Like the title says: is it a good idea to replace the stock air filters with K&N inlay filters?

I have done this in all my vehicles untill now, without any problems.
The vehicles all run extremely well with the K&N filters, but I'm not sure this is such a good idea for the V12 beast.

Any suggestions?

 

You might well be opening the paper filter vs K & N. maze. Many views.


For the most part, the K&N will flow more air than an OEM paper filter. But, at a cost.
More particles will go through in to the engine.


More air flow does produce a bit more power. A CI engine is but a giant air pump.


In theory, more fuel is thereby needed. Most fuel mapping can accommodate that.


In very dusty and dirty conditions, an increased wear factor may occur.


If your other cars thrive on K & N's your V12 will probably do the same.


As to whether the increased cost is worth it, you be the judge.


My lump thrives on it's K & N knock off. My Jeep thrives on it's OEM style paper filter.


Each is a huge improvement over the old oil bath units.


I do know that K & N is very proud and protective of their product. And, I respect that.


Just my thoughts, others may differ...


Carl

 

Thanks for the input, Carl!

I have found that almost all of my vehicles actually drink less fuel with the K&N's, but I'm not sure if it would be the case for the V12.

Anybody any thoughts about that?

 

My experience with K-N filters on my Jags, including the V12 XJS, is no improvement in power or fuel economy. The ability to clean and reuse them forever remains a 'plus', however

Cheers
DD

 

I don't think anyone has documented a power or fuel economy increase beyond the butt dyno or placebo phase.

 

Actually, on my motorcycle ( 2007 Yamaha 1200 V-Max ) with CV carbs, it really makes a difference of approx. 15 hp on the dyno.

But that is a normally aspirated high power 20 valve 4 cylinder engine without any injection / fuel electronics...

 

This was on a factory stock motorcycle where only the filter element inside the box was changed? Or was the box modified/deleted?

 

This is on a stock 145bhp engine, with no further modifications other than a decent carb adjustment and synchronisation.
Stock to the last screw, untouched air box and all..

Just replaced the paper element for a K&N and had the carbs fine-tuned.

It went from 107.9bhp on the rear wheel to 122.6bhp...

 

Carbs fine tuned probably had more to do with it than the filter element. Factory settings are typically conservatively rich.

The best K&N vs. stock filter results I've seen was +2hp which is within the realm of gauge error and not real hp.

 

Yeah, a valid test can only be with one change at a time.


I've not looked at the K & N site for decades. I don't recall dyno tests. But, flow bench testing would tell a lot.


Some decades back, my son built a flow bench. A manometer to test air flow. Mostly
to check flow on ported heads. Impressive.


Yeah, Doug's point is valid. Infinite life, just clean and oil!!!


Coco and I went to market. Jaguar's turn. Lady admired him and the car. Me, not so much!!! "What kind of dog is he?". I responded, "dog". She, "the best kind". Good looking dog, in an almost Australian cattle dog way ...


Strut swap on Jeep giving me fits!!!! Task growing into a more complex project. At least, I got one old one out. Three arms needed, to connect the new!!!


Scratched the tree limb chop task. Shoulders done for the day.


Carl

 

i use K&Ns on my V12, 22yrs so far, clean them when i think about it!,LOL

 

I have been using them in all my vehicles.
The best noticable difference can be experienced in my 1994 Iveco 35-12 2.5TDI campercar. Fuel economy is not of the highest concern with that 3 ton brick on the road, but it seems to develop a lot more torque when using the K&N filter.