Air Filter

[JimZRyd]

So what do you guys feel the best choice in filters is? K&N ? Recently bought one of those snazzy air box covers from forum member higgyburners and wanted to change the filter at the same time. Also will be adding headers and new exhaust in near future as well. TIA!

[Kevin]

clean factory filter is fine

[LGAFF]

I have heard a lot of people running their Zs on the dyno sans filter....any know the weak point of the air intake?

[Dynomite]

I use K&N ;)

Stainless Steel Air Box and Air Filter (L98 and LT5) (http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-zr-1-discussion/3005470-tech-info-lt5-modifications-rebuild-tricks-500-hp-2.html#post1581460762)

K&N 33-2035 High Flow Air Filter (http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p3984.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0&_nkw=K%26N+33-2035&_sacat=0&_from=R40)

[JimZRyd]

Thanks guys! With my old C5 there were probably 1/2 dozen or so different brands to choose from (I went with a Halltech system). I have also read were some people were unhappy with the K&N citing that the filter material was too thin to capture certain contaminants and thus could cause engine contamination, this is what I was concerned about. Unless I can find a better brand I'll be purchasing the K&N.

[Kevin]

the factory filter is fine per mark haibeck. I worry about the K&N oil fouling the motor...happened with my mustang

[FU]

My 2 cents. Go with a stock filter. K&N won't give any more HP and wont filter any better than stock AC.

[LGAFF]

the factory filter is fine per mark haibeck. I worry about the K&N oil fouling the motor...happened with my mustang


I think this only occurs with a MAF sensor car....

[92whiteZ]

Its been my experience those that have issues with K&N are the type that think "too much is just enough." MANY people over-oil the filter and then wonder why its a mess and gets into the engine.

That being said there have been serious debates (and supposed research)about how much, if any, performance increase a K&N filter (or any reusable/re-oiled filter) provides.

Nether is a bad choice depending on your own personal maintenance habits.

[Schrade]

Thanks guys! With my old C5 there were probably 1/2 dozen or so different brands to choose from (I went with a Halltech system). I have also read were some people were unhappy with the K&N citing that the filter material was too thin to capture certain contaminants and thus could cause engine contamination, this is what I was concerned about. Unless I can find a better brand I'll be purchasing the K&N.

There's another brand similar to K & N, half the price, works just as well - as long as you don't over-oil; it can foul MAF elements as LGAFF said...

I keep 2, so one can dry while the other is ready pull pull air.

[csavaglio]

Years ago, in my '97 Trans Am at the track, I ran several back to back runs, flipping between the paper and K&N filters. The K&N was consistently a bit more than a tenth quicker.

However, I've also seen flow numbers that suggest, in our application, the paper air filter and the K&N flow about the same.

I run K&Ns in both my LT4 daily driver and the ZR1.......mostly based on money. I live in an area of the country that has filters a mess in 5-10k miles. With a new paper filter costing about 25 bucks now, every 2 to 3 changes, the K&N has paid for itself, especially since recharge kits last a long time if you only put the amount of oil you're supposed to on.

I kept the K&N that happen to come in my CE that I traded on the Z and put a paper one in its place.

As long as you don't over oil it, you should be fine. I usually blot new ones with a paper towel to get the excess oil off.

Chris

[JimZRyd]

Thanks guys! Feel like the ones who have problems over oiled the filter. With all I've read and looking at Marks site too the flow rates are pretty close so as to not be that different. It might make sense too to be able to just wash and reuse the K&N and save that $ for other mods:dancing

[Schrade]

The budget brand re-chargeable filter is SPECTRE. I got 2 of 'em for my little Nissan 4-holer. It WILL scoot...

[LGAFF]

So does the filter cause a velocity drop that when combined with the flattened housing impacts hp.....would an area of greater volume behind the filter help?

Or would we see this result regardless?

Thoughts

[mike100]

There would be a pressure difference with restriction. one could hook up a slack tube manometer with water and measure pressure drop with different filters. Doesn't sound like there would be much difference on an open filter c4 intake from what previous experience leads us to believe.

[JimZRyd]

So does the filter cause a velocity drop that when combined with the flattened housing impacts hp.....would an area of greater volume behind the filter help?

Or would we see this result regardless?

Thoughts

I've often wondered about the differences between the intake designs of the C4 vs C5/6. Stock they are similar with the C5/6 having more area/volume behind the filter. Most of the aftermarket versions are more of a straight through design which I would think would be less restrictive than the acute bending design of stock. Interesting.