Who makes the best paper air filters?

[acohen100]

That I can find locally? Has anyone found any tests on this sort of thing?

[Pats300zx]

I just bought a K and N drop in filter for my F150. Its a little more pricey than the standard air filter. The good thing is that it can be used over and over with their cleaning and oiling kit. The car seems to run a little better with it as well.

[stangman]

I would definitely recommend the K&N. It's a good filter that you can use over and over again. It does cost more but the benefits outway the cost.

[BradE]

I have seen oil analysis that show K&N allow in more dirt than a standard filter. If you are looking for a reuseable filter the new Accel Kool Blue looks interesting. It claims to flow more air, and filter better than K&N. Plus, they are cheaper than K&N.

[MBZ 500E]

Actually I've heard the same thing as Showroom Lincoln. Oil analysis show a higher silica content on K&N filters vs standard stock filters which means more crud in your engine. I won't take the chance for the marginal Hp gain.

Regarding the original question, what kind of car is it being use on? Are you looking for standard stock or modified?

[Calestus]

I third what Showroom said. I have seen some independent tests that show K&N filters are almost three times more inefficient than paper filters. Some of the better air filters are foam type stuff...Because of the staggerd/random arragement of the cells.



Erick

[acohen100]

Yah, I specifically asked about PAPER air filters for that reason. I'm convinced that it was the K&N that trashed my Supra. I would not let a K&N within 10 feet of my baby. I just want a stock paper filter for my 2003 Accord Coupe V6 and I know that there are many different brands. I have heard people say that Purolator and Napa Gold are good. I was just looking for some flow/efficiency data on the matter.

[wilbanks]

I also understand that K&N air filters are not so good as opposed to their oil filters which are very highly rated. I wouldn't use one on my car. They are also expensive. The trick is to get one that is a good compromise between air flow and filtration. I think the K&N flows well, it just doesn't filter well. If you want to go nuts about this have your oil analyzed in a couple thousand miles after you install the new filter and check the silicia levels. An oil analysis runs $20-$30.
You might check out a site called "BOBISTHEOILGUY" They have a forum on air filters.

[wilbanks]

I found an analysis of the K&N oil filter here vs Fram. Note the much higher silicion content of the oil with the K&N filter.

comparison of Mobil 1 tri syn vs super syn...'97 nissan maxima se 5 speed. simular driving but the super syn has a Fram air filter and the tri-syn has a K&N. the car currently has @ 83,000 miles.
Tri-syn @3600 miles, SS @4200 miles.
TRI-SYN SS
copper 2 1
iron 11 6
chrome 3 1
lead 11 3
alum 5 3
silicon 16 9
moly 13 52 not supoose to
have moly,some
do.
sodium 113 37
mag 1260 122
tin 1 1
zinc 746 620
potassium 2 0
phosh 623 567
calcium 894 1860
water neg neg
fuel neg neg
glycol neg neg
soot 0 0
oxidation 19 13
nitration 38 28 sparkplug issue,resolved
TBN 18 10
vis @100c 10.7 10.6
oil not stressed good for 6,000 miles.

Hope this helps.

[medic]

This article from valvoline says paper filters are worse
http://www.valvoline.com/carcare/art...=ccr20020501pf

[MBZ 500E]

It's hard to argue many oil analysis tests which show a higher silica content when comparing a oil/gauze element vs a paper element.

I guess if I saw a thorough study from Valvoline that proved their comments then it would definitely make wonder who's right. Has anyone tried to email Valvoline to ask them for proof, it certainly could shed some light on this topic.

[CharlesW]

Originally posted by Snatchface
That I can find locally? Has anyone found any tests on this sort of thing?

While there has been lots of discussion about the pros & cons of K&N filters, how about the original question?
"Who makes the best paper air filters?"

Charles