K&N air filter use opinions

[rusty87]

This might be obvious but worth saying:
Paper filters actually filter better over time as the voids fill with particulates.
Oiled filters actually filter worse over time as the oil is consumed by captured particles.

 

[bloc]

The Toyota filter for 200s isn’t paper.

 

[stonepa]

I ran them for years in the 100 until I realized that they added complexity to my life for zero gain and several downsides. They also added intake noise, which I didn't need or care for.

Honestly, after 35 years of Land Cruiser ownership I have found that, except for very few cases, there is little a non-OEM product can do to increase the durability or reliability of a Land Cruiser. Sure, some need modifications for extra payload, or ground clearance, and tires change all the time. But honestly, in my opinion, while things like aftermarket replacement shocks, brake pads, rotors, and calipers, cold air intakes, etc may be cool to some, they certainly are not better than what comes stock.

K&N filters fall into this category.

 

[yellowgeko]

This might be obvious but worth saying:
Paper filters actually filter better over time as the voids fill with particulates.
Oiled filters actually filter worse over time as the oil is consumed by captured particles.

The k&n “select” are not oiled filters. That’s why I was asking if anyone had experience with them.

It appears that the product must be new-ish and when the topic of k&n comes up, the general, default consensus is that they are garbage oiled filters. But the select are rebranded AEM filters, not oiled filters.

They don't filter well, I've seen tests done and the only filter I'd use that wasn't a genuine one is Terrain Tamer. Don't remember the exact figures but off the cuff, if factory is 100%, terrain tamer was about 99, K&N was about 60%. Wouldn't touch one on any vehicle I owned.

Was that the tradition oiled k&n filter or was that the k&n “select” filter (non oiled and reusable)?

 

[rusty87]

The k&n “select” are not oiled filters. That’s why I was asking if anyone had experience with them.

It appears that the product must be new-ish and when the topic of k&n comes up, the general, default consensus is that they are garbage oiled filters. But the select are rebranded AEM filters, not oiled filters.

Apologies, I couldn't find that filter on the K&N site and assumed it was the same old stuff.

 

[yellowgeko]

Apologies, I couldn't find that filter on the K&N site and assumed it was the same old stuff.

No worries. I agree the oiled ones are not great filters, but just wanted to make sure you weren’t referencing the “select” ones. I open to any info on them.

They seem to be pretty new and not really any mention of them here on Mud. The other forum bob is the oil guy seems to like them quite a bit.

 

[yellowgeko]

I ran them for years in the 100 until I realized that they added complexity to my life for zero gain and several downsides. They also added intake noise, which I didn't need or care for.

Honestly, after 35 years of Land Cruiser ownership I have found that, except for very few cases, there is little a non-OEM product can do to increase the durability or reliability of a Land Cruiser. Sure, some need modifications for extra payload, or ground clearance, and tires change all the time. But honestly, in my opinion, while things like aftermarket replacement shocks, brake pads, rotors, and calipers, cold air intakes, etc may be cool to some, they certainly are not better than what comes stock.

K&N filters fall into this category.

Did you run the oiled ones or the “select” ones which are not oiled and reusable? Like to 80 series filter.

 

[AussieHJCruza]

Was that the tradition oiled k&n filter or was that the k&n “select” filter (non oiled and reusable)?

Was the traditional one, but seeing the results, wouldn't use the dry either. Sorry, not worth the risk IMHO

 

[stonepa]

Did you run the oiled ones or the “select” ones which are not oiled and reusable? Like to 80 series filter.

I ran the oiled ones.

 

[njbrain]

I have worked in shops professionally for 15 years, and every vehicle that had a K&N filter AND drove regularly on dirt roads had a lot of dust/debris buildup in the intake.

 

[njbrain]

Edit for mistaken double post. K&N might be okay on a street car but off-highway they are way out of their league.