Have you ever been to an auto parts store and seen air cleaner boxes that promise extra power and torque than the factory filter? It's true that aftermarket air filters work, but don't expect a huge difference when you hit the accelerator. The numbers may be small, but there are still benefits to using a high flow air filter. Unlike normal filters, a high flow air filter doesn't need to be changed every year. All you have to do is clean it approximately every two years.
This is because they don't clog as quickly or as easily, but they offer better airflow and better filtration of the air entering the engine. If your engine gets more air, then it can perform better. In fact, a high flow air filter can increase your horsepower by about 3 to 5 HP and also increase your torque. At the same time, this can lead to higher fuel efficiency.
Some of the more expensive units come with a cold air intake unit. This is installed to extract air from the outside of the car instead of the hot air used inside the engine compartment. Cold air is denser and therefore will burn better, thus improving your engine performance. The only thing an aftermarket intake can do for you is to give you a more noticeable engine intake sound.
You can race the same car five times in a row with absolutely no change to the car and dynamometer and get different results each time. High-performance filters like those manufactured by K&N allow a little more air to pass through than standard paper filters. This can lead to higher fuel efficiency and improved engine performance. Repurposing is definitely a solution that will give you more power than simply replacing the air cleaner with an induction kit.
For some people, adding a high-performance air filter is not a necessity, but something worth buying simply because they are interested in modifying their vehicle. When performing routine maintenance on your vehicle, one of the most overlooked aspects is the air filter. Standard air boxes are designed to have no dead spots so that turbulent air simply swirls and does not enter the engine. Air is a critical factor in the internal combustion process that occurs inside the engine, and ensuring that your vehicle has adequate airflow can maximize engine production and efficiency.
Deep-load filtration means that the pores of a K&N filter won't clog as quickly, allowing for more efficient filtration and longer life than normal air filters. The amount of released horsepower you'll get from an air cleaner drop is negligible; however, you can get MPG, throttle response and some power through improved airflow. If you have an unshielded cone filter, you will only get good cold air flow to the filter when you go very fast. For the average driver, installing one of these high-performance air filters may not have crossed his mind or he may wonder if it's worth spending money on one. The high-performance air filter will not only slightly increase your horsepower, but it will also improve the fuel economy of your vehicle.
