Does a K & N Filter improve engine performance?

[Lorenzo]

Hey everybody, was just looking at air filter and see that K&N have one for the Monte Carlo. People claim it increases horse power and allow for better fuel economy. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/KNN-E-1500/ Thats the filter im looking at. Wondering if i should get it because when i did the full tune up on my car i just bought this air filter made by this company called Defense? It was only 6$ so that got me a little skeptical. So im wondering if thats the problem of my very bad fuel economy lack of power. Thanks!

 

[oldmansmonte]

Hey everybody, was just looking at air filter and see that K&N have one for the Monte Carlo. People claim it increases horse power and allow for better fuel economy. http://www.summitracing.com/parts/KNN-E-1500/ Thats the filter im looking at. Wondering if i should get it because when i did the full tune up on my car i just bought this air filter made by this company called Defense? It was only 6$ so that got me a little skeptical. So im wondering if thats the problem of my very bad fuel economy lack of power. Thanks!

Let me put it this way. I swapped my 4.3 for a 330 hp 350. Changed computer to a chevy truck 5.7 with 55lb 5.7 injectors and new fuel pump. Car ran ok at idle but was awful when you punched it. Threw codes, backfired. I figured it was because the PCM wasn't tuned so messing with the air filter was a waste at this point. Then I did this.

Made all this difference in the world. Car pulls pretty nicely and sounds great too. And thats on a fuel system built to support 180hp with a 2.73 gear set. Mine looks wierd because the current TPS I have wont allow for the full aftermarket air cleaner setup. I would go with an open air one similar to mine.

 

[SScamino]

Well let me put it this way, I've built motors that aren't 500+ hp. Just your normal vortec headed screamer... and an airfilter never made a difference on any of my motors.

 

[oldmansmonte]

Well let me put it this way, I've built motors that aren't 500+ hp. Just your normal vortec headed screamer... and an airfilter never made a difference on any of my motors.

Maybe mine was more noticable because of the TBI setup with the computer?

 

[-83MONTESS-]

Well let me put it this way, I've built motors that aren't 500+ hp. Just your normal vortec headed screamer... and an airfilter never made a difference on any of my motors.

Maybe mine was more noticable because of the TBI setup with the computer?

What type of air cleaner/filter combo did you have before? I have had probly 5 different air cleaner/filter combos on my engine since I got it and I havent noticed a thing. Now im using a 14x5" monster K&N so maybe I will feel something when it gets off its *ss and makes its way out of the garage :lol:

 

[SScamino]

We had a similar problem on an aftermarket tbi set up the air cleaner we had is what was recomended but it would stumble at idle we just changed it out for a little bit bigger one for the sake of diagnosing the problem amd it completley fixed it. But it wasn't with a kn airfilter just a stp airfilter. It had something to do with the way the cpu was measuring the air coming in and the really small air element we had.

 

[CHRIS.O]

I would say no. In fact I have read that paper filters provide the most airflow. Albeit not as clean air flow. If I can find a source for what I just said I will link it. My experience with KN filters has been positive though. I buy them for each of my vehicles just so I don't have to buy more. The cleaner service kits last me quite a while as well. It will not be a seat of the pants difference though. If you're expecting to throw one in your car and feel the difference you will be disappointed. YMMV

I may have gotten the above backwards

 

[Lorenzo]

hmmm okay. But does anyone have experience with these Defense air filters?

 

[CHRIS.O]

I've never heard of that brand nor did I find anything when I googled it. If it is bothering you that bad then buy another brand of paper filter, fram, stp, etc and see if that helps. The KN wont solve your problems.

 

[Bar50]

If your unit it tuned properly, yes they will provide an increase in performance. Also an increase in fuel mileage. Plus, what other company will offer you a 1,000,000 mile warranty for any part?