K&N Drop-In Filter or No?

[Holiday]

I've heard a debate over K&N air filters mostly 1) they mess up the MAF and that 2) the less restrictive air flow (good for performance) means more dirt particles in the engine (bad). I wanted to ask what's the consensus on the K&N filter?

 

[Ta2dResqr]

Personally, every engine I have has a K&N filter on it (or had since I recently went to the EPP). 1) I have never had a MAF issue. It is a big enough issue though that K&N has responded (https://www.knfilters.com/maf/massair.htm). They say there is no evidence to support this claim. 2) They publish all of the data on air flow including filtration levels. How many manufacturer's do you see putting out that much information. They even do it on a per application basis and not just a general over view. Here is the 2015 Taurus drop-in flow/filtration test: http://kandn.com/dynocharts/33-2395.pdf. Call me a fan boy but I have them on everything from small engines to powersports to automobiles. I love information and any company that believes in their product enough to lay all of the testing etc. out there for me to nerd out on gets a big thumbs up in my book.

 

[Irish Pride]

This is an endless debate. Some will say yes, some will say no. I like and use K&N filters. I have one in each of my SHOs. The problem with K&N and MAFs is not the filter, it's the owner that can't follow directions and knows more than the manufacturer. Every K&N filter has a disclaimer on the box that states "do not touch for 50k miles". A lot of owners don't read this or ignore this and decide they need to clean their filter all the time. Then they over oil it. Then they cause MAF issues. I personally have never had an issue with a K&N.

-Chad

 

[zoomlater]

Can you still find K&N for the early SHO's?
Air Hogs were really inexpensive awhile back on Rockauto

 

[Holiday]

Thanks for the input.

K&N 33-2040 I believe is the correct filter. I see it available but not commonly and price seems to be from $80-$100 CAD.

 

[Ta2dResqr]

Amazon has them for $75 USD eBay for $68 USD. Not sure if it is old stock. K&N does not seem to list hem on their site.

 

[SHOrod]

I use K&N filters as well. Not so much for any claimed or perceived performance improvement, but rather for the longevity. I'm also a believer, and example, of a user that sometimes doesn't follow directions and coats a MAF sensor due to over-oiling. But at least in my case it hasn't damaged a MAF sensor, a quick cleaning with MAF sensor, electrical parts, or brake cleaner and MAF performance was back to normal.

-Rod

 

[BaySHO Performance]

I confirm 33-2040 and also use them a lot. Any MAF problems will be caused by over-oiling them.

 

[Ta2dResqr]

They suggest not servicing the filter for 50K miles. Even at 10K a year, that is 5 years from now. The car will be at least 36 years old and may need a MAF anyways without oiling issues.

 

[FastCAD]

I've heard a debate over K&N air filters mostly 1) they mess up the MAF and that 2) the less restrictive air flow (good for performance) means more dirt particles in the engine (bad). I wanted to ask what's the consensus on the K&N filter?

don't forget the oil filter too.

 

[FastCAD]

Can you still find K&N for the early SHO's?
Air Hogs were really inexpensive awhile back on Rockauto

yes

 

[BaySHO Performance]

Couldn't find the 33-2040 at Autozone, O'Reilly, NAPA or Rock Auto.

 

[kenneth mccoy]

Have you looked into AEM dry filters?

 

[Ta2dResqr]

Couldn't find the 33-2040 at Autozone, O'Reilly, NAPA or Rock Auto.

Amazon, JEGS, eBay, AutoHance

 

[RonPorter]

Amazon, JEGS, eBay, AutoHance

Summit and Amazon show Out Of Stock. But it looks like Jeg's has it:

K&N 33-2040: High Performance O.E. - Style Replacement Filter 1989-1995 Ford Taurus SHO - JEGS

K&N High Performance O.E. - Style Replacement Filter

www.jegs.com

 

[BaySHO Performance]

Summit and Amazon show Out Of Stock. But it looks like Jeg's has it:

K&N 33-2040: High Performance O.E. - Style Replacement Filter 1989-1995 Ford Taurus SHO - JEGS

K&N High Performance O.E. - Style Replacement Filter

www.jegs.com

'Estimated to ship direct from manufacturer on 03/16/22 , pending manufacturer availability.'
I won't hold my breath.

 

[Jim Frye]

K&N Panel Replacement Filter - 33-2040

K&N Drop-In High-Flow Air Filter: K&N Replacement High-Flow Air Filters are The Original High-Flow Air Filter.<br><br>Since 1969 K&N Engineering has been designing, manufacturing, and enhancing High-Flow Air Filters for the automotive and motorcycle enthu

www.autohance.com

 

[SHOCH]

I’ve always used KN with no issues.
Like anything it’s your environment, if really dusty use check it more often.

 

[Holiday]

I bought one off ebay. New but out of box. About 1/2 price of retail. Just gonna follow the advice on cleaning and oiling.

 

[Kebabaluba]

Awesome, now i know part number for the K&N filter to put in my SHO later on. I had K&N in my last 3 cars, no issues. But then i don`t live in a dusty enviroment either.