LindaSC430

Now that I'v purchased my 2006 SC430, I want to maintain it to get the longevity out of it. What is your take on the K&N filter? I once had a Lexus RX 300 with 246K but when I went a bitover zealous on the oil for the K & N filter, it clogged up the sensors in the intake, and I needed to have the system cleaned. Not a big expense but I was wondering your take on using K&N filters. Any other longevity enhancing "tested ideas and input" would be greatly appreciated as well!

kevin3344

I have a K&N oil filter on my GS400 and really like it. However, since my SC430 is my weekend car I will probably leave the stock air filter in place. I have heard of the oil causing issues sometimes. But I haven't had any problems out of mine yet, and it's going on 5 years!

Caflashbob

K&N pass ultra fine dust. I build dirt bike four stroke engines. No

Bgw70

I have been running K&N filters for the last 30+years and really like them. I have never had an issue or complaint.

OBP

I have run a K &N in my SC since 2006. That would be about 65k miles. Perfect for me. Can be a minor hassle to wait for it to dry out after cleaning before applying new oil but I just cater for the time. Also run our MDX with a K&N - about 75 to 80 k miles, 6 + years. Also perfect.

cmmetcalf

I have run K&N on all the cars I've owned: LS400s, LS430s, RX300, RX330, RX400H, RX350s, SC400s, SC430 (just bought), '09 Maxima traded for '03 LS430), '12 Maxima (traded for SC), 1993 5.0L Ford truck, BMW 535s, 730s, 740s. Never had a problem BUT I never clean and re-oil them! When they reach service life end (for me 40-50K or could be earlier depending on service usage and condition inspection) I buy new. For the discounted prices on the internet it simply isn't worth worrying about. My son's and my experience (both experienced car guys-especially my son) has been that owners or technicians over-oil them after cleaning---that can bring big problems.

LindaSC430

Cmmetcalf, that is a great idea, I placed a K&N filter into my SC430 and notice increase milage (1mile per gallon). Thanks for all of the inputs! Great Forum !!!

Jabberwock

K&N does an amazing job of marketing its filters. The oiled K&N filters are essentially 1930s engine air filter technology being actively marketed using a multi-million dollar advertising budget. Most oiled filter use was abandoned in the 60s in favor of more effective cleaner paper element filters.

Bgw70

TYPES OF AUTO AIR FILTERS

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An air filter is your engine’s first line of defense against harmful pollutants and particles that can hamper its performance and even cause significant long-term damage. Regular replacement or cleaning of your car air filter is a vital part of vehicle maintenance. There are more options for air filter replacements now than ever before, and choosing the best filter can sometimes be daunting. Use this guide to help you choose the best air filter for your needs.Paper Air Filters



The paper air filter is perhaps the most common type on the road today. Original equipment in most vehicles, this style of air filter provides a great balance of affordability and functional filtration. Paper air filters are intended to be replaced every 5-10 thousand miles. While they are more affordable than other designs, the cost of replacing them can add up over time.Gauze Air Filters



The advantages of gauze air filters over paper are considerable; washable, free flowing, and long lasting, these air filters are an easy upgrade for most vehicles on the road. One of the most popular manufacturers of gauze air filters is K&N. With proper maintenance, K&N’s cotton gauze air filters are likely to outlive your vehicle! K&N’s specific design uses oil to trap pollutants and needs to be oiled every 5000 miles or so. While oiled gauze is perhaps the most popular reusable car air filter design, other manufacturers use a synthetic dry gauze which requires occasional cleaning with a proprietary cleaning solution. Both the oiled and dry styles of gauze air filters are frequently used in Air Intake Kits.Foam Air Filters


Foam air filters are common on small engines such as those found on lawnmowers. It’s very rare to see a foam car air filter; however, some manufacturers have begun to offer foam wraps which encase an existing air filter, acting as pre-filter. These wraps increase filtration significantly at the expense of a small impact on intake air density and volume. If your vehicle has to endure very dusty conditions, a foam pre-cleaner wrap is a great upgrade that will extend the service intervals of your air filter and protect your engine.


Everyone has their own opinion...it's your car, run what you like!!!