jimbosr1

i have been checking to see if people have been having problems with a k&n airfilter on there ls430.please if you have a k&n filter please leave a comment either good or bad.thanks jim

caddyowner

I would stick with the factory air filters and avoid K&N for the following reasons:

- I had an 04 CTS into which I installed a similar foam / oil filter. The mass airflow sensor became fouled with filter oil and failed.

- There are numerous reports of folks finding excessive dust downstream of their K&N filters. I put K&N filters in a couple of trucks that I drove on dirt roads. I found more dust got past the K&N than I found got past paper filters.

- The K&N filter often allows great intake noise. This was fine in my CTS, trucks, and a vette. I don't know if you want this in a LS.

Do a search here and you should find a number of discussions about this product. I believe the general consensus is "no".

fergo308

I've been using K&N filters for over a decade and have never had an issue with them.

Most have been fitted to turbo nissans with hot wire air flow meters as well. Wet oiled filters like unifilter can cause issues,but the K&N's don't as the oil treatment dries into the cotton element once applied,so it won't spray onto sensors and affect function.
I haven't seen any issues with poor filtration either,although I will admit 90% of my driving is in the city and on twisty backroads,and not on unsealed dirt. if you spend a lot of your time on dirt roads,you probably should stick to paper filters and change them often.

Justin...

94LSon20

Had one in my 01 since '07, never had a problem

Bob-o

Have had one in my 02 for the last 50,000 miles and not a problem. I have read comments such as Caddyowner about these filters over the years, but I have not seen the problems they refer to.

warminwisc

What is really the benefit that you folks have found from these filters?

94LSon20

There are no major benefits. I bought mine because the dealer wanted to charge me the same price for a paper replacement. So why not just buy a K&N that can be cleaned and reused. There is the slightest change in the note the intake makes but that's not why I bought one.

caddyowner

They are advertised as having less restriction, allowing your engine to breathe easier, and boosting horsepower. TANSTAAFL

lex430drvr

I would have to say that they are very reliable as I have used them in three different vehicles I have owned and never had an issue. As for the oil getting into vital sensors, I guess it depends on how much you spray on the filter after you clean it and reuse it. Instructions tell you to let it dry after spraying before putting it back into your vehicle. The issue I have had with paper filters is that they get dirty way too fast and long run replacement costs tend to outweigh getting a K&N. Engines like to breath and the more air you give it, the better it will perform. Just my opinion.

honeygee2

First thing I put in my LS430 was a K&N have used them in boats cars motorcycles with no problems

Stu

They filter OK .... IF they are properly cleaned and properly oiled. To much or too little oil and you'll have problems. When I had mine in my last car, I never figured out how much was enough !

Any filter that does let more air in - without letting more dirt in too is something I simply don't believe. Just because they are used in race cars proves they work and increase horsepower, but doesn't convice me they are going to protect your motor well. Race cars get rebuilt motors every 500 miles, something I am not prepared to do on a street car !

VNN326

iTrader: (21)

no problems so far, i gained MPG actually with it.

airtime

I too have a K&N on my car. To me, I'm neutral. I don't see ill effects nor do I see a big benefit. I got it when I needed a filter change a couple years back and the parts store had some great deals on the K&N so I picked it up.

caddyowner

Aren't you supposed to oil the K&N filter with used LS430 transmission fluid?

Marklouis

this sounds like an episode for Mythbusters!