Factory vs. Aftermarket Filter - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

juarez · 08-04-2004, 14:16

Theres a good article on autospeed today, regarding factory filters, and how they are more than sufficient..

I don't want to plagiarise them, so I'll just summarise to say, the factory filter is more than capable of flowing the amount of air required, as well as filtering as well or better than any aftermarket filter (although K&N would have me believe otherwise). Furthermore, the bottleneck is, in almost all cases, in either the intake snorkel, the airbox itself, or the throttle-body. They found the pressure drop through the airbox to be almost identical with, or without the filter in place.

What this means is, if you wanna throw away money, either modify the airbox / intake snorkel, or go for a CAI setup with a pod filter (maybe a bonnet scoop would offer less of a bottleneck than a normal intake scoop).

I guess it's too late for me to get my money back on the K&N panel filter I got

Maybe I'll put a bonnet scoop over the airbox..

OED666 · 08-04-2004, 14:27

i had a guy show me 2 filters and the flow rate...

one a paper filter and a K&N... If you blocked the paper filter only a bit the flow dramatically dropped, and you could block the K&N filter 3/4 and it only started to slow the flow rate.

I think they had oiled the paper filter, as it had that look about it, and also to make the K&N look as though it flowed so much better.

Its always interesting to ready articles like that...

Do you still have the link.

I saw one last week about how good airboxes were, and i think they raved on about the EF airbox too...

Spider_GT · 08-04-2004, 15:11

you after scoop i got a set of scoops like the el xr ones but there been modify into actual scoop so that it directs air into the airbox

Bertman EA-S · 08-04-2004, 17:18

I think that article is true, but I also think that's only the case for brand new ones. I think that the K&N will last a lot longer than a standard paper filter, and flow for a lot longer without blocking up. That's the real benefit.

But that's only my opinion. Could be wrong :)

EFFalcon · 08-04-2004, 17:29

i'd prefer to know where the restrictions are if its not the filter.
obviously the t/b is up to the job... i'd say the snorkel would have to be the main restriction!

OED666 · 08-04-2004, 18:16

i think its either the snorkel, or the airbox...

or not enough air getting to the snorkel...

I have looked at UNR8D's Fairlane, dammed if I know where it gets the air from???

MustangNicko · 08-04-2004, 19:30

I think the restriction is the pipe going from T/B to airbox. Especially on the EL setup, it bubbles, ripples and bottle necks when it gets to the air box.

juarez · 08-04-2004, 20:38

Umm, they tested both a new filter (factory one) and an ooold one which was caked with dirt.. The old one still flowed almost exactly the same amount of air..

If you want the best flow possible, go for those long ram-jet pipe things :) They look awesome sticking out the bonnet, and offer no restriction (actually, a small amount of "boost" as air is forced into them as it moves past the car at high speed)

Yagz · 08-04-2004, 20:44

Juarez. The paper filters are changed at service. Some places are padantic and change them every 10,000km's.. The once off investment of a k and n filter, or bmc, just enables you to have one less component that you have to worry about..

They are definitely better for throttle response, and a better note, because they aren't a shitty paper substance. They are proven to flow better, and last longer. Look after them, and they'll last forever.

To say that you get a boost effect by having a ram jet pipe setup is a bit drastic. Sure you can get a small effect, but nothing that would put you in the back of your seat.. Just run a cold air intake with a good filter, and you'll be laughing..

Yagz · 08-04-2004, 20:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by MustangNicko

I think the restriction is the pipe going from T/B to airbox. Especially on the EL setup, it bubbles, ripples and bottle necks when it gets to the air box.

True, which is why getting a stainless steel pipe is the way to go.. The EL setup definitely is better than the EF though..