K&N filter - whats going on - R32OC

richie_mck · 10th February 2010, 11:02 AM

I put a k&n panel filter into my standard airbox approx 1 month ago. The car was due to go in for a service today so last night i put the standard air filter back in to make sure any numpties wouldnt replace my k&n for a standard one [just in case]. I was out in the car last night and i can honestly say the car runs far better with the standard filter.

With the k&n filter i was noticing some hesitation on acceleration and pick up that is completely gone with the standard filter. It is totally and noticably different to drive.

Any explanations why the car doesnt work as well with a 'performance filter'

Ps. the k&n filter was brand spanking new when i put it in.

celica · 10th February 2010, 11:06 AM

that's strange.

i wouldn't have thought an air filter in standard box would make that much noticeable difference anyway

how old is it and did you have it in long?

i'm dubious about an element filter making much difference, but with any mods i guess the car ecu needs resetting and learn

Slapbladder · 10th February 2010, 11:21 AM

has it been cleaned and reoiled?.....filters like the K&N ones which need oiling get dirty quite quickly....i would just use standard airfilters all the time

richie_mck · 10th February 2010, 11:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by celica

i'm dubious about an element filter making much difference

Me too. The car is nov 07 with 24k on the clock and was last serviced 5k miles ago. The difference was only realised when i put the standard filter back in, with the k&n it had lost power and was hesitant.

Strange things are going on under my bonnet.

As you say, it could be an ecu thing if the maf sensor is picking different info up and the car can adjust properly.

richie_mck · 10th February 2010, 11:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slapbladder

has it been cleaned and reoiled?.....filters like the K&N ones which need oiling get dirty quite quickly....i would just use standard airfilters all the time

The filter was brand new and has only seen about 1.5k miles of use. There is still plenty of oil on the filter, my hands got a free manacure when i took it out last night

Slapbladder · 10th February 2010, 11:31 AM

there might be to much oil on it blocking the airflow....to be honest i would not use one as the oil normally contaminates the MAF

richie_mck · 10th February 2010, 11:46 AM

Good stuff, cheers, ill be going back to standard. Avoids all problems.

nigp007 · 10th February 2010, 01:46 PM

You said in another post that you bought it from Ebay.

Maybe it's a old one that has been cleaned and has too much oil on it.

Mine is fine I always bang a K & N in my cars, just like I use High Octane I know it makes no difference. Just makes me feel better.

richie_mck · 10th February 2010, 03:20 PM

Possibly, the only thing i can think is that it is oil is affecting the maf as slap said. The filter is spotless and was sealed in the k&n selophane wrapper when i got it. Even if it was cleaned, those things have a 1million mile warranty and is currently being out performed by a rather dirty standard filter. Im find it hard to believe as well.