Different Air Filter Materials...
Discussion
Have been looking a lot into performance air filters recently.
Was wondering what people think about the different materials?
Have heard that a foam one filters less buy makes a better noise, but is also more harmful in the long run.
I have also heard that a cotton gauze air filter will be more filtering that a foam one but makes less noise & the oil can be an issue for the MAF.
Then the stainless steel ones are just a general sh*t show and let everything in...
Debate away!
Was wondering what people think about the different materials?
Have heard that a foam one filters less buy makes a better noise, but is also more harmful in the long run.
I have also heard that a cotton gauze air filter will be more filtering that a foam one but makes less noise & the oil can be an issue for the MAF.
Then the stainless steel ones are just a general sh*t show and let everything in...
Debate away!
Air filters are a cheap or cheapish addon, and sometimes help to make a bit more power. Changing the type of airbox will normally have a bigger effect and more impact on noise than just the element alone.
But they aren't going to give you a massive performance improvements, but may make the throttle response better, depending on the car.
Filters are there to filter. And as a rule paper filers very well. Foam flows more, but usually doesn't filter as well. So they are often fine for specific use. Foam filters often require oiling to aid in filtering as well.
Cotton weave needs an oil to aid filtering ability. But should flow more than paper. The issue with cotton weave is they need to be cleaned more often than you'd change a paper filter, if you want to retain the better air flow. This means they are generally an expensive filter to run. Failure to clean them will result in them flowing less air than a paper filter.
Synthetic weave filters look very interesting, used mostly on aircraft and heavy plant machinery. But sometimes make their way onto cars, they usually filter similar to paper elements but flow almost as well as the foam elements.
https://www.donaldson.com/en-us/engine/filters/pro...
Metal mesh are not filters in regards to the context of engine air intakes.
But they aren't going to give you a massive performance improvements, but may make the throttle response better, depending on the car.
Filters are there to filter. And as a rule paper filers very well. Foam flows more, but usually doesn't filter as well. So they are often fine for specific use. Foam filters often require oiling to aid in filtering as well.
Cotton weave needs an oil to aid filtering ability. But should flow more than paper. The issue with cotton weave is they need to be cleaned more often than you'd change a paper filter, if you want to retain the better air flow. This means they are generally an expensive filter to run. Failure to clean them will result in them flowing less air than a paper filter.
Synthetic weave filters look very interesting, used mostly on aircraft and heavy plant machinery. But sometimes make their way onto cars, they usually filter similar to paper elements but flow almost as well as the foam elements.
https://www.donaldson.com/en-us/engine/filters/pro...
Metal mesh are not filters in regards to the context of engine air intakes.
IanJ9375 said:
Any oil issue is only from being a numpty whilst re-oiling imho
I agree as in the past I have used a K&N air filter and never had any issues.Also, I understand that an air filter doesn't do much for performance. More just looking for a better noise without killing my car...
masonZS said:
Have been looking a lot into performance air filters recently.
As we saw in https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...masonZS said:
Was wondering what people think about the different materials?
...
makes a better noise
...
makes less noise
I don't understand why you've latched onto the idea that noise has got anything to do with air filter choice....
makes a better noise
...
makes less noise
GreenV8S said:
I don't understand why you've latched onto the idea that noise has got anything to do with air filter choice.
Those that flow more may make more of an audible noise, but tbh, noise will come from a different airbox. Most factory airboxes are designed to reduce noise and may even include baffles and resonance chambers to accomplish this.Replacing the entire airbox can often result in more induction noise.
GreenV8S said:
I don't understand why you've latched onto the idea that noise has got anything to do with air filter choice.
Seems like the reason most people get an aftermarket air filter is for noise... Doubt people are spending £100+ for for an extra 1-2bhp...Also, should of made it more clear. I mean aftermarket 'pod/mushroom' filters rather than standard panel filters.
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