Drop in K&N filter worth it?
- Thread starter BSD
- Start date
Around here they seem to be about 5 times what a standard filter sells for. So I ask myself, "will it make my jeep run 5x better?" and the answer of course is NO. But, if you do spend the money it will be pretty hard to convince yourself that it DOESN'T make any difference, right? Clever little game in all this aftermarket stuff, don't you think?
I have looked very hard at this and felt the urge myself but I can't quite seem to pay-up for something that probably makes little more difference than proper tire inflation. And that's practically free, not $45-$50!
I have looked very hard at this and felt the urge myself but I can't quite seem to pay-up for something that probably makes little more difference than proper tire inflation. And that's practically free, not $45-$50!
Mine already had one when I got it, but the previous owner (my father) said it made a difference.
As far as the cost goes...you make up for that by never having to buy another filter. The recharger kit (for cleaning/re-oiling) sells for $8-$10 and can be used 3 times...and you don't have to do that very often...unless you're in a super-dusty environment.
As far as the cost goes...you make up for that by never having to buy another filter. The recharger kit (for cleaning/re-oiling) sells for $8-$10 and can be used 3 times...and you don't have to do that very often...unless you're in a super-dusty environment.
aplatz
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Frederick, MD.
No performance gains to speak of. You'd have to be in a lab to tell the difference. Mind over matter, but I was suckered anyway. I do like cleaning it whenever I see fit instead of buying a new one though.
barillms
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Eastern Ohio baby!
My 2001 4.0 noticed improvement. I drilled s few moe holes in the airbox too. I can tell if I mash it to the floor, it pulls harder, and breathes freely.
Darky
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- 29 Palms, CA
as was said, I see it more as a cost saving device, ie: I never buy another one. I don't know if it makes a difference performance wise because mine came with it but I like not having to ever buy a new air filter.
Purple
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Mississauga, Ontario, Canada
felt difference when installed it in my 98, especially when floored
more throttle response, also nice sound, and if you want more, go with a bigger throttle body, also not replacing the filter, and cleaning it kicks ass.
more throttle response, also nice sound, and if you want more, go with a bigger throttle body, also not replacing the filter, and cleaning it kicks ass.
BruteXJ
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Charlottesville, VA
Mine came with K&N, so I dunno what stock feels like. I gave mine to a buddy with an '00 when I did the homebuilt FIPK and he said he definitely noticed a difference.
RichP
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Effort, Pa
Depends on how much it cost you, I got mine used from highlander about 4 years ago and have been running it since then. I have a few paper OEM filters and when it comes time to clean the K&N flat I pull it, put in a paper, clean the K&N and next time I have the hood open for oil or whatever I swap them out and put the paper back in plastic bag. I do it about 2x a year.
I ran a stock filter setup, went to a K&N drop in and then to an airtube with the K&N filter that Rusty sells, which is actually smaller than a drop-in filter in surface area.
I've recently gone back to a factory airbox and regular disposable filter since I can't tell any major difference in mileage which for me is the only thing that matters and I think is the only real world predictor of efficiency.
From a cost standpoint, I figure I was cleaning mine a couple times a year meaning about $5 a year in maintenance costs on top of the $48 initial filter cost. That versus an $8 filter every 12 months or so works out about the same over time so I'm leaving it as is.
For those guys with performance mods that warrant it the K&N type filter probably makes a difference. But for a stock motor with a lot of mileage, it doesn't seem to help much, if at all.
As for the hydrolocking comment above, I don't see how a 'less' restrictive filter helped you save your rig from drowning...care to elaborate? It seems the opposite would be true.
I've recently gone back to a factory airbox and regular disposable filter since I can't tell any major difference in mileage which for me is the only thing that matters and I think is the only real world predictor of efficiency.
From a cost standpoint, I figure I was cleaning mine a couple times a year meaning about $5 a year in maintenance costs on top of the $48 initial filter cost. That versus an $8 filter every 12 months or so works out about the same over time so I'm leaving it as is.
For those guys with performance mods that warrant it the K&N type filter probably makes a difference. But for a stock motor with a lot of mileage, it doesn't seem to help much, if at all.
As for the hydrolocking comment above, I don't see how a 'less' restrictive filter helped you save your rig from drowning...care to elaborate? It seems the opposite would be true.
stesul411
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Western PA
I put mine in i Jan, I really didnt notice any difference in performance. I did notice a difference in fuel mileage, it picked up just a litttle less than a mile per gallon. This is important to me seeing as I drive 250 - 300 mles per day for my job.
nhrocker
Jackstand wheeler
- Location
- Claremont, NH
I had already put in a high flow cat back kit, high flow headers, and a bored out throttle body, all of which did improve my performance. I put in a K&N panel filter about 3 weeks ago and haven't been too impressed. My acceleration at higher speeds improved slightly, other than that, nothing. It wasn't worth it for me.
