Just curious what should I expect? I replaced it before the weekend, and only today had the first long stretch 50 mile run on a way to work. Could be a product of my wishful imagination but it almost felt like I got a little more power while accelerating. I'm a complete under-the-hood illiterate when it comes to mechanical parts, but it really did feel like less hesitation during the acceleration from the stop and rev up sounded a little bit louder. I did remember reading somewhere about a gain of half-a-dozen of HP with K&N air filters, is that true? If so, than it’s probably the cheapest and the easiest mod for the car

 

It probably because you just put in a new air filter, gaining 6 HP is wishful thinking.

 

K an N advertises 18.1 hp increase with the intake system. Sounds like an attractive amount, but I am sure its less than that. They back it up on their web site with dynographs. I am not saying its 100% accurate but no other company will offer this proof, If I get an intajke it will be the k&n

 

Thats the CAI, hes talking about a drop in panel filter I think.

 

i have yet to see 18 hp from a CAI or any other air filter systems on an NA setup. throttle response improves but that doesnt mean too much in terms of hp.


edited to add in NA setups.

 

Not cabin air filter; I don't think K&N makes those. I was talking about the engine air filter, but not the high peformance air intake kit. As they state on their website:

- Designed to increase horsepower and acceleration while providing excellent filtration
- Simple drop-in performance



except the one for our 3GS has a shape with a cut off corner.

 

I know, it must have been the increased sound of power, that’s got to be worth and additional 18 hp. Or it was a flash back to the sound of the RPM needle hitting 8 grand in the ES. Ha Ha.

 

Here is a interesting article about K&N filters:

http://www.audiworld.com/tech/eng.html

 

ROTF!!! Very bad memories of our previous ES350 experience

 

I don't think HP gain is the purpose of the "drop in". I've always used their replacement filters as I feel there is less restriction. I've noticed a slight improvement in MPG's with them and for a few dollars more than a restrictive paper pleat, a K&N lasts up to 50k miles. Then you can get a kit to clean and reuse it or, as I do, replace it. I have a K&N CAI on my Frontier and it gained MPG's and upper RPM pep. It's also a little louder when your on the pedal. I really don't wind up the Lexus to achieve the benefits of a CAI. Plus it's kind of intrusive having to loose a lot of the engine plastics.