| LionSpeed |
It literally took less than 3 mins to replace this air filter.
Result: Better acceleration, noise level is unchanged, mileage is questionable. Conclusion, better performance & never have to change the filter again (if you also purchase the service/rejuvenate kit). I love it. |
|
|
| midnightMDX |
| Now thats a DIY post! Continue on. :cool: This should be stickied. |
|
|
| flicker |
Very nice post! Lionspeed :29: And I agree this should be a sticky on the maintenance subject.
Just got a quick question thou, when do you change the filter? and is yours due? or you just wanna try k&n. |
|
|
| G. COLTON |
Tell me more about this "never have to change the filter again."
Geoge |
|
|
| LionSpeed |
quote:
Originally posted by G. COLTON
Tell me more about this "never have to change the filter again."
Geoge
Never Replace Your Air Filter Again
Handmade in the USA and in the United Kingdom using only the finest materials, K&N OE Replacement Air Filters are washable and reusable. Regardless of what you’ve heard, it’s almost impossible to wash your K&N Air Filter too much. Inside our testing laboratory, we have washed and re-oiled one K&N Air Filter more than 100 times and it still performs up to specification. Depending on your driving conditions, we recommend cleaning your air filter every 50,000 miles. To clean and re-oil, purchase our filter Recharger® service kit and follow the easy instructions.
or if you have time, read this entire page
http://www.knfilters.com/filtercharger.htm
flicker, I currently have 3000 miles on my X. The OEM still looks new (see pic above), but KN is way better. |
|
|
| alsea |
| According to K&N's site, "Our automotive OE (original equipment) replacement air filters generally add 1-4 horsepower." Can you really feel or measure any increased acceleration from +1-4 HP on a 300HP vehicle? |
|
|
| midnightMDX |
| Very small difference. More throttle response and some high end kick. |
|
|
| HuMan321 |
I had a vehicle I put a K&N into and after oiling one time I got a check engine light that turned out to be residue on the mass airflow sensor.
With such a successful installed base out there I attributed it to operator error, but refuse to use one again. |
|
|
| rsnaider |
quote:
Originally posted by HuMan321
I had a vehicle I put a K&N into and after oiling one time I got a check engine light that turned out to be residue on the mass airflow sensor.
With such a successful installed base out there I attributed it to operator error, but refuse to use one again.
I had the same issue.
Cleaning the filter and oiling is a 2 day process (clean and dry, oil and let it wick into the cotton) and anything quicker will result in too much oil on the filter and residue inside your intake.
I got lucky that mine only created a small puddle in the bottom of the air box and nothing got to the mass airflow sensor. |
|
|
| LionSpeed |
| Relax, washing & re-oiling is much simpler than you think. The trick is you need to keep the old one for spare while waiting for the KN filter to dry. Even if you decide not to renew it, this KN filter should last you around 50K miles. With conventional paper filter at 50K miles, you would have to change 3 paper filters. When you add it all up money wise, you're still ahead by just throwing KN to the trash at every 50K miles. |
|
|
| LionSpeed |
quote:
Originally posted by midnightMDX
Very small difference. More throttle response and some high end kick.
I wouldn't say small difference but rather a noticeable in acceleration in both low & high RPM by a mile. The more you drive the better the performance & more throttle responsive. I personally would never go back to conventional paper filter. Would I spend time to clean the KN filter after 50K? Probably not. |
|
|
| midnightMDX |
| Thats good stuff. Is there a noticeable sound difference in acceleration? |
|
|
| G. COLTON |
If you want to hear the sound, or feel any acceleration difference, drive the vehicle with NO filter in place. That will give you more difference than ANY filter.
Be sure to only do this on clean roads with no dust in the air and only for a few miles.
G |
|
|
| alsea |
“I wouldn't say small difference but rather a noticeable in acceleration in both low & high RPM by a mile.”
Again I ask, is there any quantifiable substantiation of the claims of better acceleration, i.e. track tests, accelerometer/G-Meter readings etc? While this is probably a better filter than the OEM, I expect there is some cognitive transference here based on a noticeable sound difference and wishful expectations for superior performance. |
|
|
| midnightMDX |
| G, I use to have a K&n Short ram on my old accord. That was loud. I know it wouldnt be as loud as that, just wondering due to the factory housing if its just as quiet. |
|
|
| dexterbot |
Back in my college days, I used to have all sorts of 'mods' and I started with one of these K&N filters before upgrading to a complete kit...
