Absolute BEST air filter upgrade?

[JSteward]

Some say the K&N, others say RamAir, still others believe other products offer some advantage. I have a stock air filter and am looking into upgrading the intake. What would YOU say is the best air filter upgrade? ...and if you have any additional info to offer as to why a particular brand is best, please provide the details.

Thanks.

[john8662]

If you have the money, I'd suggest and AFE cold air intake system, with the proguard-7 filter media.

Just my .02

Anything's better than the crappy flat pannel filter setup used through 96, replaced in '97.

[HH]

I would stay away from the K&N. Mine wore out and the silicon content was high in an oil analysis. I cleaned it regularly and reoiled. Changed to the factory 1997 style filter and the silicon content went down to normal levels.

[big61fourby]

My truck came with a K & N at 122k on the clock. PO didn't clean it, and I tried, unsuccessfully. I now run a good 'ol wix, and like it much better.

I currently have the '96 style flat-panel, but the '97 & up round filter looks like a good step up...

[DA BIG ONE]

I'd suggest if you use a round straight, cone filter use a prefiler too. If the manufacturer does not make one, you can w/pair of pantyhose but cutting off 1 leg and pulling it over filter and under clamp @ inlet. This will go far in reducing even eliminating what the filter see's (sand) as 1 member above described in his test.

No filter does it all, so prefiler gives that extra protection and only flows maybe 10% less doing it.................BIGGER is better to extend cleaning cycles.

Every 2 weeks I remove my filter and come up with about 4 tablespoons of sand that was stopped by perfilter........

A round straight K&N does flow way more than a 6.5td can flow at any rpm or boost level and should have a pre-filer no matter what, this applies to other aftermarket filters too.

[Nobby]

As an alternative to Oiled style filters, I am going to try the following new product from Amsoil,

http://www.amsoil.com/StoreFront/eaa.aspx

Seems like peoples opinions on Oiled style is kinda 50/50. I do agree that this style definitely needs some kind of prefilter cover.

cheers
Nobby

[dragonriot]

While I won't actually get it installed tomorrow when I take the truck for some repairs, I just ordered the Amsoil Ea Air filter for my Yukon, so I'll report on my findings as soon as I can. I'm sure it will cost about twice as much as a standard Wix filter, but a 100,000 mile 4-year warranty, that just can't be beat... =)

[rustyk]

I'm a reformed fuels and lubes engineer...the best off-the-shelf filters IMHO are made by Wix. The K&N is always tempting, but it comes with too many whatif's...

So I run Wix engine oil, air, and fuel filters in both my motorhome (6.5L TD) and my F*** 6.9L NA.

[JSteward]

What about the Banks Ram Air? I'm just trying to generate more discussion to get more ideas about what I should go with... thanks for the responses so far.

[DA BIG ONE]

There will always be debate about which air filter is best.

Have a flat panel filter? Then a round cylinder type air filter conversion would be better.

Already have a round cylinder type then going bigger is always better w/airfilters if there is room and extends usable service because of more filter area that would take longer to clog.

Exposed to engine heat, or? Best to seal filter from engine bay heat using canister assembly. Then install a heat barrier around it.

[JoeyD]

I was running the Delco HD filter on my 98 then started using wix. The delco hd has a wrap around it to pre filter.

[More Power]

An excellent measure for determining the quality of an air filter element is the silicon level (in ppm) found during an engine oil analysis. Some owners who drive only on the highway and in clean environments get excellent results with K&N (oiled pleated gause). The rancher/farmer in Texas/New Mexico/Arizona/etc who spends a lot of time offroad might see different results. I like the oiled foam varieties - easy to service and is a one-time purchase, plus they test well in capturing dirt - producing low silicon levels in an engine oil analysis. The factory paper is hard to beat for those who have a hard time deciphering the hype. :)

Jim

[DA BIG ONE]

I found the Donaldson line of med to heavy truck filter's and canisters has a few nice units that will fit under the hood. They can be had with dual filters for med to heavy sandy areas. Thinking a toy 80 series snorkle will top it off if it's diameter is good to feed a 6.5td, otherwise I'll make my own snorkle.

[sturgeon-phish]

From my sig line you can see I use an Amsoil filter in a 97 airbox, round instead of flat panel.
Jim