Miata Mailing List: June 1994, Message #46
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   From: Al Staats 
Subject: Re: K&N
   Date: Sat, 4 Jun 1994 03:23:55 -0400



On Fri, 3 Jun 1994, Jeff Maurer wrote: 
 I've been using K&N filters in most of my cars since 1986.  I chose them
 1) because they're freer-breathing, and 2) they cost less than OEM
 filters over the life of the car.  Can't say I notice the advertised 1-3hp
 gain with the filter, but there's a bit more intake noise and a bit better
 throttle response.
 
 Some info on the net has suggested that K&N gauze filters are a bit less
 effective at filtering than some foam filters.  As I recall the testing was
 done by a motorcycling magazine. 

My experience and the feedback we have received from many of our
customers, especially those of us with motorcycling backgrounds suggest
just the opposite-- foam filters are less restrictive because they are
more porous. They are also popular because they are easier to clean-
instead of solvent, they clean with soap and water. If you talk with bikers
or auto ralliers, they use foam filters with foam wrappers, which in
competition, they tear off and discard. 

For general performance purposes, short of competition, I would vote for
the added filtering quality of a cloth filter, such as the K&N. Properly
oiled, their filtering characteristics outperfom foam while offering
almost the same level of performance.