These washable and reusable were not bad but I do agree with someone that it is a 2 day process and I personally, since I have a family, rather keep the stock filter and replace them as opposed to the DIY wash and oil and waste my time for a nominal performance gain.
Also, you have to make sure it's completely dry and you use the proper amount of oil, yadda yadda.
I already waste too much time washing and doing a quick coat of Zaino and if I spend even more time, my wife may pack my bags and leave them in the garage for me. |
|
|
| G. COLTON |
quote:
Originally posted by midnightMDX
G, I use to have a K&n Short ram on my old accord. That was loud. I know it wouldnt be as loud as that, just wondering due to the factory housing if its just as quiet.
Just a few days ago I found ONE short ram that I had bought for a Triumph that I hopped up many, many, years ago. I wonder what happened to the other one. I do not remember much different in sound.
G |
|
|
| MadParker |
That last picture is the MAF element...it measures airflow through the tube.
That K&N DOESN'T tell you is that with this increased "performance", there is a DECREASE in filtration.
An OEM filter is usually over 99% filtration, throughout the entire CFM range of the vehicle. Don't tell their "tests" showing high filtration fool you...they don't flow enough CFM to accurately represent YOUR car (probably enough for a lawn mower)
There is only one aftermarket filter company that can claim near factory filtration levels, while improving performance. It's not K&N.
Sorry...for 1-3 hp, I'm keeping the stock one in there. When that gets dirty, I'll replace it with ANOTHER stock one. |
|
|
| castor |
Lionspeed - Where'd you pick up the K&N? Model number, etc? Did HondAcuraWold have it?
Cheers,
Castor |
|
|
| kingmdx |
quote:
Originally posted by castor
Lionspeed - Where'd you pick up the K&N? Model number, etc? Did HondAcuraWold have it?
Cheers,
Castor
the model number is in his first pic....you can get these a lot of places...pepboys ...autozone etc. etc.
 |
|
|
| kingmdx |
Good job LS....I'm switching to these also when the first filter change rolls around ...I used the same K&N filter on my last vehicle since it was new...up to the day i sold it it had the same K&N filter (36k miles)...i recharged it at around 20k ...just because ....i could have waited till 50k looking at the condition but i was under there and i was like what the heck.
I had an Injen CAI (for those who don't know.. cold air intake )....it basically sucks cooler air from below the car since the filter etc. is down behind where the foglamps are. Great filters from my experience :29: nice writeup. |
|
|
| LionSpeed |
quote:
Originally posted by kingmdx
Good job LS....I'm switching to these also when the first filter change rolls around ...I used the same K&N filter on my last vehicle since it was new...up to the day i sold it it had the same K&N filter (36k miles)...i recharged it at around 20k ...just because ....i could have waited till 50k looking at the condition but i was under there and i was like what the heck...
You will notice a magnificient improvement in throttle, acceleration & over all performance once KN is installed. It is definitely no longer a 300HP MDX.
Let me know the result when you have it installed. |
|
|
| JP422 |
Nice... The K&N is always a nice addition... even if you don't gain much hp, you still save by not buying more filters. These drop in filters caused problems on turbo cars with MAF's (ie: Audi/vw)because the turbos would suck some of the oil from the filter, and that would coat the wire sensor on the MAF. Just don't oil it so heavy... and if the MAF gets dirty, you can blast a couple of quick shots of brake cleaner, or MAF cleaner, and you're back to new.
On NA engines like ours.. it works fine. I've had these drop in filters on my parent's LS430, and LX470 (both V8's), for over 80k miles each. Both cars are now over 100k and run like champs. When the filter gets cleaned, they are just like new again. They literally last forever.
I'll be pickin mine up when it's time to replace the oem one.
