Are you looking for a way to get more power and torque out of your car? Aftermarket air filters are one of the most popular options for improving engine performance. But do they really make a difference?The answer is yes, aftermarket air filters do work. However, don't expect to feel a huge difference in power when you hit the accelerator. The numbers may be small, but they can still make a difference.
Watch the video above for more information. While you won't get a huge performance boost from just adding a drop filter, cold air intakes and other modifications can give you an incredible sound as the air is sucked in. One of the main benefits of a high flow air filter is that it doesn't need to be changed as often as a regular filter. All you have to do is clean it every two years or so, since it doesn't clog as quickly or easily.
Plus, it offers better airflow and filtration of the air entering the engine. This can lead to improved engine performance. A high flow air filter can increase your horsepower by 3-5 HP and also increase your torque. It can also lead to higher fuel efficiency. How? Some of the more expensive units come with a cold air intake unit that extracts air from outside the car instead of using hot air from inside the engine compartment. Cold air is denser and therefore burns better, leading to improved engine performance.
So while you may not get huge gains in power, you can still get some improvements. When it comes to air filters, there are several different types on the market. The most common is the OEM-style paper filter, which comes standard on all cars. Cotton gauze filters use a multi-layer design with four or six layers of pleated cotton filter media that act as a physical barrier against contamination and debris. K&N filters use a depth charge for filtration rather than barrier filtration like other filters use. They don't clog as quickly and offer better airflow and filtration than paper filters. Foam filters are mainly used in high-performance vehicles because they do an excellent job of trapping dirt, debris and other contaminations.
They also last longer than paper filters. Millions of disposable air filters end up in landfills every year, but washable air filters last the life of the vehicle and help reduce waste. K&N's pleated design provides a large capture area and their "magic sauce" (filter oil) helps create an air filter that is popular in high-performance cars. When tested on a dynamometer, aftermarket air filters generated more power than regular filters. They also improved performance in sprints from 20 to 60 mph and 45 to 60 mph. Cotton gauze air filters have several advantages, including being washable and lasting the entire life of your vehicle. Foam filters are also popular because they offer deep-load filtration that won't clog as quickly. So if you're looking for ways to improve your car's performance, aftermarket air filters are worth considering.
While you won't get huge gains in power, you can still get some improvements.
