Just got my first F150. Considering some mods. Have been reading about the K&N oiled filter. Is it really worth the 50 dollars? Do you feel a difference in performance? I cannot understand why if the aftermarket filter is so much better why doesnt Ford just install their own version on the assembly line?

Ford obviously knows about all the aftermarket stuff like filters, chips etc. They must have a reason they dont put in a more efficient filter and re program for better performance. Dont know why? Does anybody have any ideas on this?? Maybe they own stock in the aftermarket companies?

J

 

Do a search on the subject, lots of reading there. I have had the K&N for 65,000 miles. No, it does little or nothing on a stock truck for performance or mpg. It does save on filter replacement. I'm quite happy with mine and would buy another.

Now, with my Edge and performance tune, I do think it allows more air to be pulled through than a paper filter. No proof, just seems logical and you can really hear the air being sucked through the intake at wide open throttle.

 

I put in a K&N air filter in my 2008 just a week or two after buying the vehicle. I have no problems and it might just be me but I feel like it sounds as if more air is being sucked up and therefore slightly louder when I gun it. That might have to do with the fact that my muffler (stock as of now) on my FX2 has been "broken in" from use and I just haven't noticed the air until now. I am somewhat clueless when it comes to car mechanics. Thank you to all you who have written How-To's!!

 

There is no performance benefit to be had with a K&N drop-in filter. The only real advantage is that you dont have to replace the filter every year. You do have to clean and reoil it though and you have to be careful not to overoil the filter because the oil can foul out your MAF sensor.
I had a K&N in my truck and got rid of it because the filter fit inside the airbox poorly and allowed dust to get inside my engine.
To me personally, a K&N isnt worth the cost and the hassle. Id much rathar just replace the filter every year.

 

i put a '77 series K&N on my 01 V6 and it gave me alittle power boost(not sure the actual numbers) but it did kick me up about 1 mpg and gave me better line acceleration and mid/high range accel on the highway. the cleaning isnt that bad, it just takes awhile to oil it, let it dry and all that stuff, but u can tell a difference if it is reall really dirty

 

X2.

 

Just put on my k&n 77 yesterday, it definately makes the truck sound better (a nice humm) & I do feel a little bit better acceleration. All in all Im very happy with it.

 

I had a K&N on my explorer and it worked just fine, i did get a little bit more mpg but i couldnt tell about performance. Now i have a 2001 supercrew 4.6 and i installed a Volant CAI, Jet Throttle Body Spacer, and Jet Mass Air Sensor replacement....All i can say wow what a difference all that made! Next up is exhaust and Edge.



Steady Smokin Chevys all day!

 

I would have to say that KNN does make a difference, but it really depends on the vehicle. I have worked at Summit Racing for almost 9 years, and I perosnally can tell you the KNN I have bought have made a difference. I just put one in my F150 yesterday so we will see on that, but on my Monte Carlo and Grand Prix they made a difference. A drop in filter really is not designed to give you any measurable differences, but they do save you on buying air filters every few months, so they do pay for themselves in that way. The best way to get some performance with KNN is to buy the FPK kit (filter charger system) this will usually provide you with anywhere from 10-15 more HP and help with fuel mileage. Also, you have to clean and re oil these filters every 50,000 miles. They are worth the money, just depends on what you are looking to get out of it. Jon

 

A K&N dropin saves on filter replacement but only helps performance slightly unless you get a performance tune.

 

I just put in the AEM DryFlow stock replacement filter. It doesn't need oil and it can be cleaned and reused. It has a nice sturdy frame along with the Ford recommended felt sealing gasket. Overall I like it much better than the K&N drop in filter.

 

X2 I agree!! I have put a K&N in every vehicle that I've owned from my first 91 5.0Gt my 94 5.0GT to the explorer i had b/f my 02 screw lariat 4x4

 

my 71 corvette has a K&N on it...and if K&N has been around pretty long they know whats up. i have a K&N77 on my f-150 and wouldnt trade it for any other intake! But K&N has been around for a while so they know what there doin.