Re: Newby thread Highjacked - Lets talk about filters!
It does make sense that the K&N lets more dirt through. An air filter traps dirt with media. The air flow is restricted by the media. The only way to trap dirt is to have smaller openings. To have better air flow, the openings either have to be larger or their has to be a lot more surface area, more pleats. Since the K&N obviously doesn't have more surface area of media, it must have larger openings. This would explain the enhanced flow when clean. BUT the dirt IS attracted to the oil. I do know from our testing (we have air filters three stories tall) that as the filters clog up, they become better at filtration. So about the time K&N filters become as efficient as the dry filters, they also lose their advantage for air flow.
If you're not going to keep your vehicle a long time, go for the K&N, it does flow better. Keep it clean and enjoy the increase, if you believe the hype that is.
A few issues back in the Diesel Power Magazine, they tested ten of the intakes. High dollar to low, they made zero difference.
The intakes are a waste of money in my opinion.
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