My question is fairly simple (I think), which is better, a basic paper air filter, (Fram) or a K&N filter. I have used both and see no difference in performance or mileage. Except for cost is their really a difference?

 

The difference is how often they need to be replaced vs cleaned and replaced.

 

I have a K&N and I can say the drawback with oiled filters is the dirty the MAF sensor more often. I bought it so I'm gonna keep it for awhile. At some point in the future (when the K&N needs cleaned) I'm going to switch to a quality (no fram) paper filter..

 

If not Fram, what would you suggest?

 

www.motorcraft.com

 

Amsoil EaA air filters...4 years/100,000 miles. No oiling, but can be cleaned off and good to go!!

 

Motorcraft filters do a great job at filtering the air to an engine. I've got 23k on my factory air filter, and my FilterMinder shows about 50% used of the filter. I predict by 30k, it will be 90% just like Ford states in the manual.

Ford seriously knows their stuff, and I'd only use Motorcraft air filters!

 

Pure one puraltors are really good.

 

AEM Dryflow filter doesn't require oil.

 

dry/paper filters filter better than oiled

oiled have the tendency to gunk up the MAF

 

That was my first mod. I put my EAA filter on the 2nd day I had it.

I had a K&N on my 97 for about 2 years. After I found out how much dirt they can pass I got rid of it. Paper is about 40 times more efficient than cotton gauze. the EAA filter is 50 times more efficient than the gauze type of filters.

 

Don't over oil your filters and you won't bother the MAF.

Besides that, it's good to clean the MAF. I usually do it every other oil change.

 

x2, I clean and re oil my AF1 every 10,000 miles and never had it mess with the MAF.