I am thinking about putting a "K&N E-0945 Replacement Air Filter" in my 08 XLT 4x4 with 4.6 engine. I really don't want to put a cold air intake in my truck or do any big mods to my truck. http://www.knfilters.com/search/prod...px?Prod=E-0945

I am not looking to get 350 HP out of my truck or get 25 MPG, I am just looking to save money and maybe do a little for the environment at the same time.

I have a few questions about this:
1) is it really a direct replacement that all I have to do is pop the old one in and this one back in it's place.
2) what will it do to my gas miles?
3) will it give me any better performance?
4) is it worth the $60 for it and the work to keep it clean?
5) how often do you need to clean it?

 

1) Yes. That easy.
2) Slight improvement (about .3-.4 I noticed).
3) I noticed better throttle response, Sounds alot nicer when at WOT.
4) Some say yes, some say no. I swear by K&N products and use them in all my cars.
5) I usually clean both of mine every time I change the oil, but I'm also ****. I think the recomendation (says in the package) is every 15k.

 

hello rickyp-i had a replacement a/f k&n for my 2004 f150.Yes its REALLY direct replacement!real easy!In my case the gas milage went up about .3 of a gallon per mile.According to the computor.Performace wise-it lets more air through-hence -MORE fuel milage.As far as cleaning the a/f you will need the cleaning kit.One can is a cleaner and the other can is a light weight oil.If you run your truck on the street I would check it every 3rd motor oil change or every 10000 miles.Depending on your type of driving! Hope this helps you!By the way,I have a cold air intake on my truck now!Made by MAC IND.Temecula Ca.

 

since it lets in more air flow do you need to do anything to the mass air flow senor?

 

No. Even if you were to add a Cold Air Intake (CAI), the computer compensates for the additional air. Basically it's no different from WOT; just more air coming sooner. The same holds true for a free flowing exhaust; more clean, cool air in, and more air out, produces more efficient HP. Most folks will also go with a tuner, and tweak the maps inside the computer to take advantage if this air flow concept.

The internal combustion engine can be seen as a large air pump. Get more air in and out, and it works more efficient.

Dropping in a K&N (or other quality filter) will provide a slight improvement over stock, but don't expect any "seat of the pants" improvement.

One more suggestion; many here do not like K&N because they have read the myths that have been posted about oiled filters fouling mass airflow sensors, allowing oil to get into the intake tube and the list goes on. All lies and myths. However, when it comes time to cleaning and re-oiling the filter FOLLOW DIRECTIONS! You can over oil the filter. I always run my shop vac along the inside and outside of the filter to draw out any excess oil you may have applied.

 

I am really not looking for "seat of the pants improvement"
I am mostly looking to save some money and the environment some.
I looked and the cheapest air filter was about $17 and the most expensive is about $24. and the auto zone by me has a K&N filter for about $54. so with -in three filters I should just about pay for it and from what I understand the cleaning kit should last a few years.


Is the filter ready to use right out of the box or do I need to get the cleaning kit at the same time?

if you are getting about .3 mile a gallon increase that should translate to about 5 miles more per tank. and that can save about $8 a fill up (@ $1.60 a gal.)

 

Yes the filter is sealed when you buy it-they oil the filter before they ship it.You can buy the cleaning kit at a later time!Good Luck!

 

I have the K&N also and love it, I could not find a good deal on ebay so I found a discount coupon here: K&N E-1023, or you can try one of the vendors on the forum here, you can usually find a good deal that way as well. This was very easy to install and I love it. good luck

 

Just reading up on K&N drop ins. $1.60/gal? Isn't that cute!

 

I think the fouling gets too much publicity, what really matters is the lowered filtration efficiency. It's been proven over and over in oil analysis that oiled filters allow more silica into the motor.