Are K&N filters really worth it??

[CJVR08]

Good evening I'm just wondering what I can do to my Lancer.

I've been looking at filters like K&N..

Do they really make any kind of difference?
Is it just more airflow or what is it?

I think they last longer without needing to be changed is that right? I've never used one before sorry...

I really love my Lancer and I want to do little mods to make it better.

if that helps with a little responsiveness and maybe fuel economy on the highway??? My car is 5speed manual btw.

Oh I just changed the oil I used 5w40 fully synthetic...but the filter was on too tight for me to change that....

Thank you.

[Mars1811]

The stock panel filter good enough as is.
If you must upgrade it, avoid K&N, instead go for a Cosworth or Ralliart filter.
The stock snorkel is more restrictive on the intake side than the stock panel anyway, pick up a ralliart snorkel first before any new filters.

Also, I strongly recommend against fitting a new filter and snorkel without getting your ECU tuned to match in the same go.
The unmodified ECU will think it's running rich and pull the mixture lean, so you'll end up with detonation in your cylinders.


tl;dr the stock panel filter is okay already. Upgrade the snorkel to a Ralliart one first, make use of the better flow with an ECU tune.

[Mars1811]

By far the best way to improve your throttle response, economy, and power is to get your ECU tuned by an expert.
Merlin tuning is the go-to for lancers in Aus.
merlin.tuning@gmail.com

[CJVR08]

Didn't think it would do much for a stock Lancer?

[bumblebee]

So you did an oil change and left the old oil filter in place ?
Oil filter and oil get done together.

The OEM ECU tune is pure crapola
Remember , Mitsubishi have the NA lancer an even more crapola ECU tune then the turbo models
There is a few reasons for this
Deliberately detuned the motor for longer life , and brain wash everyone to think that the NA can't be improved and If you want power then your need a turbo and improve sales of the turbo models

Once you get to see what a OEM ECU tune looks like and you see a tuned version you will no doubt ask if did they even drive the car before they filled their ECUs with that tube before sending it out to production , and was it someone idea of a joke and no doubt other questions will come to mind once you see the difference

K&N are not as wonderful as they make you believe

[lancerdarryl]

K&N aren’t all they’re cracked up to be there are better brands available such as Tog or Cosworth. Having said that the air filter in your car is the same as an EvoX filter,so if it works OK in an Evo it will definitely let enough air through for a NA motor. If you can get hold of a Ralliart snorkel this would be a benefit.

[CJVR08]

Had dropped the oil already before I tried the filter but it was on Rock solid, finally got a filter wrench will change it asap

[bumblebee]

Wise idea
You don't know how long since it was changed

However

If you have already refill the oil with the oil filter on

Guess what

You going to need to refill with new oil and replace filter again anyway

[CJVR08]

Do I really have to???

[bumblebee]

So let me get this right

You dropped the oil and left the old filter in

You filled it backup with new oil and old filter

And now

You need to replace the filter so to do this you need to drop out the new oil.

So if I have this correct what you did , then yes you drop the oil in your motor now be it new , old or otherwise, replace the filter, drop some new oil in the filter before putting it back on the motor so it minimum time before oil gets thru the motor and then simp plug back in and new oil down its neck.
You don't recycling of oil that's dropped out.
Who knows what impurities are in it.
Absolutely not worthy of recycling oil.
New oil under $100
Reconditioned motor between $500 and $1000
And if you don't have the skills to do it, at least a days labour around $100 an hour to get it done, possible even two days.

So
You tell me whether or not it's worth while doing this right or not ?

[CJVR08]

Yes I was already half way thru the job when I couldn't get the old filter off, so yes I had to put new oil in, can't drive without oil....

I didn't think old oil in filter would do much to the new oil?

If you say so then I guess you would know more than me..

[bumblebee]

Well
Think about it
You have no clue when that filter was Changed

No clue how much contamination is thru the motor
Doesn't take much to clog an oil gallery and it's game over

I'm not a huge fan of Russian roulette, you might be , but I'm sure not
Less then $100 for new oil and filter vs few grand for new motor and labour

Mmmm

I know what $$ I would rather pay and it sure as sugar won't be for a replacement motor and labour and the rest
Think about I'm sure you will make the right decision

[CJVR08]

Yes I just didn't realise it was that serious

[bumblebee]

You have much to learn grasshopper

Check the angle the oil filter bolts to the motor

I can't remember what angle it is
Take a look at it
Depending on the angle you should be able to st least half fill the filter before screw it back on
Preferably fill it , just depends how much oil will leak out before you screw it back on

And
Don't go stupid tightening it up
Many do
And then can't get the thing back off
Why?
Cos they forgot the motor gets hot and cold when in use and cold when not in use
So
This causes the metal to expand and contract and causes the filter to tighten up even more firm then what they put it on with originally

[CJVR08]

Yes well I just did it again, finally got the old filter off it was on like cement.

Emptied all the oil and emptied the filter put brand new filter and oil back in it

Bloody messy job