Does a K&N Air Filter Improve Performance?

Installing a K&N high-performance air filter is one of the simplest and most effective modifications you can make to increase your engine's performance. Learn how it works and what kind of power gains you can expect.

Does a K&N Air Filter Improve Performance?

Are you looking for an easy and cost-effective way to increase your engine's performance? Installing a K&N high-performance air filter is one of the simplest and most effective modifications you can make. K&N air filters are designed to provide more airflow than standard air filters, resulting in improved throttle response, better fuel economy, and increased horsepower. The K&N air filter promises to deliver more horsepower, and it does. The YouTube series Engine Masters tested the filter on a Subaru Crosstrek and found that it produced 164.3 hp and 142.5 lb-ft of torque.

While the gains may be small, they are still noticeable. The biggest gains come from installing a complete cold air intake system. Cold air intakes draw in cold outside air instead of warm air from the engine compartment, resulting in improved performance. Depending on the engine, K&N guarantees an improvement in horsepower of between 10 and 15 horsepower with complete cold air intake system kits.

The YouTube series also tested the filter on a dynamometer to see how much power it generated. The aftermarket filter produced more power than the OEM unit, with the largest gains coming from the K&N filter (around four horsepower and five pounds). To properly clean a K&N filter, you will need K&N Power Clean and, after cleaning, the filter will need to be greased. Fenske also wondered if the aftermarket filter actually filtered less overall as well.

Upgrading an engine's air filter is one of the easiest and most cost-effective modifications a homeowner can make. Standard air boxes are designed to have no dead spots so that turbulent air simply swirls and does not enter the engine. An air filter helps seat the air more evenly instead of the air hitting the AF sensor in large chunks, which obviously makes the fuel more uniform. K&N filters are cheap, easy to install, and most importantly, they make more smiles. If you're looking for an easy way to increase your engine's performance, installing a K&N high-performance air filter is a great option.

Amanda Boose
Amanda Boose

Freelance coffee advocate. Evil social media advocate. Hardcore internet trailblazer. Avid twitteraholic. Passionate tv aficionado.

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