Another K&N filter question (mileage?)
09-10-2007, 07:43 AM
#1
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Join Date: 09-02-2007
Location: Northern IL
Posts: 52
Another K&N filter question (mileage?)
I have read mixed reviews on replacing the stock air filter with the K&N drop in replacement. Some say the increase air flow will cause more fuel to be burned during normal driving conditions. What are your experiences with fuel economy using the K&N drop in with the stock air box and stock exhaust? All agree there is a small increase in performance. Usually performance = less mpg, doesn't it?
09-10-2007, 08:43 AM
#2
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Join Date: 10-14-2005
Location: Rochester,N.Y.
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I have a K&N filter in the stock intake with stock exhaust but on a 2.4. You won't see an increase in performance. 
If anything you might pick up like 1 HP but nothing you'll feel or notice. 
I gained about .5 - 1 MPG over the stock paper filter. IMO the only real benefit of the K&N filter other than the slight MPG gain is that you can clean and re-oil it rather than tossing it out and buying a new one.
If anything you might pick up like 1 HP but nothing you'll feel or notice. I gained about .5 - 1 MPG over the stock paper filter. IMO the only real benefit of the K&N filter other than the slight MPG gain is that you can clean and re-oil it rather than tossing it out and buying a new one.
09-10-2007, 12:19 PM
#3
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Join Date: 09-03-2007
Location: BC
Posts: 40
I've dropped K&N filters in just about every vehicle and motorcycle I've owned. Too many to mention!
All have noticed a considerable improvement and most didn't even need a new filter.
The idea of getting better milage has to realized by your right foot.
If you are light with the throttle and don't play with the gas pedal you will get better results because you don't have to open the throttle as much to get the same amount of airflow as you had before the K&N.
Just like the old carb days when you push down on the accelerator the EEC tells the injectors to squirt more fuel.
The more the throttle opens the more fuel is increased.
So the whole trick is to try and not slam the pedal all the time.
Try it.... it works with any filter even.
All have noticed a considerable improvement and most didn't even need a new filter.
The idea of getting better milage has to realized by your right foot.
If you are light with the throttle and don't play with the gas pedal you will get better results because you don't have to open the throttle as much to get the same amount of airflow as you had before the K&N.
Just like the old carb days when you push down on the accelerator the EEC tells the injectors to squirt more fuel.
The more the throttle opens the more fuel is increased.
So the whole trick is to try and not slam the pedal all the time.
Try it.... it works with any filter even.
09-10-2007, 02:38 PM
#4
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Join Date: 10-02-2005
Location: VA
Posts: 1,245
I don't visit this section much, but....
Don't expect any gains in HP or mileage with a K&N element. Why?
First (note this is based on the 2.4 findings...) the factory filter is NOT restrictive! Testing involving logging air mass (how much air the engine is taking in) at various load & RPMs and manifold pressures (MAP), which will measure restriction, with HP Tuners software found that the factory intake (as UGLY as it may be!) is not restrictive. In fact, logging the same data for a short time with NO filter did not show any change. I've got data from the CGS on the HHR (not good!) and 2.4 Cobalts and Ions with the same engine with other intakes and have to conclude that GM did a good job here that's hard to improve upon.
The only advantage of the K&N for our engines would be if you want to save with cleaning and re-oiling vs. replacement. There's also a lot of controversy about filtering efficiency, and that comes down to what (micron) size particulates you experience in your area and what the filter's efficiency is under those conditions. That will vary.
Don't expect any gains in HP or mileage with a K&N element. Why?
First (note this is based on the 2.4 findings...) the factory filter is NOT restrictive! Testing involving logging air mass (how much air the engine is taking in) at various load & RPMs and manifold pressures (MAP), which will measure restriction, with HP Tuners software found that the factory intake (as UGLY as it may be!) is not restrictive. In fact, logging the same data for a short time with NO filter did not show any change. I've got data from the CGS on the HHR (not good!) and 2.4 Cobalts and Ions with the same engine with other intakes and have to conclude that GM did a good job here that's hard to improve upon.
The only advantage of the K&N for our engines would be if you want to save with cleaning and re-oiling vs. replacement. There's also a lot of controversy about filtering efficiency, and that comes down to what (micron) size particulates you experience in your area and what the filter's efficiency is under those conditions. That will vary.
09-10-2007, 04:20 PM
#7
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Join Date: 10-02-2005
Location: VA
Posts: 1,245
It had to be your driving style, change of routes, weather or seasonal gas formulations. There ain't no way that a K&N filter will increase mileage here. Stop and think about it.... While cruising, the demand for air is much less than full power. The stock filter will provide more than enough air.As for premium gas in the 2.2, if no gains in power or mileage make you fee better, go for it!
09-10-2007, 04:32 PM
#10
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Join Date: 09-03-2007
Location: BC
Posts: 40
I guess if you clean and re-oil the heck out of it then you could have a problem.
Also good thing to do is place the filter on a sheet of paper when reoiling and don't over do the oil.