Does K&N Filter increase performance?
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From: Dallas
Does K&N Filter increase performance?
K&N has a filter (33-2273) for the V-8 S-Type. Does it really last 1 million miles? Does it really increase performance? I found one on ebay for 30 bucks. Is it easy to install?
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RE: Does K&N Filter increase performance?
I know people who swear by K&N filters in other cars, but I don't specifically how they work in S-Types. The people who I know are using them in Mazda RX 8s.
It is a very different type of filter system. Instead of using a heavy paper element they use a cotton cheesecloth like material which is saturated with a red oil. It's the oil that picks up the dirt. The filter theoretically lasts forever, but they need to be cleaned I think it's every 40,000 miles. Cleaning consists of washing the oil out of the old filter with dish detergent then reoiling with the K&N oiler kit. The filter breathes far more freely than a paper element and K&N swears that it picks up as much dirt as a regualr filter.
Some filters are intended to fit into the stock air box that is already in your car in which installation would be the same as sliding in a new air filter [rectangular in shape]. Some filters are kits that come with K&N replacement airboxes which are designed to increase airflow over the original airbox. Those filters are generally conical in shape. That kit would require the removal and replacement of your airbox which is a bit more complicated, however, I think that the filter you are looking at is most likely to fir into the original airbox.
The down side to K&N involves the Mass airflow sensor in your car. In between the airbox and the air intake manifold of your engine is a heated wire that has a great deal of input into the misture injected into your engine. If the oil from the K&N filter splatters onto that wire then the mixture of your car can be thrown off. It is recommended by people who use them that when you open the package take the filter and let it sit on cardboard overnight to make sure that there is no excess oil in the filter before installation. I am told that this goes a long way to protecting your MAF sensor. It is mostly on reoiling the filter that one has to be very careful about not over oiling which I understand can be very easy to do.
With that porviso, the increased airflow through the filter is supposed to actually give the power advantage that K&N claims from my friends who have used them, and they really like it, but I have never tried in an S Type and as said, they are using it in a Mazda.
Sorry that I don't have more specific information for you. All the best. - H
It is a very different type of filter system. Instead of using a heavy paper element they use a cotton cheesecloth like material which is saturated with a red oil. It's the oil that picks up the dirt. The filter theoretically lasts forever, but they need to be cleaned I think it's every 40,000 miles. Cleaning consists of washing the oil out of the old filter with dish detergent then reoiling with the K&N oiler kit. The filter breathes far more freely than a paper element and K&N swears that it picks up as much dirt as a regualr filter.
Some filters are intended to fit into the stock air box that is already in your car in which installation would be the same as sliding in a new air filter [rectangular in shape]. Some filters are kits that come with K&N replacement airboxes which are designed to increase airflow over the original airbox. Those filters are generally conical in shape. That kit would require the removal and replacement of your airbox which is a bit more complicated, however, I think that the filter you are looking at is most likely to fir into the original airbox.
The down side to K&N involves the Mass airflow sensor in your car. In between the airbox and the air intake manifold of your engine is a heated wire that has a great deal of input into the misture injected into your engine. If the oil from the K&N filter splatters onto that wire then the mixture of your car can be thrown off. It is recommended by people who use them that when you open the package take the filter and let it sit on cardboard overnight to make sure that there is no excess oil in the filter before installation. I am told that this goes a long way to protecting your MAF sensor. It is mostly on reoiling the filter that one has to be very careful about not over oiling which I understand can be very easy to do.
With that porviso, the increased airflow through the filter is supposed to actually give the power advantage that K&N claims from my friends who have used them, and they really like it, but I have never tried in an S Type and as said, they are using it in a Mazda.
Sorry that I don't have more specific information for you. All the best. - H
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RE: Does K&N Filter increase performance?
I installed a K&N filter on my Corvette and didn't notice any difference in performance. The K&N filter will last a long time but you'll have to purchase the cleaner and oil kit which is about $56. I guess it depends on how long you plan on keeping the car. $56 will buy you several OEM filters.
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RE: Does K&N Filter increase performance?
i use one in my race car but have not bought one for my jag yet, i will when i get around to it. it may not improve performance noticably, but you run less risk of it getting clogged up, dirty, and hindering performance or allowing dirt particles to enter your combustion chambers
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I have a 2001 "S" type and J&N tells me the part number is 33-2266. Keeping that in mind I just tried to replace the fram that was in there and after 3 hours of futzing around I could not get the air filter box to close. It could be something I did wrong but I took everything off the box to try to get it to go back together with no luck.
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Hal
Joined: Oct 2009
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From: Perth Ontario Canada
Even if they did allow more airflow, this could only be of benefit if the engine was 'suffering' through use of the standard type filter. I know of no such evidence.
Let's say for fun that the standard filter did restrict airflow and it was known that power suffered accordingly. The aftermarket filter would only be of benefit at maximum flow conditions, namely wide open throttle and maximum engine speed (redline). Can't remeber that last time I did that for any extended period.