As for cleaning, It's usually a 1/2 day job for me (Sunny California :cool: ) Take it out in the morning, use a brush to get most of the dirt out... after spraying it down, and washing it out, I swing them a few times (fanning it) to try to get the heavier water drops out. Then lay it in the sun. Easy. You could probably dry it faster by putting it in front of a fan as well.... but man, 2 days is too long. |
|
|
| Maverick2008 |
quote:
Originally posted by JP422
Nice... The K&N is always a nice addition... even if you don't gain much hp, you still save by not buying more filters. These drop in filters caused problems on turbo cars with MAF's (ie: Audi/vw)because the turbos would suck some of the oil from the filter, and that would coat the wire sensor on the MAF. Just don't oil it so heavy... and if the MAF gets dirty, you can blast a couple of quick shots of brake cleaner, or MAF cleaner, and you're back to new.
On NA engines like ours.. it works fine. I've had these drop in filters on my parent's LS430, and LX470 (both V8's), for over 80k miles each. Both cars are now over 100k and run like champs. When the filter gets cleaned, they are just like new again. They literally last forever.
I'll be pickin mine up when it's time to replace the oem one.
As for cleaning, It's usually a 1/2 day job for me (Sunny California :cool: ) Take it out in the morning, use a brush to get most of the dirt out... after spraying it down, and washing it out, I swing them a few times (fanning it) to try to get the heavier water drops out. Then lay it in the sun. Easy. You could probably dry it faster by putting it in front of a fan as well.... but man, 2 days is too long.
I also use a K&N filter in my MDX and would highly recommend it to anyone who's hasn't yet tried it...
Anyone know how often we should clean these K&N filters? I bought the K&N cleaning kit for the filter, and I'm now curious concerning it's maintenance- I've put on about 7K+ miles since I initially inserted this aftermarket filter.
Thanks in advance! |
|
|
| JP422 |
personally, I just do a visual inspection. Perhaps during oil changes, etc... it's not too difficult to get to, and if it isn't the nice reddish/purple color... (it'll turn dark when dirty)...or you have a lot of debris in it, then it's time to pull out the recharge kit and cheladas...
Overall, I guess it depends on your driving and location... I've seen filters dirty as early as 7k.. and as clean as 15-20k miles. |
|
|
| sblue |
dexterbot,
love the way your sig. reads :
2008 MDX Black/Black Tech Package
- 1 Graco Baby Car Seat Base
- 1 Britax Toddler Car Seat
- Several MP3 CD-R's loaded with Wiggles and DisneyMania 6 and HSM 1 & 2
- One of those snap on rear-vew mirror
- 2 sunshades attached via suction cup
- Some cookie crumbs left by son
- Strap on portable DVD player that I got as a doorbuster sale at Kohl's
- Autonation license plate holder
I should have mine read the same (I also have a graco baby car seat) but also add custome window "smudges/art" from my 6 year old". lol, very cool! |
|
|
| dexterbot |
quote:
Originally posted by sblue
dexterbot,
love the way your sig. reads :
2008 MDX Black/Black Tech Package
- 1 Graco Baby Car Seat Base
- 1 Britax Toddler Car Seat
- Several MP3 CD-R's loaded with Wiggles and DisneyMania 6 and HSM 1 & 2
- One of those snap on rear-vew mirror
- 2 sunshades attached via suction cup
- Some cookie crumbs left by son
- Strap on portable DVD player that I got as a doorbuster sale at Kohl's
- Autonation license plate holder
I should have mine read the same (I also have a graco baby car seat) but also add custome window "smudges/art" from my 6 year old". lol, very cool!
LOL... :2: Oh yeah, big pimpin'
Actually, I have not had the chance to update it. I have to keep up with all these toys everyone has. :) I did get 2 upgrades and those are 2 recaro seats for my son and daughter. Other than that, my kick a$$ accessories list is still the same.
I was also going to get a bumper sticker that says, "My other vehicle is a Lada" but wifey thought it looked tacky. |
|
|
| braumeister |
| Had a K&N on a Accord, after abt 40,000 miles started getting erratic idle, ended up cleaning black gummy residue from throttle body,the entire intake was filthy..Pete |
|
|
| JP422 |
That black gummy residue could have been from the PCV recirculating back to the intake. Did you take a look at where the intake tube was dirty? That will also account for the TB needing cleaning.
