Engine Air Filter - what does this tell me?

[Eighthtry]

Calson, I agree with your characterization of desert racing, but actually think a desert racer is better served with regular filters. Track racing is, in my most highly valued opinion, the best use of a K&N. It will increase hp through less restriction. But, one must know how to properly lubricate a K&N filter element to keep it from coating the throttle control sensor with oil. That is a quick way to suck horsepower if not properly protected.

Put K&N on at the track. Take it off when the racing is through.

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[PatchManager]

I agree with @Gros Ventre. I normally change mine around the 6 month mark, and I can barely tell it was used -- maybe I should wait a little longer. The good news is that all that stuff in the filter didn't go into your engine. See the link below for a nice comparison of some common air filters.

Air Filter Test and Comparison

 

[FaaWrenchBndr]

K&N???????

Nope……they let in a ton of dirt.
Air intake tracts show it, oil analysis samples prove it.

 

[v8440]

Nope……they let in a ton of dirt.
Air intake tracts show it, oil analysis samples prove it.

Back when I used to do a fair amount of work on 12v cummins 5.9's for people I could always tell the trucks that had been running k&n's and similar filters because of the slight layer of grime you could rub off the intake tract with your finger. Those using paper filters didn't have that grime. That's probably ok for a street/strip engine you're going to rebuild every 50 or 100k. For something like a cummins diesel in a truck that you want to last, that's a great way to hustle backwards. I always advised the guys with the leaky filters to go back to paper.

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