K&N Air Filter

[miketheman2k]

Hi all,

I have bought a K&N Panel air filter to replace the standard one, after reading that it might give me more growl (and if not, its only 40 notes).

I installed it today, and although quite straight forward, the edges of the filter didnt really sit that neatly on the airbox surround - has anyone else had any experience of this?

The result...it doesnt growl any more than it did before (good old audi soundproofing!), but (maybe a placebo) the throttle response does feel that little bit crisper! [img]images/graemlins/062802drink_prv.gif[/img]

Mike

[Carps]

Isn't there an issue using oil coated filters ? I am sure I have read somewhere that it can be detrimental to the MAF. If I were you I would check it out with Kim Collins or AMD just in case you are doing some damage (MAF contamination !)

[sash]

I also heard there was issues with oil coated filters and the MAF.
Apparently the standard air filters are meant to be very good. Just get a new one.

[SimonS4MTM]

I had a K&N panel filter fitted and yes, the fitment was not perfect.

It was on the car for about 15k miles and I did get MAF failure. Doesn't prove that it was the K&N but I now run with a standard filter.

Couldn't honestly say if I can feel any difference, you may only notice it with rolling road figures.

[Dippy]

K&N filters are not necessarily oiled. However indeed there is evidence that oiled ones cause premature MAF contamination.

The only advantage that a free-flow air filter would have (assuming that it DOES flow free-er than the OEM one which is questionable). Is at high revs where the air filter is the biggest restriction to air flow. At all other times the ECU is using closed loop boost control (based on the boost sensor at the throttle body.

Without measurements, no-one can judge what advantage a K&N might have. However what is clear to me is that the OEM ECU map and the exhaust are more restrictive. So until you have both free-flow exhaust (e.g. a full Miltek system) and ECU map (i.e. stage II), then your car will not be in a position to take advantage from a better air filter.

Please note that I have a full Miltek system and stage II remap and I am still using the OEM air filter. My MAF readings (from VAG-COM) suggest that there is nothing wrong with my air flow at WOT.