18 replies to this topic

[bae1994]

Hi I am looking at buying a stage 1 kit from minispares, it comes with a k&n air filter however I've heard a few mechanics say they are bad as they let alot of air through but also let alot more fine particles through aswell.

Has anyone noticed this?

If so would it be detrimental to have a stage 1 kit with the standard paper filter (rolling road tuned obviously)

Cheers

[dotmatrix]

I think most people believe that K&N airfilters are just as good as standard paper elements but with better airflow. I believe that david wizard has a section on this in his bug yellow book where he actually tested their filtration capabilities.

[nicklouse]

a K&N element in the standard housing is better that a KN cone or pancake filter.

[paul748]

There are differing opinions on this.

I have read on other forums (not specifically minis) that there's a lot of marketing hype behind K&N filters and that you only see benefits on high performance, high volume airflow engines.

Most of the time a good quality paper filter is quite capable of providing the required airfow for moderate power upgrades, has better filtration quailities and is a lot cheaper.

I recently bought a Minispares stage one kit. When I get round to fitting it I will probably use a standard paper filter and sell the K&N one.

Paul

[timmy850]

One benefit is you can wash and re-oil them and won't need to buy another filter.

 

David Vizard was also a retailer of KN filters 

[spin]

A couple of links that may help:

 

https://www.calverst...air-filtration/

 

[Steve220]

K&N have been classed as one of the best aftermarket filters on the planet. Some mechanics know sweet FA about the aftermarket product market.

Edited by Steve220, 14 March 2018 - 10:00 AM.

[Midas Mk1]

K&N are great, used to run them in all my cars.  Even noticed a nice difference with my derv Fiesta. 

 

Have ITG's on the A series now as they gave more power combined with med stubstack but none the less, a very good filter. Miles better than pipercross / standard filter IMO. 

[Boycie]

A K&N or other quality filter will not hurt the engine.  As far as performance gains go though, most of it is placebo effect on a standard engine.  Cone filters are very noisy too, which makes you think you're going faster!

The replacement elements are fine, I have one in my st1-kitted cars, but wouldn't ever go out of my way to specify one over a decent paper filter.  The head is far more restrictive than the filter.  They are cleanable, as said, too.

[bae1994]

Ok thankyou all for the input.

I should have said in my first post but I am sticking with the pancake filter.

So what i got from this is the general consensus is I would be fine using the k&n.

And I would also be fine to use paper filters also.(probably what I'll do as I once had a k&n on a dirt bike and hated cleaning it)


Cheers brad

[r3k1355]

K&N's own paperwork for the filter says they barely ever need cleaning on most road applications.

[spin]

Yes, you shouldn't need to clean them.

 

 if you view the Visard video above at about the 4 min mark

you'll see why.

[bae1994]

Ok I will when I get home.

Cheers brad

[hhhh]

Yes, you shouldn't need to clean them.

 

 if you view the Visard video above at about the 4 min mark

you'll see why.

I believed that too, until a strange combination of factors made me realize it wasn't necessarily always true. I was getting a reduction in performance on my modified '67 BSA Victor with a K&N filter element and didn't even consider it could be the element being clogged up. However, due to a hot cam, an electronic ignition that didn't retard enough for proper kick starting and the subsequent kick backs fouling the filter with unburnt hydrocarbons, it blocked the air filter so severely, the bike wouldn't run past 4000 RPM, while 6000 or so is the usual redline.

[spin]

Thanks for that must have taken some energy to kick start

I haven't seen a BSA on the road in yrs

 

not to say the OP shouldn't ck his K&N element every now & then