I wrote up some other info but then deleted it. I use a Pure One filter and it cost about $37 to change the oil in my truck... not $44.

Ford is recommending oil change at 7500 (now). Not 5000 and not 10,000.

The detergents in synth don't break down as quickly as in dino oil. So during that 7500 mile period, the oil is maintaining it's cleaning ability. Dino oil is going to break down more quickly.

You won't get better gas mileage, there is no guarentee that your engine will last longer, about the only claim that is supported is better cold starts. What you _will_ have is better peice of mind that your doing everything possible to ensure a good working engine. So at least for me its not a question of which is better, it's that I feel better about how I'm taking care of the engine.

 

I'm not getting this... the K&N filter allows more air into the engine (questionable) but then the pre-filter is being used to help catch what he K&N is going to miss and also restricts the air flow. Why not just use a good OEM filter?

 

tscope: I have seen several studies on how the K&N increases air flow over a stock paper type filter. I don't have any handy but a Google search should bring up a bunch. I also have seen reports that say it does that by filtering less. If you hold your K&N up to the sun or a bright light you can see it has holes in the material that the light streams through. Now do that with a paper filter.

The Outerwares prefilters are a nylon like sock that slides over the K&N. I am unsure of the exact material it is made from but it is very thin and air passes through it very easily. It also has the added bonus of being water resistant which is nice for cold air kit applications that leave the filter out in the open with no protection.

Why not use an OEM filter? I do in my truck as I read that there has been some issues with the filter oil gumming up the MAF and that the factory air intake is very free flowing as it is and already takes cold air from the fender. Other vehicles like my Blazer however have restrictive air intakes that benefit from an aftermarket cold air system more. You can not run an OEM filter in this case.

 

I know where you are coming from with the MAF statement, however, I think that is from user error. You over oil the filter and it will foul the MAF. I have cleaned my filter 3 times and never had a problem.

I didn't mean for this to get into a K&N yeah or nay, was just staing that I am running one, and I change my oil at my chosen intervals because it might, just might allow some grit in the oiling system. If it does though, it has not caused any wear in 73,000 miles.

 

Wow, we really got off topic here.

In any case, I think I've decided just to stick with the regular Motorcraft Synthetic blend 5W20 and FL820S filter.

 

There ya go!

 

The prefilter _has_ to create some resistance... so the K&N allows more air and the prefilter allows less. How can you know if this allows any more air through then a stock filter? Also, your saying that the K&N filter allows more particles through then stock and the prefilter allows less. Same question, how can you know if this is any better then a stock filter? It seems like your defeating the purpose of having a K&N filter and spending a lot more money for the same filtration as a stock filter.

 

I have been running the Air Force One on my truck for 3 years now and the filter is an oil K&N type and have never had a MAF sensor problem. If you follow the instructions and don’t flood it you will be fine

 

Keep a can of CRC MAF Sensor Cleaner on hand just in case. I have one right next to the K&N Cleaner and Oil.

 

The oil filter is not going to be your problem. Technology there is just as good as the oil as long as you're not using a filter with a paper/cardboard media. Mobil 1 filters are synthetic media and would easily go 10,000 miles. Amsoil filters are a synthetic nano-fiber media and rated to 25,000 miles.

Since you guys switched to air filters, you should really consider Amsoil air filters as well. Synthetic media...no paper, no oiling. They even make the cone filters to replace the K&N filter or other on most cold air intake kits. I have one and absolutely love mine.