtering efficiency is demonstrably (96-99% vs 99%+) worse and I got no other gains I decided to go back to paper. Who knows, the filtering may come down to particles so small they don't even matter but I figure better safe than sorry.

[beemerphile1]

...Since the filtering efficiency is demonstrably (96-99% vs 99%+) worse and I got no other gains I decided to go back to paper. Who knows, the filtering may come down to particles so small they don't even matter but I figure better safe than sorry.

I'm glad that we all have the option to do as we please but those filters scare me. If they let in more air they also let in more dirt. Ask your trained and skilled local mechanic and they will tell you not to use them.

[Vibelo]

Refer to this link http://www.knfilters.com/images/factstab1.gif" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. I am not a K&N representative. But, I called them, and they stated that their 1 million mile warranty includes damages to the engine due to filter failure. I stand by my opinion. As long as you register your filter and clean it every 50 thousand miles, the warranty is in place.

[Rayven01]

I'm sure the chances are remote, and there is always the warranty to fall back on. And as I said, in your case it certainly seems justified with the increase in MPG. In my case I didn't get any gains and, while remote, the chance that I'd have to go through the hassle of a repair (even warranted) lead me to take it back off more for peace of mind than anything else.

[Vibelo]

I understand. I will keep monitoring the parts internally and will post any changes if any, just for information purposes. Thank you for all your input. This is a great site!

[thebarber]

Bunch of scaredy cats on this forum...

I've run k&n filters on my and my parents cars for the last decade with no issues.

If you replace your paper filter twice, you've paid for a k&n drop in. For me, its not about MPG or power, its about saving money on throw away filters.

[cptnsolo77]

Thats great to hear ! I seemed to gain a bit when I installed mine. I didnt track it like you did though. I have had a drop in K&N since I have owned the Vibe, with no issues. I was thinking about getting a short ram intake but the SRI still pulls in hot underhood air. It made more sense ( to me ) to just get a drop in. I was thinking about buying one of those cold air intakes in search of some additional MPGs just for fun....& the chrome tubing would look sharp with my painted engine cover. I dont think I would gain much MPGs going from a drop in to a cold air intake anyhow.

[vibenvy]

I also removed the air filter components such as box, hose, throttle body and could not find any evidence on oil coming off the filter coating these items as previously mentioned on some of the threads about the K&N filters.

Just an FYI, but the oiling issues do not come from the initial factory oiling of the filter (obviously K&N knows what they're doing). It comes from the vehicle owner re-oiling their own filter and unknowingly adding too much oil .

[Doug14]

Bunch of scaredy cats on this forum...

I've run k&n filters on my and my parents cars for the last decade with no issues.

If you replace your paper filter twice, you've paid for a k&n drop in. For me, its not about MPG or power, its about saving money on throw away filters.

Haha yup! I also have had the K&N in my vehicle and many friends use them too. As long as you don't over oil it you're fine, if you do; MAF sensor cleaner and maybe clean the throttle body if it managed to get down that far.

[Vibelo]

Yeah! i have used them for years too. Actually this is the only site where I have read negative things about K&N. But, I guess is a matter of opinion, choice and preference