best air filter?
#1
Driver
Thread Starter
best air filter?
i've had my ls for 4 months and 4k miles (now with 51k mi) and realized i have yet to change my air filter...
what's the best one to use?
should i go oem or go with some other one like k&m?
also, is the air filter easy to get to?
thanks.
what's the best one to use?
should i go oem or go with some other one like k&m?
also, is the air filter easy to get to?
thanks.
#2
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (1)
I assume that you meant K&N? That type of filter will NOT filter small particles out as thoroughly as a good paper element filter such as the OEM type. Just keep that in mind in case it matters to you. I don't think K&N really denies that they don't filter as well as paper elements, but they claim that the small sand, particles, etc, that get through won't cause damage to the engine. I don't know if that latter part is true or not, but I'd feel better knowing that stuff isn't getting through.... In a car like the LS, I seriously doubt that there would be any meaningful power gain by going to a cotton gauze type filter like a K&N. I run a very large K&N on my Supra because it's sucking in a lot of air at max output, but I don't like finding the *tiny* particles on the inside of the filter when I service it after a few thousand miles.
Yes, it's an easy DIY item.
Yes, it's an easy DIY item.
Last edited by I6turbo; 08-24-09 at 11:56 AM.
#4
People are split with K&N filters. I used them in the previous cars and trucks that I have had but not in the LS. I have heard stories about the oil from it throwing MAF sensor codes.
#5
Recovering Lexus Addict
Bingo! I also used to use K&N filters. GM covered replacing the MAFS on my 04 CTS. I doubt GM would do that today.
#6
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (1)
Just curious about something.... I'm assuming the oil from the K&N was determined to have damaged the MAF, correct? If so, did it happen after the K&N had been cleaned and re-oiled, or did it happen as a result of the "original" oil that came on the filter from the factory?
#7
Recovering Lexus Addict
^^^ A correction: I had a Volant filter in the CTS, not a K&N. The filters appeared identical except for the oil color - blue for Volant and red for K&N. The MAFS failure occured shortly after I installed the Volant filter that was pre-oiled at the factory. I cleaned and re-oiled the filter sometime later with K&N oil that I had on the shelf. The MAFS problem manifested itself in a rough idle.
BTW, I have a soft spot for AC Delco MAFS units. I worked on the automation of the early test and calibration stands for these units in the early 80s. That was a fun project.
BTW, I have a soft spot for AC Delco MAFS units. I worked on the automation of the early test and calibration stands for these units in the early 80s. That was a fun project.
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#8
When I bought my 98 mustang cobra i had a problem with a k&n air filter and the MAF. Ford dealer told me that the filter could void the warranty. I told them to take a hike that the filter was not the problem and to prove it I pulled out one of their speed equipment catalogs for Mustangs and right there is a K&N air filter. They were a little miffed to say the least. Ford is selling K&N under the ford name in the catalog. There is also a law called the Magneson warranty act that lets you put other than factory stuff on your car without affecting your warranty. Its on the side of the box of all K&N products.
I personally have used K&N for years and have one in my LS. You can get them on Ebay for about 48 bucks.
I personally have used K&N for years and have one in my LS. You can get them on Ebay for about 48 bucks.
#12
3UZ-FEEEE
iTrader: (2)
#13
#14
... I don't think K&N really denies that they don't filter as well as paper elements, but they claim that the small sand, particles, etc, that get through won't cause damage to the engine. I don't know if that latter part is true or not, but I'd feel better knowing that stuff isn't getting through...
Well, atleast they're honest...
#15
Lexus Test Driver
iTrader: (1)
Same here. I don't know what Lexus claims for their filters, but shouldn't the air filter technically filter out ALL PARTICLES (or atleast down to some minute amount) from entering the air flow to engine? Otherwise, what is filter for if it's noted that it allows for some particles.
I should have made a photo last time I service the filter, but I didn't. My filter http://www.knfilters.com/search/prod...x?Prod=RE-0870
hangs downward with the opening facing up. Consequently, some of the small particles that make it through the filtration material end up laying on the bottom of the plastic "end cap" so to speak, making it easy to see and feel them. And this was after only about 5K miles, if I recall correctly.