K&N Looks like they are total BS

[Swizzles]

Well,

I have been a long time user of K&N filters in all my autos for some time now. However after reading this very comprehensive report I think it's time for the garbage (at least my drop in one)

http://home.usadatanet.net/~jbplock/ISO5011/SPICER.htm

[cdru]

You mean I really didn't get a 300% performance boost as promised. I was lied too!

[Mod'd_Cav]

Originally Posted by Swizzles

Well,

I have been a long time user of K&N filters in all my autos for some time now. However after reading this very comprehensive report I think it's time for the garbage (at least my drop in one)

http://home.usadatanet.net/~jbplock/ISO5011/SPICER.htm

that report is BS at its best...they take all these filters and 1st of all...they are testing for a DURAMAX DIESEL...which would have a BIG difference in air flow requirements then a small passenger vehicle like a cavalier...2nd..they test them on a machine that destributes an exact amount of variables...ei.dirt..dust..airflow..heat..etc..... so technically those results could be false...K&N is made for better airflow under extreme conditions for better performance...ALSO...did you notice who placed first ?...umm..last time i checked...AC Delco is a brand of GM!!! and wait..what was that ?...wasnt this test done by GM!!!!!!...i dont know about this one man..i wouldnt throw away your K&N just yet...cuz im pretty sure that when you put it in..you noticed a gain even if it was small...and you cant fake gains.

but thats just my

[-Jayson-]

yeah when i had my 2.2L cavy i put a drop in KN filter, i noticed a little increase

[Mod'd_Cav]

not even that...if you look at the bottom they actually compare all the other brands TO ACDelco...and they say they are unbiased

[alphalanos]

I dont think racecars and such would use K&N filters if they sucked. Why risk an expensive machine? I dont know about you but my K&N manufactured AEM filter doesnt have a speck of dirt on it anyway.

[cdru]

Originally Posted by alphalanos

I dont know about you but my K&N manufactured AEM filter doesnt have a speck of dirt on it anyway.

I can't comment on the validity of the test although when a stock OEM filter beats out every other filter by a significant margin in all tests, it defintely raises an eyebrow. However, making the above comment doesn't bode well for the performance of your filter. You want the filter to become dirty. That's it's purpose, to trap stuff before it gets into your engine. If it's not dirty, that either means you haven't used it (new or just cleaned), you don't drive in any enviroment that has dirty air, or it's not trapping properly. I'll presume you have used it atleast somewhat and the 2nd condition doesn't exist.

[deadBird]

That's the great thing about Air filters. Very difficult to prove one way or the other.

But then again, show me some actual gains from a brand new OEM filter vs. a K&N. I've never seen times increase to any real measureable amount.

Racecars likely use K&N for 2 reasons. So they don't look left behind, and perhaps they do offer some addition air flow. Perhaps they also don't care about sucking down dirtier air considering the engine is running far less than a passenger vehicle.

[03cavPA]

The guys over on the Ford truck boards are split pretty much down the middle on the use of K&N filters. A number of people are under the opinion that it flows better because it filters less. To get it to filter dirt better, it needs to be oiled a little heavier.

I've used K&N filters on other vehicles and found little difference. I'm sticking with regular paper filters. IMO, if a filter flows that much more air, it may not be filtering as much dirt. Dirt = death to an engine. I plan on driving mine until it dies of old age. Even cars like the Cavalier aren't free to replace.