5.4 Triton, stay with stock OEM paper filter or switch over to K&N? Is K&N a bad choice for this engine? Thx

 

Stick with a dry filter, OEM or a good aftermarket brand. K&N's don't help with anything, can pass more fine dust than paper, and the oil can foul the MAF.

 

Thanks sir

 

I have always run K&Ns, including in my Nissan that had 300K + miles on it with no issue. That being said there are several tests out there showing that the efficiency of the K&Ns is lower than most OEM dry filters. They don't really gain efficiency until they start to get dirty, and then the efficiency goes up.
All that being said I am currently running a variety of filters in the family's cars. I have Volant intake system with a dry filter in my 01, it has been excellent, a K&N in my 10 Expd, a K&N in my daughter's Element and a AFE dry in my daughter's Accord. After doing a ton of research on dry filters, the AEM appears to have the efficiencies equal to or better than all the oem disposable filters. I just bought my father one, for Christmas, for his Subaru, and it appears to be well made.
The nice thing about the dry filters is the ease of cleaning, you can shake off, vacuum or wash. So it can be cleaned and replaced without having to wait for it to dry.

 

I've used only paper filters for the last 54 years and never had any problems. Why spend more money on a filter that you have to service? I remember cleaning the old oil bath filters cars once had and I don't want to mess with it again.

 

I've been running a K&N for six or so years with no problems.

 

I've been running paper filters over 50 years with no problems.

 

My '07 came with a foam air filter that came with the Tru Flow intake set.

I have been using paper filters in it though. I put the foam one away in a box.
All my other vehs have paper as well.
I do have K&N filters in two Gold Wing MCs, no issues but they are carbed.