Exactly go figure. I think all this filter debate is nonsensical. Either OEM or aftermarket is fine. I just think that guys scaring the aftermarket users should take a chill pill. I haven't heard of any premature engine failures due to use of an aftermarket air filter yet.

 

No problem...just my opinion, don't be offended. I have seen what "micro dust " particles do to a cylinder wall...especially on a turbo vehicle with heavy piston side wall pressure...cylinder walls are oily..everything sticks to it...you either push stuff up or it gets stuck between the rings and wall and scratches...50/50 shot...why gamble with such an expensive engine for a few HP, that's all?

I made a decision many many years ago regarding aftermarket air filters and I don't regret it yet. Everyone else should the same.

 

Interesting. The 'protect the trees' comment... so your anti-environmentalist prejudice is driving a rational on filter choice. (Never mind that eeking out a few HP will have ZERO impact on emissions.) How exactly does a paper filter 'protect trees'?

I will reject your claim that 500 hp is the 'bottleneck'. More like 600 HP. Probably low single digit percentages too.

(And the K&N 'guarantee' is silly marketing- you could NEVER prove the facts required to make a claim, which is precisely why they offer it.)

Anyway, back OT- what IS the best aftermarket filter? Anyone have any COMPLETE test data and not the few bits K&N has selected for publication?

 

From what I've read a new OEM paper filter flows better than an oiled filter and a dirty oiled filter flows better than a dirty OEM paper filter. I personally feel the OEM filter will "filter" particulates better than an oiled filter. Considering I drive my car about 3K per year a paper filter makes sense to me as i can change it every other year or so. Also, some tuner here did a test a while back and dunoed a car with a new OEM vs no filter at all and the difference was zilch, nadda, zero, zip.... I have run OEM and the BMC back to back and can't tell any difference at all and that is with a 600 hp car. Maybe at higher power levels you might start seeing a tiny difference but for the most part I believe aftermarket filter gains on our turbo cars are as elusive as aftermarket header gains.

 

My car was making right at 600whp, which is around 750 crank hp, all on a stock paper filter and airbox. More power, maybe a restriction?

 

If you read my sentence corectly I said by using K&N you can protect the trees. But it was actually a sarcastic comment.

 

Then I'll take a "Doh!" on that one....

 

Go with the BMC filter

 

had an oiled filter, went back to stock.. must have saved my maf . the check light came on a few times, it hasn't sensed i changed.. can't noticed 1 hp anyway... unless you're running 700 crank or more its a waste.... imo

 

Between air filter and oil threads, my head is spinning

 

I am staying paper (OEM). I have not seen any real data that I believe suggesting anything else for my needs is better.

 

FWIW, I have used a BMC filter since I purchased my car in 2002. My car used about 1 quart of oil in 2000 miles when it was new. Now has 115,000 miles on it and only uses 3/4's of a quart of oil in 2000 miles. I change my oil about every 7,500 miles and wash the filter once or twice a year. I have never re-oiled the filter since 2002. Note, I did use an oiled cone filter with the V-flow for a few years in the middle...