I know that some "tests" say bigger particles can pass through the K&N filters compared to paper filters, but in all honesty, I've never had a problem because of it... only improved performance. I just did an oil flush (Amsoil oil flush) and changed oil on my parent's Lexus LS430, and LX470 last week... and they are both over 100k miles and both have the K&N drop-in filters since 20K miles. The filters are still perfect, and the intake tracts are spotless and dust/dirt free. I can't wait to put one in the X... |
|
|
| Autonomy |
quote:
Originally posted by braumeister
Had a K&N on a Accord, after abt 40,000 miles started getting erratic idle, ended up cleaning black gummy residue from throttle body,the entire intake was filthy..Pete
I was thinking of getting the K&N filter and try it, but now, just reading this forum, it seems there are some negative and positive results. I am worried. In the long run, I don't know if this is worth the hassle or the extra HP. However, if it improves on gas consumption, then I might re-think. I guess that is still an on-going debate?
My brother ran into a very similar issue with his TRD air filter on his 2000 Toyota Celica a few years back. He was cleaning his filter with a cleaning kit, applying the oil to the filter (I assume its similar to the F&N filter). At the end of the day, he left work, started his car, it won't start, the engine light came on. He towed it to the Toyota dealership, they told him he had some oil residue that got into this throttle (not too sure where?) and his filter was at fault. He end up paying to get it cleaned out, he wasn't a happy camper.
I think what really happened was that he applied too much oil to the filter and he did not leave it to dry for x amount of days.... now if this is true, I assume this is the MOST common mistake people would make. Not leaving it to dry after cleaning the filter??
... just curious.
BTW.. great write LS, pictures are worth a thousand words!! |
|
|
| LionSpeed |
Well, then it's up to me and some other members (with KN installed) to see the KN filter lives up to their reputation. ;)
P.S. It is easy to over-sprayed the filter with oil when you service/recharge your oil filter. In addition, there are quite a few group of people (reading from forums) who installed the wrong side, too. |
|
|
| JP422 |
Yup... Nice pics by LS!~
And yes, it's easy to over-oil the filter... it's fun to see the color get rich on the newly cleaned filter... but if you refrain, and spray just enough to let it wick on... then it should be fine. If you see the oil starting to fill the mesh screen, then you over did it. Just pat it dry w/ a paper towel to absorb some of the oil, untill you see the screen mesh unclogged (with oil).
As for the MAF sensor, they can get dirty, esp w/ higher mileage, and they will throw a code. A simple way to clean it is to use MAF cleaning spray (I admit I use brake cleaner spray instead... just because I always have some in my garage). Just spray the cleaner, and let it dry. Maf will work just like new. Easy.
(btw, Personally, I think the MAF cleaning spray is just a contact cleaner. I've cleaned about 6-7 different car's MAF's w/ brake spray... some that were throwing CEL, and some that were just high mileage, and to this day, they are all working fine) |
|
|
| Dishoom |
quote:
Originally posted by LionSpeed
You will notice a magnificient improvement in throttle, acceleration & over all performance once KN is installed. It is definitely no longer a 300HP MDX.
Let me know the result when you have it installed.
LOL...wow, that's quite a claim!!! You're right, it might be a 301HP MDX! I just installed mine last weekend. I did not expect any gains that I could feel...it might show up on a dyno, but not somthing you can feel in the driver's seat. People shouldn't expect miracles from this filter. I only bought it since I plan on owning my MDX for several years, which means I won't have to purchase regular filters at service intervals any more. |
|
|
| LionSpeed |
quote:
Originally posted by Dishoom
LOL...wow, that's quite a claim!!! You're right, it might be a 301HP MDX! I just installed mine last weekend. I did not expect any gains that I could feel...it might show up on a dyno, but not somthing you can feel in the driver's seat. People shouldn't expect miracles from this filter. I only bought it since I plan on owning my MDX for several years, which means I won't have to purchase regular filters at service intervals any more.
