Air filters 101. What you need to know!

Posted on 02. Apr, 2008 by in Cars, Products, The Store

Nick MortonWe often get asked “who makes the best induction kit for my car?”.

The question you should be asking is “which intake is best type of intake for me?“.

Each type of filter, be it panel filter or induction kit has very different characteristics and it is important you decide what you need. What are you looking for from the upgrade? More power, an awesome sound, better economy, ultimate power, lowest maintenance.

Nick.

The Basics

There’s two basic principles of any replacement filter:

  • That it will allow more air to get the engine.
    The more air you can get into the engine the better, it will give you more power.
  • That the air it gets to the engine is as cold as possible.
    The colder the air, the denser the air, the more oxygen it contains

Remember:
More Air or Colder Air = More Oxygen = More Power = Better MPG

Which Type of Filter?

1. Replacement Panel or Element filters

This item simply replaces your standard filter, with a filter made from a better material, allowing more air to pass through.

Pros
Dead easy to change
You will get better mpg and power

Cons
Power gains could be better, particularly on smaller engine cars.

2. Induction Kits

With a basic induction kit, the standard air box is removed from the car and the induction kit is put in its place. With more surface area available, the new, less restrictive filter will allow more air to pass through. Now the filter is free from the restrictive air box you also find that you can hear the filter roaring when the engine is revved hard.

Pros
Better mpg and power improvements over panel filters
Great induction roar noise at higher revs

Cons
Harder to fit than a panel filter

3. Enclosed / Rerouted Induction Kits

By either rerouting the induction kit, or enclosing the induction kit within a heat shield the quality of the air supplied to the filter can be further improved. By making sure the filter only receives the coldest, fastest moving air even more power can be gained.

Pros
Best power gains of all types
Cons
Hardest of the bunch to fit, and most expensive

Comments are closed.