Air Filter

[MANWHOR3]

Initially, i always thought that filtration and airflow were mutually exclusive. That is, better airflow = shithouse filtration.

That is, until i saw the filter test, where the Apexi one was perfect filtration, with the best airflow. But the downside is you can't clean it.

My question is, I've got a HKS mushroom pod. the filter tests show that they flow very well, and also, i like the sound it makes. BUT, they filter like shit apparently. Like if i wipe my finger behind the filter, there is all this black dust. How bad is this for the engine? the stock box seems to filter very well though, but no sound.

I'm hoping osmeone very knowledgeable can shed some light on this such as sydneykid, or wrxhoon.

[Sydneykid]

I use Pipercross filters only, I have used them for years on race, road and rally cars. Being multi density foam (up to 6 layers), they work far better and for longer than the others at keeping the engine clean inside. The panel filters (fit inside the standard airbox) are great for mild power upgrades. The POD's come in lots of sizes, so I choose the one that has no power loss for the target output of the engine.

http://www.pipercross.net/

[Kinks]

How bad is this for the engine? the stock box seems to filter very well though, but no sound.

Having any filter is still better than having no filter for sure, but all the little dust and grit particles will accelerate wear in the engine, they get into the sump as well and make the oil dirtier faster. The difference isn't huge but over the course of a few years might make a measurable (if you pulled the engine down) difference. You likely wouldn't notice any difference in driving the thing though.

My apexi filter was looking quite tired, so I just bought another one. easy

[ed]

I use Pipercross filters only, I have used them for years on race, road and rally cars.  Being multi density foam (up to 6 layers), they work far better and for longer than the others at keeping the engine clean inside.  The panel filters (fit inside the standard airbox) are great for mild power upgrades.  The POD's come in lots of sizes, so I choose the one that has no power loss for the target output of the engine.

http://www.pipercross.net/

SK, at what powerlevel does the airbox become inefficient?

200rwkw? 250rwkw?

[MANWHOR3]

Yeah, i was thinking that having a hks pod would be better than no filter, but basically, those little dirt particles were worrying me. like are they big enough to score pistons, cylinder etc? like i know it will definitely dirty the oil quicker.

does anyone know how much those apex pods cost? as they are non washable, i guess that after about a year or so, they'd be really dirty and flow worse than a paper filter. so you'd probably have to change it every year to have any gain.

[Nostalgic-Wanderer]

it's like Kinks said..

might cause deterioration over the years...but then again, just normal driving will cause normal wear-and-tear right?

i like my HKS one, it's effective enough, and in the event that i need to replace it, i will...it's nothing but a quick+easy filter replacement.

[Sydneykid]

SK, at what powerlevel does the airbox become inefficient?

200rwkw? 250rwkw?

I don't know the limit, what I can say is we have an R34 GTT that makes 265 rwkw with the standard airbox with a Pipercross panel filter in it.