KN filter = mininum restriction = high airflow = increase horsepower & throttle response (torque). Hence, more horsepower & better milage. For more info, KN website has comprehensive studies & testing results. In my case, I clearly see the differences in horsepower & throttle response. Of course you can't expect miracles out of a $50 filter, but it's sure worth every penny. |
|
|
| highcountrymdx |
With all due respect to Lionspeed, et al, except at wide open throttle, a K&N filter will do absolutely nothing in the way of any kind of engine response or driveability. Nothing!
Because the engine's air/fuel ratio is controlled precisely by an incredibly sophisticated computer system, engine response and fuel economy will not be effected, notwithstanding all the glorious claims, either from K&N or individual anecdotal (ie. "seat of pants") 'bar talk'.
Additionally, there are huge downsides to using a K&N filter. See this report.
"A fool and his money..............." |
|
|
| LionSpeed |
quote:
Originally posted by highcountrymdx
With all due respect to Lionspeed, et al, except at wide open throttle, a K&N filter will do absolutely nothing in the way of any kind of engine response or driveability. Nothing!
Because the engine's air/fuel ratio is controlled precisely by an incredibly sophisticated computer system, engine response and fuel economy will not be effected, notwithstanding all the glorious claims, either from K&N or individual anecdotal (ie. "seat of pants") 'bar talk'.
Additionally, there are huge downsides to using a K&N filter. See this report.
"A fool and his money..............."
Perhaps you should try to install it in the YOUR 2nd gen MDX. And the your report link? it does come from a well known site.:rolleyes: |
|
|
| Dishoom |
quote:
Originally posted by LionSpeed
KN filter = mininum restriction = high airflow = increase horsepower & throttle response (torque). Hence, more horsepower & better milage. For more info, KN website has comprehensive studies & testing results. In my case, I clearly see the differences in horsepower & throttle response. Of course you can't expect miracles out of a $50 filter, but it's sure worth every penny.
i'm fully aware of what's on their website. however, i don't think there will be any gains that can be *felt*. i've yet see a dyno map on the MDX, so who knows where (if any) gains are seen and at what RPMs. it is possible that some gains may be seen at wide open throttle, but again i need to see a dyno print-out. |
|
|
| highcountrymdx |
| In the spirit of full disclosure, I have to admit I used to be one of those K&N "fools". |
|
|
| JP422 |
I've used... sold... installed... MANY air filters and intake kits (used to work in tuner shops... japanese and euro's)...and most of the time, it's true... it is hard to "feel" the difference on some vehicles... especially bigger heavier ones. I don't really know anyone who felt a difference using the drop in OEM replacement K&N filters... but some cars really wake up w/ an intake kit (like civics and integras... small 4cyl, etc)...something noticeable... but we're not talking "nitrous"noticeable.
I put a $275 K&N intake kit w/ cold air box on my Yukon... and besides more noise... (from the new intake pipe), I didn't "feel" any difference. I didn't like that particular sound... and also the K&N hardware & couplers were not up to par and failed a couple yrs later. I ended up going back to the stock oem intake pipe, coupler, but kept the K&N air box and it's MONSTER K&N filter. I regret buying the whole kit... but I would still buy the filter. That intake kit has over 145k miles on it... and w/ a K&N wash/re-oil, it still looks like new. I never had to buy another filter. The MAF and intake pipe is clean as well... only a little oily residue from the PCV recirc hose.
My parent's Lexus' (LS & LX V8's) that I maintain also had K&N filters starting from 15k miles on the odometer. They both have over 110k now, and the filters are also like new after a recharge. My parent's don't drive aggressive, but considering how many filters I didn't have to replace... and the warm thought that MAYBE... the engine might breathe a tad easier, and perhaps give us a bit more MPG... I'd buy the K&N filter again w/o a doubt. they never threw a code either, and Lexus dealers never bug us about it either.
Anyways, that was my $.02's |
|
|
| Dishoom |
quote:
Originally posted by JP422
I've used... sold... installed... MANY air filters and intake kits (used to work in tuner shops... japanese and euro's)...and most of the time, it's true... it is hard to "feel" the difference on some vehicles... especially bigger heavier ones. I don't really know anyone who felt a difference using the drop in OEM replacement K&N filters... but some cars really wake up w/ an intake kit (like civics and integras... small 4cyl, etc)...something noticeable... but we're not talking "nitrous"noticeable.
