Okay, I just swapped out the regular filter (non K&N ...or a K&N replica to be exact) with a real K&N made filter (huge, 8" long). Well the filter sits now VERY close to the splash guard. I have no bypass valve installed yet....a friend told me that it should be fine without the bypass unless the filter is completely submerged in water (if the filter is 1/2 way into the puddle, it should not draw any water into the engine).

What do you guys think? I'm going to put the AEM bypass valve on for security shake but do you think water will be sucked into the engine at 1/2 mark of the filter??

PS. With the new bigger filter, car seems to pull a lot stronger...I think air moves into intake a lot easier...again, may be just my imagination.

 

You will be fine without the bypass valve but just use common sense. Don't drive thru any puddle, no matter how small it looks.

I have a bypass valve on mine but it is there for a peace of mind.