Aftermarket Air Filters worth it?

[LanceMav]

Are the aftermarket air filters ( high flows like K&N, green, specter, etc. ) really worth it? For those that did, was there any increase in performance/mileage? Or is OEM in the long run the best?

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[Chops]

Are the aftermarket air filters ( high flows like K&N, green, specter, etc. ) really worth it? For those that did, was there any increase in performance/mileage? Or is OEM in the long run the best?

Be aware that your 25 EB now has a Mass Airflow Sensor within inches of your air box filter.

I’ve tried the “oiled lifetime” filters on 2 previous vehicles and went back to OEM. OEM Sounded better (less raspy) in both cases. Also “recharging” the oiled filter was too much of a hassle for me. So the “lifetime” filters lasted me less than a year. YMMV.

Sticking with OEM on my Lobo - especially with the MAF so close to the filter. I got the intake sound I wanted by drilling holes in my Helmholtz

 

[Tim d]

Are the aftermarket air filters ( high flows like K&N, green, specter, etc. ) really worth it? For those that did, was there any increase in performance/mileage? Or is OEM in the long run the best?

I have had a k&n in my ram for 16 years. It gives me 1 more mpg, and its lasted 16 years so far. So money well spent. I blow it out with compressed air once a year and have never re-oiled it. I'd call it a " lifetime" filter.

 

[grandpopa'sMPGs]

I'll stick with OEM filters. Filters that filter better will restrict air a tiny bit more

 

[Chops]

I have had a k&n in my ram for 16 years. It gives me 1 more mpg, and its lasted 16 years so far. So money well spent. I blow it out with compressed air once a year and have never re-oiled it. I'd call it a " lifetime" filter.

If K&N offered their “DRYFLOW” air filter for our Mavericks - I’d try it. But so far they only offer the oiled filter that has to be occasionally re-oiled. That is a no-go for me.

Do you currently use the oiled K&N in your Maverick, Tim d? If so - any noticeable differences?

 

[Tim d]

If K&N offered their “DRYFLOW” air filter for our Mavericks - I’d try it. But so far they only offer the oiled filter that has to be occasionally re-oiled. That is a no-go for me.

Do you currently use the oiled K&N in your Maverick, Tim d? If so - any noticeable differences?

Yes, its the oiled one....I have never re-oiled it in 16 years. It still looks like new.

 

[kevinmccune]

Are the aftermarket air filters ( high flows like K&N, green, specter, etc. ) really worth it? For those that did, was there any increase in performance/mileage? Or is OEM in the long run the best?

not really they pass more dirt,the K&n filter was designed for desert conditions like Baja,they would last longer in those conditions they were most efficient when partially plugged up.i had one of the "lifetime" foam filters as much as that junk cost they didn't even give me a bottle of oil with it I threw that garbage away and went back to OEM and lived happily ever after.noticed no increase of anything(I kept good records my mileage increases happened when I drove like I had some sense(35 mpg crusin on eco Maverick) even in the hills.

 

[kevinmccune]

Yes, its the oiled one....I have never re-oiled it in 16 years. It still looks like new.

remember some of this depends on outside conditions.

 

[REDRUM]

AFE makes a dry filter that i will be purchasing soon.

 

[Carlitos_92]

Real gearheads know that all the performance gains come from the cool K&N sticker itself, not the filter. OEM filter plus a good dose of STICKR POWR is the sweet spot.

 

[sajohnson]

I have K&N filters in all 3 of our older vehicles. They have between 180 and 250,000 miles and burn little/no oil.

Cleaning and re-oiling them is straight-forward:
1) Spray cleaner on, rinse off.
2) Let air dry (no compressed air, etc.).
3) Spray oil on, reinstall.

Drying can be sped up by setting the filter in front of a fan.

The K&N (and similar) vs OEM (and aftermarket) debate is right up there with engine oil, filters, and change intervals. People on both sides can find evidence to support their position.

You can't go wrong with the OE air filter. The downsides are long term cost and a potential minor reduction in performance.

I used K&N primarily because my wife and I were driving ~40,000 miles per year, and K&N saved us money. Also, with the red oil it was easy to see when they were getting dirty, and cleaning and re-oiling was quick and easy.

That said, the Badlands still has the OE filter. In a few days it'll be 4 years old and it has <8,000 miles on it! So buying a K&N makes less sense. At the rate we're going the factory filter will last 10 years or more.

WRT efficiency vs restriction, all else equal the more efficient filter will be more restrictive, however total surface area (number of pleats in a paper filter) can vary a lot. A filter with more area can be both more efficient and less restrictive.

One last thought -- if a person lives on a dirt road, or otherwise dusty area, and they are replacing paper filters frequently, the K&N .may make more sense.

 

[Chops]

WIX makes high quality air filters for vehicles - looks like they manufacturer the air filter in my 2025 EB:

First pic WIX, second/third my Motorcraft….

 

[OleFordGuy]

Everyone has their opinions/preferences, for me I'll stick with the oem motorcraft or wix, whichever one I find in stock locally

 

[Pete Roberts]

K & N The Only WAY TO GO

 

[sajohnson]

K & N The Only WAY TO GO

Now you've done it!

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