Anyone try the K&N replaceable engine air filters?

[Russ.Cere]

There’s no MAF on this truck. So there’s no issues there.

yeah it think he should be running a sock over that filter.

Realize I didn't specify there is an oiled and oil free dry version. I have the oil free dry washable version.

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[CalvinT]

I used a K&N filter when I had a Z28.

I used a Moroso air cleaner. I was seeing dust on the inside of the air cleaner. I wasn't using grease on the filter gasket and air was leaking between the gasket and the air cleaner. Back then the K&N filters had a harder gasket than the stock filters and wouldn't seal very well so you had to wipe some grease on them. K&N sold a grease for just that purpose. I don't know about now.

Later I saw some very thorough tests comparing various paper filters with the K&N. All of the paper filters did a better job of filtering, so I went back to stock. I think any performance increase I felt was due to the placebo effect. I live in Phoenix and the dust here is very fine. I'm not racing or competing and I want my Bronco to last as long as possible.

I first read about K&N filters when reading about the Baja. The trucks using one could compete the entire race without cleaning or replacing the filter. So for them they were a major plus. But the engine only needed to last 1000 miles or so. If you plan on being in a very dusty environment and don't want to change filters get one. Otherwise I think paper filters are better.

If you want to check how well a K&N filter works with your Bronco, start testing your oil. Look for silicone contamination. You'll have less contamination with a better filter.

 

[SROC3]

It does get pretty dusty out here in Vegas and I'm sure my paper filters are blocking a lot out of the engine......but I also know that my engine would breathe better with a K&N style one. If I'm the lead truck all the time then not too worried about dust. But on group rides the vehicles in front throw up a TON of dust. However, I think I'm going to settle on a DRY Mishimoto one and see how that performs over time. I can actually "wash" it so that's a big plus and better than air blasting a paper one. I'll just remind myself to clean it after 3 or so rides out in the desert - no biggie and gives me an excuse to be in the garage and tinker w/ my Bronco

 

[SROC3]

If you over oil them they may foul your MAF

They have been shown to not be as effective at filtration as a paper filter until they have some time on them. But they do have less air intake restriction when clean - so it’s a trade off

I’ve run them for years and never had an issue. Just remember to service them when you change your oil.

To people like @Russ.Cere who are hard on filters - K&N can be cleaned in the field easily. But to most other people’s point - you could also just carry a spare paper filter as well. And I won’t deny they do let more dust pass than a paper filter, although I don’t know if that has a measurable effect on longevity or maintenance.

Back in the day running a K&N used to be fairly noticeable on a car - a bit of a bump in MPG or performance. Today I don’t think that’s as true. I still run them mostly because I still have the first cleaning kit I bought and haven’t made a dent in that oil supply- it must be a lifetime can. And they have done well be me, and it’s one less thing I need to remember to get at Napa when it’s time for that oil change.

So - a Mishimoto Dry filter would be a good middle ground you think?
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[Big Rig]

A little off topic but I opened the air intake box to inspect the filter after a long road trip and there were several large insect bodies (wasps, etc.) in the box and jammed in the filter pleats!

 

[threebanger]

Running the S&B, w/no complaints.

 

[drewski]

Why

Only 2 ways to increase air flow. Reduced filtration or increased filter volume. K&N are known as "rock catchers" because they don't filter fine contaminates well. They do increase air flow which is great at the track not so much on the street. The linked video shows how dismal K&N is at filtration. If you don't wish to watch the whole video just skip to 13:09 where the K&N is being tested, then compared to the other in the test.
Which Car Air Filter is Best? Let's find out! Fram, K&N, Wix, Purolator, & AC Delco showdown - YouTube

 

[CalvinT]

His results are very similar to a test I saw about 15 years ago. Which is why I went back to stock filter elements. The 2.7L and 2.3L engines use the same air filter element. So air flow is even less of a reason for someone with the 2.3L to switch to K&N.

 

[MadMan4BamaNATL]

I have an oiled K&N and think it’s fine for where I wheel.

As someone stated, you can over saturate with oil, so as long as you are sure to not do that, and most important, clean properly, so water hose inside the filter to push gunk outward, dry well and if using a blower, again, blow outward, then re-oil well, but not too much, let it sit, then install, then you’re good.

You can use a pre-filter or net as well if worried about particles. This isn’t the Southwest, but it can get dusty in the Deep South, but my main concern is mud and water and the oiled filters tend to do better in these environments.

Both oiled and dry have their merits, so I don’t think there should be an argument over which is better, only that it depends on your use case. I do plan to keep my Bronco, have the 2.7 and want it to last.

It is time to clean and re-oil mine, since it now has about 9K miles on it.

 

[CalvinT]

https://www.project200.com.au/dm-iso5011/#google_vignette

 

[KABQ]

I like to hit trails near an old volcano, so the dirt there is a lot of remnant volcanic ash. Picture talcum powder made out of kidney stones. It's incredibly abrasive and fine. I'll take filtration over airflow all day, so no K&N for me.

 

[Fuzzy Nuggets]

Only 2 ways to increase air flow. Reduced filtration or increased filter volume. K&N are known as "rock catchers" because they don't filter fine contaminates well. They do increase air flow which is great at the track not so much on the street. The linked video shows how dismal K&N is at filtration. If you don't wish to watch the whole video just skip to 13:09 where the K&N is being tested, then compared to the other in the test.
Which Car Air Filter is Best? Let's find out! Fram, K&N, Wix, Purolator, & AC Delco showdown - YouTube

I’m with you, but this guy does an amazing job of giving detail to all his testing. And if you’re gonna use your bronco off-road, then catching the most particles is probably most important and definitely more important than the negligible difference in performance

 

[23OBX2.7]

Ford is known to have great CAI and high flow high filtration filters and the massive filter on Broncos will be hard to beat by anyone u less restricting airflow....IMO.

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