I'm now about to pick up a Donaldson industrial filter assembly to make my own cowl induction (thanks for the idea and part #'s Dingo509 and Gojeep!) Hopefully I'll be more impressed with that. At least it will raise my intake level even if it doesn't help performance...
I'm now about to pick up a Donaldson industrial filter assembly to make my own cowl induction (thanks for the idea and part #'s Dingo509 and Gojeep!) Hopefully I'll be more impressed with that. At least it will raise my intake level even if it doesn't help performance...
sjx40250
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Alexandria VA
I recently did a dyno run on my 92 and ran with the air box and without. Without means all I did was disconnect the tube from the box.
No difference until about 4500 rpm where the torque and HP improved about 1-2%.
This jeep is stock and has about 195,000 miles.
No difference until about 4500 rpm where the torque and HP improved about 1-2%.
This jeep is stock and has about 195,000 miles.
Dr. Dyno
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Al Ain, UAE
Can you scan your dyno sheet and post it for us to see?
sjx40250
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Alexandria VA
I am going out of town on Friday. I will try to post after I get back. My numbers were right but my units are off. I really meant about .5% gain.
Some comments before I post.
1. Totally stock 92 with semi-Auto mod to be able to keep it in 3rd gear.
2. 30.5 BFG's nearly new on stock rims.
3. The set up for RPM was wrong on that scale so you will need to translate between about 600-5000 rpm
4. Used stock ignition (brass cap) and it shows on the curves.
5. Peak HP was about 30 off from my expectations.
I have since installed blue line cap, rotor, 8mm Accel wires, and bored stock TB to 60 mm. What a difference (most due to TB)! I did swap back a stock TB for seat of the pants comparrison and have to say that I could tell a difference but can't quantify it.
Some comments before I post.
1. Totally stock 92 with semi-Auto mod to be able to keep it in 3rd gear.
2. 30.5 BFG's nearly new on stock rims.
3. The set up for RPM was wrong on that scale so you will need to translate between about 600-5000 rpm
4. Used stock ignition (brass cap) and it shows on the curves.
5. Peak HP was about 30 off from my expectations.
I have since installed blue line cap, rotor, 8mm Accel wires, and bored stock TB to 60 mm. What a difference (most due to TB)! I did swap back a stock TB for seat of the pants comparrison and have to say that I could tell a difference but can't quantify it.
aroncull
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- North Denver, CO
OK.. so i dont have any numbers..
But!
After replacing my stock paper filter with a K&N 33-2122 filter.
I noticed a dramatic increase in throttle power and range.
I can feel the jeep breathing better..
Now i wouldnt say that it has more horse power.. but would say that Feels better more responsive..
Seems faster off the line and i can hear the engine revving better..
Also it will pay for itself if you live in the west.. due to dust and replacement filter price..
I want to add that i bought the jeep used she is a 4.0L 97XJ w/ 120k miles on her..
AND the filter in there was very dirty and im shure that was part of it... LOL :gag:
But!
After replacing my stock paper filter with a K&N 33-2122 filter.
I noticed a dramatic increase in throttle power and range.
I can feel the jeep breathing better..
Now i wouldnt say that it has more horse power.. but would say that Feels better more responsive..
Seems faster off the line and i can hear the engine revving better..
Also it will pay for itself if you live in the west.. due to dust and replacement filter price..
I want to add that i bought the jeep used she is a 4.0L 97XJ w/ 120k miles on her..
AND the filter in there was very dirty and im shure that was part of it... LOL :gag:
adrnalinlovr
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Da Boat, CO
i did the rustys performance package, with the tube, flowmaster catback, the TB spacers, and of course the K&N cone 9", and it defenetly made a difference, it feels better than stock (i have a 3 inch lift and 32/11.50), sounds alot nicer, and just accelerates better 2, mileage wise i dano cause ive just been leadfooting it sooooooo much since i got it
adrnalinlovr
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- Da Boat, CO
OH and DEFENATE improve throttle response, tap the gas and immediatly your revs follow
JeepSpeed
NAXJA Forum User
- Location
- W suburbs of the Chi
sjx40250 said:
Not doubting you, but just a fact to throw out. many times a performance air filter will increase hp over even a completley open intake track. I beleive it smoothes out turbulent air. Hot Rod did a dyno shoot out of filter combos on a (big and carb'd) engine, and the K'N gained power over an open intake. Don't know particularly on the 4.0L, but just a thought.
