bagwell

worth it or just a waste?

...and before anyone says the will foul the MAF sensor...
http://www.knfilters.com/maf/massair.htm
http://www.knfilters.com/maf/massairpledge.htm

that being said, is there any benefit BEFORE an ECU tune?

bagwell

AEM makes something similar but without the oil...
http://www.aemintakes.com/dryflow_air_filters.htm

Och

iTrader: (3)

It contaminated my MAF sensor when I had my GS430. Stay away from it.

MattyG

There are a lot of threads on this forum and other car enthusiast sites about K&N. The issue of the contaminated MAF sensor occured on some vehicles at one time.

I had it on my GS430 and yes, I did notice a real difference. But what you'll find that this filter runs "dirtier". After a while I found my exhaust looked dirty, almost lightly blackened. And my idle wasn't as smooth as before. I did clean my MAF and throttle body too.

So I went back to a conventional filter. A WIX and it works great. But I still have my K&N sitting around in case I decide to go back to it.

bagwell

did you read these....

http://www.knfilters.com/maf/massair.htm
http://www.knfilters.com/maf/massairpledge.htm

Och

iTrader: (3)

Yes, I read those. I also saw a layer of ear wax like substance on my MAF heating element when my engine started "pinging" after using K&N filter for a few months.

It comes down to simple logic. Your engine sucks in air, which passes through the filter and MAF. Depending on the type of MAF (GS430 has heating element that goes up to 400F), the tiny oil and dust particles from K&N filter get baked onto the heating element, and MAF starts feeding incorrect data to the engine ECU, which can result in all sorts of issues.

bagwell

was that when it was new or after cleaning and re-oiling? cause it sounds like way too much oil was applied..

josh810

always go for a high flow dry type filter.

tecman

Several members in the GX forum have used the K&N filter with positive results including myself.

UDel

I have read and heard about too many problems using K&N drop in air filters and I researched because I wanted to get one for some cheap power at one time.

You can go by what many other people have experienced not affiliated with K&N or listen to the statement by the company, not actual users/mechanics, that their product is totally harmless and all the bad experiences were just a "myth".