Community Forums

corjaguar · 08-18-2012, 11:11 AM

I was wondering if you get any improved performance with the K&N filter on the workhouse 8.1 engine vs. the stock air filter.

BFlinn181 · 08-18-2012, 11:23 AM

Perhaps for a while, until the inhaled oil mist screws up you MAF sensor. I think K$N filters are popular because you clean and reuse them. They will show improved performance over a clogged air filter, but proper maintenance will too. Go to the Workhorse forum and search for K&N, you'll get lots of opinons, takes your choice.

Muddypaws · 08-18-2012, 11:27 AM

After many years of running K&N filters on motorcycles & quads I tried one on my F250. After 3 months the intake had the telltale signs of dust getting through the filter. Dust & diesels are a bad mixture.

I wouldn't use one on a gasser either.

Lots of other folks have switched to conical paper filters or dual layer oiled media for the same reason I did. The small (if any) performance gain isn't worth dusting your engine.

WeatherTodd · 08-18-2012, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by corjaguar

I was wondering if you get any improved performance with the K&N filter on the workhouse 8.1 engine vs. the stock air filter.

The stock filter setup is a joke. The location is good but you have a 12" wide filter and only 3-4" inches of it gets used.

I just built a cold air intake using 4" aluminum tubing. Similar concept to OEMYs (air box) or others. Mine comes off the engine and straight over the radiator area into the void behind the headlight.
The key to making it efficient is keep the bends to a minimum and using the high pressure area (front) to route the cold air to your airbox/intake setup.

Mr_D · 08-18-2012, 05:55 PM

K&N advertises 99% efficiency, but a stock filter will be 99.8%. K&N's work good for racing engines that will be rebuilt ever race or season but not on engines that are going to run for 100,000 to 300,000 miles.

mgscott4 · 08-19-2012, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WeatherTodd

The stock filter setup is a joke. The location is good but you have a 12" wide filter and only 3-4" inches of it gets used.

I just built a cold air intake using 4" aluminum tubing. Similar concept to OEMYs (air box) or others. Mine comes off the engine and straight over the radiator area into the void behind the headlight.
The key to making it efficient is keep the bends to a minimum and using the high pressure area (front) to route the cold air to your airbox/intake setup.

I am looking into building my own cold air intake. I would like to see you setup.

How about some pictures?

Akibase · 08-19-2012, 07:24 AM

I have been using K&N filters for over 10 years in all my vehicles. I have had nothing but very good service from them and they have not caused any issues.
They have saved me a lot of money in cost savings for replacement filters as well as the time to go to the supplier.
Buy the way, my son and I have over forty vehicles in our personal and company fleet, using K&N.

nail40 · 08-19-2012, 07:55 AM

on my 05 f-250 6.0 my mileage went down with the k&n filter and the fitment of the air box part is terriblethe intake tube was picking upair from engine compartment not outside of truck.waste of money

WeatherTodd · 08-19-2012, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgscott4

I am looking into building my own cold air intake. I would like to see you setup.

How about some pictures?

I will get some later today
Got my parts from here
Intercooler Pipe Fabrication - Silicone Intake Systems Auto Parts

DriVer · 08-19-2012, 05:50 PM

I use an S&B air filter setup. I will service it every 3 years however the "trick" is to not over oil the filter or else you will contaminate your Mass AirFlow Sensor (MAF).

The stock air filter compared to the K&N that fits in the same space is still the same physical size. The S&B on the other hand is conical and has more surface area. In my opinion, if I were going to maintain my stock air box, I would opt for the conventional air filter. WIX or Delco filters changed periodically will work very well.