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From: Raleigh, NC
I agree with Mikey. Plus, I've never thought that those K&N products would be worth the risk of fouling up the sensors downstream and having the car throw endless codes as a result....
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From: WV
I agree with you as well - I'm sticking with the OEM type. My son-in-law tried a K&N in a late model Toyota 4Runner with a V8. He took it out recently - said it did nothing for performance or fuel economy and was more trouble than it was worth.
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Oldengineer
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Oldengineer
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From: Allen, Texas
I've used K&N filters for the last 15 years. They are a great product and I have NEVER heard of one effecting the other sensors or meters in any make of vehicle EXCEPT for the Jaguar. I do not currently plan to put one in mine because of the problems seen with the MAF.
The majority of the time when I have used K&N products, I have replaced the ENTIRE air intake system with a custom system and the conical K&N filter. This was the best way to increase the air flow into the engine that was being restricted by the stock air flow system. The computers today can adjust to the increased air flow and the horsepower will go up (Not more than 20 HP in any of my past applications, but for $300, where else can you get 10-20 HP (NOS excluded...)).
I have had great experiences with the K&N filters and still plan to use them on my other vehicles, just not this one...
The majority of the time when I have used K&N products, I have replaced the ENTIRE air intake system with a custom system and the conical K&N filter. This was the best way to increase the air flow into the engine that was being restricted by the stock air flow system. The computers today can adjust to the increased air flow and the horsepower will go up (Not more than 20 HP in any of my past applications, but for $300, where else can you get 10-20 HP (NOS excluded...)).
I have had great experiences with the K&N filters and still plan to use them on my other vehicles, just not this one...
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From: Derbyshire, England
I've used K&N kits on several different cars over the years, direct replacement and entire induction kit versions, I'd say the induction kits did make a small difference, the replacement elements didn't make any noticeable difference, but was cheaper than 5 OEM filters required over the 50K miles before cleaning. I have one in the S Type, 18 months now - no problems, unlike my Alfa Romeo 166 3.0V6 - I was advised by an Alfa specialist not to use a K&N, he had seen several MAF failures - guess what? After a couple of years of ownership the MAF failed anyway!
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From: Yorkshire, England
This has been covered before. If (that's a BIG IF) a car has a restrictive air intake, which btw can be found by measurement (I posted a link, just look thru my old posts), then reducing that restriction may well be worth doing. It's irrelevant whether a K&N is also fitted as no air filter should be restricting air flow by an amount that matters! However, a K&N definitely can introduce problems in any car, I suspect mainly because they don't fit properly or don't filter properly. And doing the math for 5 OEM filters etc. Gimme a break.
Also, bear in mind that 15 years ago cars did not have the complex control systems nowadays mandated by governments so it is risky (or worse) to assume that what seemed OK then will be OK now. But hey, it's your car
Also, bear in mind that 15 years ago cars did not have the complex control systems nowadays mandated by governments so it is risky (or worse) to assume that what seemed OK then will be OK now. But hey, it's your car
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I've used K&N filters for the last 15 years. They are a great product and I have NEVER heard of one effecting the other sensors or meters in any make of vehicle EXCEPT for the Jaguar. I do not currently plan to put one in mine because of the problems seen with the MAF.
The majority of the time when I have used K&N products, I have replaced the ENTIRE air intake system with a custom system and the conical K&N filter. This was the best way to increase the air flow into the engine that was being restricted by the stock air flow system. The computers today can adjust to the increased air flow and the horsepower will go up (Not more than 20 HP in any of my past applications, but for $300, where else can you get 10-20 HP (NOS excluded...)).
I have had great experiences with the K&N filters and still plan to use them on my other vehicles, just not this one...
The majority of the time when I have used K&N products, I have replaced the ENTIRE air intake system with a custom system and the conical K&N filter. This was the best way to increase the air flow into the engine that was being restricted by the stock air flow system. The computers today can adjust to the increased air flow and the horsepower will go up (Not more than 20 HP in any of my past applications, but for $300, where else can you get 10-20 HP (NOS excluded...)).
I have had great experiences with the K&N filters and still plan to use them on my other vehicles, just not this one...
Not to sound rude, but is this hp measured on a dyno?
You do realize that butt hp is vastly different from dyno hp.
I run K&N filter in everything from the race car(not pictured with the 9" tall K&N), to the Suburban, the Jag and the custom 400hp engine build I just did on the Nissan truck. 10-20hp is not uncommon for a COLD AIR INTAKE kit with K&N filter. It does give better filtration and performance, but youre not gonna feel the performance increase from even the most calibrated butt dyno, it just not enough. But you have to ask yourself, is the money worth it for synthetic oil? hipo tires, brakes, exhaust, heck if you look at the costs of a Jaguar, you can buy a couple other cars for the price. Ive never ever seen an issue with MAFS is the filter is maintained properly(not over oiled) you can also use dry ones as well. That being said, on the new Jaguars with DUAL air filters, we are seeing issues with cold start running and idle because the OEM filter are manufactured on different days. The filter media has a slightly different flow imbalance which is causing MAFS imbalances from side to side, so on these I wouldnt recommend. The fix is installing OEM in matched sets that have the same day of manufacture stamped on the sides. Otherwise I use K&N's in everything.
