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Posted by: NevynPA Jul 22 2011, 02:19 PM

So, FSUSpectra was kind enough to send me his K&N air filter that he wasn't using for me to test and shed some light on the big question:


Does a K&N air filter help you get better MPG?


There are two sides to this, and while my testing won't put the question to rest once and for all, it will at least provide some results that will hopefully be useful.

I've uploaded the videos I have so far to YouTube and created a playlist for them:

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL05C4F32D9B4E1CB0

I have still photos as well, and they will be hosted (elsewhere) and posted (here).



Plaintiff: K&N filters are bad for MPG.

Argument: K&N designed their air filters to be more free-flowing than the conventional air filter. By allowing more air into the engine, the ECU then adjusts the amount of fuel injected to compensate for the greater mass of air in order to maintain the proper air/fuel ratio. More fuel being injected means more fuel burned, thus lower MPG.

Defendant: K&N filters are good for MPG.

Argument: With the additional air being brought in by the engine, it develops more power. This added boost of power allows the engine to run more efficiently, increasing MPG. The extra power allows the engine to be able to work efficiently in higher gears (4th/5th) at a lower speed, thus delaying the need for a downshift to a less efficient gear.

Evidence:

Posted by: slowgls Jul 22 2011, 02:29 PM

Cant wait to see the results. Good work.

Posted by: Silentwolf Jul 23 2011, 12:40 AM

Should be interesting. Lot to be said for being able to shift at a lower rpm to a higher gear. I'm able to accelerate from 10mph with much less effort now with the CAI.

Posted by: popeye Jul 23 2011, 12:51 AM

I'm not interested in mpgs, I just like the sound I get from having a less restricted intake lol! j/k, it'll be interesting to see what the results are. You'll have to post them for peer review first though

Posted by: Elantrick Jul 23 2011, 02:54 PM

I My results after installing a short intake are less mpg. The engine probably makes more power, but I just like the sound so I am not getting as good milage

Posted by: NevynPA Jul 25 2011, 10:43 AM

If you "like the sound" then you're in the pedal WAY too deep, too often to be doing it for MPG. I've got a 100% stock airbox. The sound is different, but only barely. I'll hopefully get the stills up today.

Posted by: FSUspectra Jul 25 2011, 11:11 AM

Thanks again for taking this on (although I'm sure it's not too much hair off your back ). Looking forward to the results.

Posted by: benman Oct 17 2011, 02:13 PM

Stumbled upon this topic searching for something else today -- so did you ever draw any conclusions?

Posted by: NevynPA Oct 17 2011, 02:26 PM

I have lots of data, and little time to compile it. My laptop is working again and that's where all my photos are - I just have to get them up and hosted, organized, my fill-ups charted, and it all written out.

Quick thought is no, it's no different for MPG - but it does change the performance of the car.

Posted by: benman Oct 18 2011, 05:55 AM

Coincidentally, I got home to find that the K&N drop-in I'd ordered from Amazon (yes, though the EC Affiliate link) had arrived. I dropped it in this morning (and also removed the PZEV charcoal filter) before my morning commute.

Anecdotal evidence this morning is the same: there was no discernable change in fuel economy at various checkpoints along the way, but a world of difference in performance on the hills (especially the very steep one that begins my commute).

Posted by: jamhandman Oct 18 2011, 06:45 AM

hmmm.... maybe I'll get one for mine and the wife's accent We do drive on a LOT of hills here. I'm just not too comfortable I'll maintain the filter correctly. Hmmm... maybe..

Posted by: Spectre Jul 5 2012, 05:30 PM

I had bought an accord CAI for my car and have been having a lot of trouble getting it on. I just now noticed this thread and I have a K&N drop in filter. Maybe I should just leave the filter in and not bother with the CAI, based on the feedback I see here.

Posted by: slowgls Jul 5 2012, 05:57 PM

What kind of issues are you having? If you removed the resonator i would just keep the drop in filter.

Posted by: Spectre Jul 6 2012, 10:15 AM

QUOTE (slowgls @ Jul 5 2012, 05:57 PM)

Posted by: eugene188 Aug 5 2012, 08:54 PM

so any update on an extended test?

Posted by: thejazzcat Feb 12 2013, 12:04 PM

I am curious to hear the results of this as well... My avg MPG output is about 35 or so (both OBC and miles/tank gallons), and I do a fair bit of city and highway driving with a Typhoon 69 CAI. Just gotta keep your foot out of it and drive like a normal person 90% of the time.

Posted by: xsolara Nov 2 2013, 09:28 AM

K&N filters have only one advantage... reuse of filter (you need at least 3 OEM filter changes to pay off the K&N cost)
You will not get better mileage or performance from K&N... if you think your getting better performance you're under the placebo effect :=)