Panel air filters

[ph9]

I need a new air filter for a Mk1 Yaris with a 1 litre engine. It's obviously not a performance motor, but I wouldn't mind trying a non OEM filter which can be cleaned and re-used. Any slight increase in fuel economy or performance would be a bonus.

As far as I can tell, the main contenders are:-

K&N
Pipercross
Blitz

I think the Blitz one might be a metal filter, and it's sold by Fensport who seem to specialise in tuning Japanese cars, but perhaps it doesn't offer safe levels of filtration.

I've also seen comments that the Pipercross ones can disintegrate, causing particles of foam to be sucked into the engine.

Anyway, I'd appreciate some advice on which one to go for, and any advantages/disadvantages compared to a stock filter.

[anonymous-user]

there's exactly one filter you should be fitting to your car. The OEM one.

It's proven filtration, it's likely to be very low loss (certainly the point you would notice, or probably even be able to measure a difference in output) it's also almost certainly cheap, and can be bought anywhere.....

[steveo3002]

stick with standard ones ...there wont be any fuel savings only due to your wallet being lighter

[vsonix]

I have to agree - on a car like that it's fairly pointless. If you want nicer engine noise and *maybe* some slightly better throttle response - go for a heat shielded open cone filter. If you want better airflow then just change the standard paper filter more often or at least clean it with an airline or even a hoover. If you order from the likes of Euro Car Parts a standard OEM paper filter will only cost a few quid versus the £25 and upwards that you would spend on a K&N or Pipercross filter. Obviously it depends a little on driving conditions but your freer flowing 'performance' filter is only ever better than standard whilst it's fully dirt-free - which of course isn't really that long if you live in a polluted city or a dusty rural environment.

[anonymous-user]

vsonix said:

Obviously it depends a little on driving conditions but your freer flowing 'performance' filter is only ever better than standard whilst it's fully dirt-free - which of course isn't really that long if you live in a polluted city or a dusty rural environment.

And i reality, even then it's probably worst as it probably won't have a nice cold air feed. Modern intakes systems are designed very well, and have been for at least the last 20 years. The only reason i can't think to fit something like an K&N is to get a louder intake sound in the cabin

[steveo3002]

few holes drilled in the lower airbox if you want the induction noise

[ph9]

Thanks! I'll go for the OEM one. I'm not interested in increasing induction noise in this car. If an OEM one is optimised for throttle response and economy, that'll do me. Being able to re-use an aftermarket filter might be a plus, but this car is pretty old, and might be pensioned off before I'd recoup the cost.