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From: Dallas
Brutal, thanks for weighing in on this. Impressive engine pictures!
I did buy a K&N filter and I've not seen any problems from it. That being said, I can't attest to any improvement either. I did not do any kind of measurement before or after.
I did buy a K&N filter and I've not seen any problems from it. That being said, I can't attest to any improvement either. I did not do any kind of measurement before or after.
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From: Great Mills, MD
I am running a K&N in my X-Type. Did I get it for the added power? No, not really as I know the modern day engines are balanced pretty well (ie, intake air flow matches that of the engine internals, matches that of the exhaust). I bought the filter for cost reasons over the life of the car as I am one of those that tends to buy a vehicle and run it until it doesn't run any more. So, like was mentioned, you can buy the one K&N filter or 5 paper filters for about the same cost. I don't mind taking the little bit of time every 10K miles or so and doing the filter. I am working on the car anyways, so, just one more thing to keep an eye on. I have been running a K&N filter on my truck for 9 years straight and with the truck being my 4x4 vehicle, the filter takes a lot of abuse. IT is still going strong and has probably saved me from detonating my motor as I submerged the front of my truck in water and the air filter kept the water out of the engine.
As for power numbers, I have dyno'ed my truck with a paper filter and a the K&N. Not anything of significance (1 hp and 10 ft-lbs of torque gain with the K&N). If you do the whole intake kit (another member in my truck club did this), you can expect 5 hp and 10 ft-lbs of torque gain. Still not anything of significance.
Where you can see advantages of a K&N style filter over a standard filter is if you are heavy into modifying the motor, exhaust, etc. Then that slight reduction in air flow can mean something (granted, you are simply moving the most restrictive component somewhere else).
As for the oil filters causing problems. IF!!!!!! properly maintained, they are as reliable as any other filter out there. You don't maintain them properly, they can raise utter hell. Granted, you can get the same sort of problems by simply installing a paper filter wrong. So, it is really up to the person working on the car as to the problems you will have. Now, I will admit that when you start looking at filtration on the micron scale, the K&Ns do not filter quite as well, but then, anything under about 20 microns will pass through the engine with no detriment to the engine. So, is it really an issue? I don't see it as one. But, your car, your call.
So, if you are looking for performance gains, spend you money else where. If you are looking to save some money in the long run without putting the car in danger, go for it. As the saying goes, never trust a manufacturers claims as to how much power their part will add to your car. Always look for 3rd party facts and figures.
As for power numbers, I have dyno'ed my truck with a paper filter and a the K&N. Not anything of significance (1 hp and 10 ft-lbs of torque gain with the K&N). If you do the whole intake kit (another member in my truck club did this), you can expect 5 hp and 10 ft-lbs of torque gain. Still not anything of significance.
Where you can see advantages of a K&N style filter over a standard filter is if you are heavy into modifying the motor, exhaust, etc. Then that slight reduction in air flow can mean something (granted, you are simply moving the most restrictive component somewhere else).
As for the oil filters causing problems. IF!!!!!! properly maintained, they are as reliable as any other filter out there. You don't maintain them properly, they can raise utter hell. Granted, you can get the same sort of problems by simply installing a paper filter wrong. So, it is really up to the person working on the car as to the problems you will have. Now, I will admit that when you start looking at filtration on the micron scale, the K&Ns do not filter quite as well, but then, anything under about 20 microns will pass through the engine with no detriment to the engine. So, is it really an issue? I don't see it as one. But, your car, your call.
So, if you are looking for performance gains, spend you money else where. If you are looking to save some money in the long run without putting the car in danger, go for it. As the saying goes, never trust a manufacturers claims as to how much power their part will add to your car. Always look for 3rd party facts and figures.
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From: Raleigh, NC
Brutal,
So now some new Jag owners with dual air filters have to make certain they obtain and install two filter elements that were manufactured on the same day? Sheesh, this is getting ridiculous....
Wonder what's next? Maybe having to thoroughly wipe your feet, painstakingly clean the interior of the windshield, and verbally wish your Jag a hearty good day before it will start up first thing in the morning....
I miss the cars of the 1960s more and more with each passing year....
So now some new Jag owners with dual air filters have to make certain they obtain and install two filter elements that were manufactured on the same day? Sheesh, this is getting ridiculous....
Wonder what's next? Maybe having to thoroughly wipe your feet, painstakingly clean the interior of the windshield, and verbally wish your Jag a hearty good day before it will start up first thing in the morning....
I miss the cars of the 1960s more and more with each passing year....