I put a $275 K&N intake kit w/ cold air box on my Yukon... and besides more noise... (from the new intake pipe), I didn't "feel" any difference. I didn't like that particular sound... and also the K&N hardware & couplers were not up to par and failed a couple yrs later. I ended up going back to the stock oem intake pipe, coupler, but kept the K&N air box and it's MONSTER K&N filter. I regret buying the whole kit... but I would still buy the filter. That intake kit has over 145k miles on it... and w/ a K&N wash/re-oil, it still looks like new. I never had to buy another filter. The MAF and intake pipe is clean as well... only a little oily residue from the PCV recirc hose.
My parent's Lexus' (LS & LX V8's) that I maintain also had K&N filters starting from 15k miles on the odometer. They both have over 110k now, and the filters are also like new after a recharge. My parent's don't drive aggressive, but considering how many filters I didn't have to replace... and the warm thought that MAYBE... the engine might breathe a tad easier, and perhaps give us a bit more MPG... I'd buy the K&N filter again w/o a doubt. they never threw a code either, and Lexus dealers never bug us about it either.
Anyways, that was my $.02's
Thanks for your input JP. After reading about your experience, I feel a little more reassured that this filter will probably not harm the vehicle. I think those that have had the MAF ruined is because they had a filter that was over-oiled -- either by K&N or when they re-charged it. In the early 90's, I installed an RS Akimoto intake w/ K&N cone filter on my '93 Accord, and never had a single issue with it! It made a "cool" noise but doubt there were any real gains from it. I recently purchased K&N filters for my MDX and Audi A4, but before I installed them, I left them out over-night on newspaper to draw out any oil, and then wiped them down with a paper towel. I didn't notice any oil residue, but glad I took the time just to take preventative measures. I think I will clean the MAF at service intervals and make note of any oil residue in the intake. |
|
|
| JP422 |
That's a good idea to soak up the excess oil w/ a paper towel. I do that too after re-oiling when I get carried away w/ the oil... it's fun... really. :p
I forgot to mention I have a K&N drop in filter in my sister's A6 2.7 twin turbo. I checked it the other day and saw that the intake tube is clean, and never had any problems w/ the MAF so far (50K miles driven w/ the K&N). I don't think there's any noticeable power gain, but once again, it's paying for itself over time.
Personally, on my A4, I use a HKS powerflow foam filter because it has a reinforced cage and a nice venturi funnel shape inside. I threw away the MAF on it when I went big turbo and standalone EMS :D I've seen K&N cone filters collapsed from the strong suction of a big turbo... but all our other "normal" cars get the K&N drop in panel filters :1: |
|
|
| sblue |
| Replacing just the filter you would be lucky to get 1 horse power. I would rather have the oem filter anyday! stock filter out filters k&n, wich means a cleaner engine! foam type filters are best, check out the true flow filters. |
|
|
| JP422 |
Foam is good too... but strangely, I keep ending up back w/ K&N cotton/oil style filters.
Nothing wrong with OEM... but for me, it just bugs me that I "could" be getting better performance w/ a higher flowing filter... (one that has checked out well in my book). Besides that, it pays for iteself over time.
in other words... it just toots my horn. :1:
(most of the driving is in city and highways for our cars. If you do offroading, or drive in REAL dusty areas...I'd use oem) |
|
|
| TonyJ |
I have been using KN Filters for years with no problem, especially on bikes. When it comes time to clean it we always use mineral spirits and compressed air. Never have re-oiled it. Im not saying that is for everyone, but I have never had a problem.
Heres one of the filters Im currently running.
"Filters? We dont need no stinkin filters!" Thats my modo. |
|
|
| G. COLTON |
Anybody need one short ram for a SU carburetor? I found one in my garage a few days ago. Left over from many, many years ago. Do not know why I only have one.
G |
|
|
| runningmdx |
| Is it ok to replace filter with less than 2000 miles? Or better wait for the maintenance service schedule? |
|
|
| TonyJ |
| There is no reason to wait. You can do it at any time. There is no special break in additives or anything like that. |
|
|
|
