walker29

I was wondering if any of you guys use K&N air filters in your TL-S's, if you do, do you notice any diff. in performance (fuel econ./speed)? Let me know what you think. Thx

rockinTLS

http://www.acura-tl.com/forum/showth...threadid=15750

MB45

I used the K&N Filter in my 91 Z28.. didnīt really "feel" any difference at all.. But the engine did seem to breathe much better. What I did to test if it was a wise purchase or not (other than racing.. )was to put the car in neutral and rev the engine to red line with the stock filter, then do the same process all over again with the K&N filter in place. There was a big difference in how fast the engine would build RPMs to red line. There was also that "throatier" sound that was previously mentioned. Id say go for it! If you donīt get any performance gains, or better fuel economy with the filter.. have peace of mind that you installed a better quality air filter, and that your engine is that much more protected.

rockinTLS

Ooooo. Ahhhh. All the reason I need!

Road Rage

I am skeptical of claims for the K&N in this car. First, airflow is more than adequate with stock filter. Second, K&N is not very good at filtering dirt, esp. when new. It either captures dirt immediately or it passes through to the engine. This can be verified by driving a 1000 miles with a bit of grease downstream from the filter - check it for dirt, then repeat with the stock filter. You will see more dirt from the K&N.

On the other hand, the stock paper filter does start to clog immediately.

I prefer open-pore foam filters, such as the Unifliter - they trap a lot of dirt, and yet are porous enough to allow excellent airflow for an extended period.

This is the direction that Ford is taking with its new 150k air filter (see my post elsewhere).

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

Comptech also makes a good drop in filter. Check it out at www.comptechusa.com !!

Road Rage

Yup - that would be the Unifilter.

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

Oh it is... whoops!! :o

rockinTLS

I have used both the Unifilter and the K&N's over the years. Both can be a pain to maintain. I currently use a K&N on my Suburban and I like it. Both types of filters do let some light dirt (more like dust) through; I have noticed it on the air horns on both applications. I don't know if it is substantial enough to damage the engine although even the smallest particle will diminish engine life somewhat.

I have used both the paper and K&N filter on the truck and the K&N has substantially more airflow. You CAN feel the difference in performance and my truck is tuned to take advantage of it. It sounds different too.

I would assume that the ECU would make minor adjustments to take advantage of the difference in airflow and you might get some advantage over time. I don't know if it would be necessary to reset the ECU to do it. I doubt it.

I am still on the fence but am leaning towards getting a K&N with my first air filter change.

Road Rage

I believe the foam provides much better filtering, as there are no straight through holes, and only very tiny particles get through. Tiny particles do not represent a wear hazard, as long as they are small enough for two of them to be less than the gap tolerances in the engine, which are about 20 microns in a modern engine. One rolling around does nothing - it passes through the gaps - the reason two is imporant is that if two particles get side by side, they will sum to 20 microns, which could cause some wear abrasion.

A good oil filter will take out a 20 micron :boulder".

sniper5

unless you replace your entire "breathing" system you're just wasting your money. replacing the filter only will give you 2-3 hp extra. it's not worth it.

Road Rage

I agree 100% - I do not do it for the power, but for cost and filtering improvement.