K&N filter vs. stock, not very happy with the K&N

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Mar 19, 2002 | 08:06 AM

Jenner

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K&N filter vs. stock, not very happy with the K&N

Around 30,000 miles I installed a K&N panel filter that I picked up from Stratmosphere. I didn't notice anything different. But it could have been too slight to notice. I left it in since it is re-useable/re-cleanable.

At around 40,000 miles I cleaned it. Again no real difference.

Now at almost 57,000 miles I decided to swap it with a brand new stock filter.

Guess what....

<B>I am now showing 1.5-2psi MORE</B> at WOT with the stock audi filter.

I don't plan to ever put another K&N back in my car, so YMMV, but I figured I would share my experience with others.

Mar 19, 2002 | 08:10 AM

Lone Starr (Ivan)

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Nice sig pic, Jenner. I have believed this to be true about the K&N

or any other replacement airbox in these Audi's (hell all modern Audis) since I went through my K&N experience in the Fall of 1999.

Audi engineered a great airbox. Leave it alone.

Sooo green with envy over your car selection.

Mar 19, 2002 | 08:15 AM

Jenner

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I saw a post of yours the other day about the Altima.

I have to admit I think that is a great car for the price. I don't know if you were looking at a FWD vs Quattro A6 but considering that you don't need Quattro down in Florida the Altima looks even better.

Sure the A6 is more upscale etc. But with a new car you get the warranty and you know the history of the car.

You also mentioned you were impressed with the Matrix. I am NOT a fan of toyota cars, but I think you are right that they will sell lots to younger people who need a little extra cargo space and that stock 180hp is attractive I am sure. Why is it that the interior and exterior looks of Toyota seem to be getting worse?!?

As for the cars, yeah I am pretty lucky to have the choice, but I work my *** off to be able to afford them

As for jealous, I am jealous of your nice weather. I would never drive a coupe if I had nice weather year round. If I wasn't so tied down to the CT/NY/NJ area(in terms of work, family, girlfriend etc) I would move South or West or both...

Mar 19, 2002 | 08:16 AM

the Lad

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i'm not surprised...

back when i was modifying my Lexus GS300 i came across an article where someone had done flow-tests, Dyno tests, and temperature tests comparing K&N, HKS, and Blitz filters. the K&N was a complete dud. not only did it not give any gains, but after time, the "cleaning oil" that they give you actually gunks-up the filter even more, rather than cleans it, making the performance sub-par to stock.

also, someone on the BMW Z3 messege board (by the name of Shawn Fogg) had done some pretty extensive tests utilizing aftermarket filters and comparing them to the stock BMW paper filter. the stock paper filter won out.

i'm curious if either the ITG or ABT panel filters are any better than the K&N? or if it's just more of the same?

my gut tells me that for the same price as those aftermarket filters, one could just throw a brand new stock filter into the car every 5,000 miles and see better performance than going with any of the aftermarket options.

Mar 19, 2002 | 08:18 AM

Jenner

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Re: i'm not surprised...

<I>"my gut tells me that for the same price as those aftermarket filters, one could just throw a brand new stock filter into the car every 5,000 miles and see better performance than going with any of the aftermarket options."</I>

That's exactly what I plan to do until I find evidence that something else is better.

Mar 19, 2002 | 09:05 AM

djwhiTTe

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me either

the New stock filter should flow better than a dirty well used K&N....

dave w

Mar 19, 2002 | 09:07 AM

OTOF

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I have the Abt filter and have liked it. But, I haven't had

to clean it as yet and won't because the car will be gone before that. I won the filter at TT-East last year. On the new car, I'll just leave the stock filter in.