K&N Dry Air Filters

[DonD]

Does anyone have experience with these? Historically a lot of claims are made for simple "upgrades". Don

 

[BimmerFan]

I have no experience with these. But Don, as a fellow old dude, let me share an anecdote with you. True story.

I used to do a lot of HPDE, which resulted in me hanging out at the race track quite often. One day I was there and started chatting with a fellow in the pits. He worked for Ford's SVT group, and I asked him what he thought about K&N filters and the like. He said:

"Manufactures spend millions of dollars to get every little bit of horsepower out of an engine. If they could increase power by adding in a $20 filter, don't you think they'd do that?"

 

[shbox]

I have no experience with these. But Don, as a fellow old dude, let me share an anecdote with you. True story.

I used to do a lot of HPDE, which resulted in me hanging out at the race track quite often. One day I was there and started chatting with a fellow in the pits. He worked for Ford's SVT group, and I asked him what he thought about K&N filters and the like. He said:

"Manufactures spend millions of dollars to get every little bit of horsepower out of an engine. If they could increase power by adding in a $20 filter, don't you think they'd do that?"

The secondary consideration is actual filtering performance to protect the engine. An auto manufacturer has to consider engine warranty for a period of time. A filter manufacturer does not. The filter folks can sacrifice filtration for flow (which some have a deserved/undeserved reputation for).

 

[Dirkbg]

It could also be the influence of the accountants. If a $5 paper filter is only 3 hp less than a $15 cloth/oiled filter, over thousands of cars it helps their bottom line.

 

[jbawden]

To add to what @shbox says, costs and service/use considerations (a lot can go wrong with an oiled filter) also factor into decisions. I also dispute the premise that OEM's are searching for max power, rather they balance myriad objectives and often leave a lot on the table in the name of mass production and minimizing costs.

 

[BimmerFan]

I also dispute the premise that OEM's are searching for max power, rather they balance myriad objectives and often leave a lot on the table in the name of mass production and minimizing costs.

I would agree when it comes to making Malibu engines. Perhaps not for Blackwings?

 

[jbawden]

I would agree when it comes to making Malibu engines. Perhaps not for Blackwings?

What @Tapout is doing on both the 4 and 5 is evidence that there is plenty optimization available to make substantial increases in power. The BW floor is obviously considerably higher than the Malibu, but the same constraints and principals apply. I don't know specifically if just the green filters do anything on the 4, but the CF intake lid with the filters adds 70 whp, which is incredible.

By the way, I rented a Malibu at SM and its as if Hertz was GM's target market. A course 4 cylinder connected to a CVT wrapped in non-descript lozenge shape is not a very compelling option for a new car buyer.

 

[BimmerFan]

What @Tapout is doing ... I don't know specifically if just the green filters do anything on the 4, but the CF intake lid with the filters adds 70 whp, which is incredible.

I don't know who @Tapout is, or what they offer, but I'm going to have to call b.s. on that 70 WHP for just an intake housing.

 

[coffee_time]

I don't know who @Tapout is, or what they offer, but I'm going to have to call b.s. on that 70 WHP for just an intake housing.

@WONT TAP owns ATS-V CT4-V Blackwing tuning & performance parts, Tapout Tuning

 

[Dirkbg]

I don't know who @Tapout is, or what they offer, but I'm going to have to call b.s. on that 70 WHP for just an intake housing.

And the power increase is for real: Tapout CT4-V Blackwing Carbon Fiber Intake Test Results

Read the thread to see why and what the risks are.

 

[BimmerFan]

According to the chart in the first post, it's a 47 HP gain without the JB4. And I didn't read the entire thread but with increased boost pressure comes a big risk... that engine was designed and built for a particular boost.

I'll try to read it later when I have more time.

 

[BimmerFan]

According to the chart in the first post, it's a 47 HP gain without the JB4. And I didn't read the entire thread but with increased boost pressure comes a big risk... that engine was designed and built for a particular boost.

I'll try to read it later when I have more time.

And I stand by my earlier comment about the filters. This is an intake. Different story.

 

[DonD]

The secondary consideration is actual filtering performance to protect the engine. An auto manufacturer has to consider engine warranty for a period of time. A filter manufacturer does not. The filter folks can sacrifice filtration for flow (which some have a deserved/undeserved reputation for).

Thanks. My son is nagging me to "upgrade" the 4BW. I told him exactly what you said. If GM could get a 20HP bump on the EPA dyno for what K&N charges, it would be on production cars ASAP. Don