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do k&n air filters really work and are they worth it
- Thread starter pmoyer
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The .21 MotorSaver CLICK HERE or the HPI clone of the same CLICK HERE should be just what the doctor ordered.
Domination
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no do not get a K&N filter for a RC. They were and are desisnged for 1:1 cars which do not need a very fine filter and are not effected by smal dust particles that are let through. But on a RC and kind of abrasive particles and reak havoc on a RC engine.
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It is indeed much better than stock.
What it does:
1. Three stages of filtration. Outer element, basket, and inner element.
2. The open basket style allows much more air flow into the engine. This allows the engine to breathe better, and gives a performance increase.
Is it an absolute necessity or requirement to get this? Not a requirement and arguably not an absolute necessity. I will tell you this, I have never run a stock air filter on any of my off road rides. I have either gone with the Motor Saver or something on par with it.
I highly recommend the upgrade.
What it does:
1. Three stages of filtration. Outer element, basket, and inner element.
2. The open basket style allows much more air flow into the engine. This allows the engine to breathe better, and gives a performance increase.
Is it an absolute necessity or requirement to get this? Not a requirement and arguably not an absolute necessity. I will tell you this, I have never run a stock air filter on any of my off road rides. I have either gone with the Motor Saver or something on par with it.
I highly recommend the upgrade.
- Thread starter
- #9
my dad made a good point to me that its like taking off the stock filter seeing if i feel a difference and if i dont there is no point in getting a new one. i kind of agree with him unless its that that much better i mean alot better then stock.
pmoyer said:
Look at it this way. The stock filter can onyl pull in air from the limited amount of breathing space it has. The motor saver can pull in a lot more air because of mor ebreathing space. It's like comparing sucking air through a hose or a wider pipe.
It's only 20 bucks now VS. 200 plus for a new motor. It will make a little differance in performance and deffinatly make your motor last longer. So long as you keep it clean and oiled. And if sky tells you its good take his word on it he knows what hes talking about.
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First, never run one of these engines without an air filter. Your dad's recommendation sounded like he was suggesting you run without one. That is a sure fire way to destroy your engine. It only takes a small grain of sand pulled in through the intake and your 30000-40000rpm engine will eat itself, causing the loss of the engine....or at least requiring a costly rebuild.
Second, the MotorSaver air filter usually comes pre-oiled. The HPI filter did not (at least when I bought it). HERE are three oils that will do the job. You will hear a number of recommendations about suitable oils to use on an air filter. I personally use one labeled as air filter/cleaner oil made specifically for the RC air filters. That does not mean that other oils are not adequate. I just prefer to use something I know for a fact was made to be used on these things.
Third, the performance increase you see from adding an upgraded filter is nothing compared to say making a gearing change or adding a quality tuned exhaust pipe. What you will see is an engine that can be dialed in to run a little richer to bring the fuel to air mixture in line with the increased air flow. This richer condition will provide extra lube to the engine (a good thing that does affect longevity.)
Finally, engine life is determined by too many factors to say that the right air filter will guarantee anything extra in the way of engine life. This is not some silver bullet that will make the engine live forever. If you maintain your engine, keep it clean and lubed, shut it down and position the piston at BDC, use ARO when necessary, and don't do anything overly crazy to the engine...it should last you quite a while before needing a rebuild. BUT I could tell you the engine should last you ten gallons, and tomorrow you could go out and have the engine crap out after one tank. There is nothing certain in these things.
Like I said, you can run with the stock filter just fine. BUT I still recommend the better filter.
BTW, pmoyer...where in VA do you live? I'm in the Hampton Roads area.
Second, the MotorSaver air filter usually comes pre-oiled. The HPI filter did not (at least when I bought it). HERE are three oils that will do the job. You will hear a number of recommendations about suitable oils to use on an air filter. I personally use one labeled as air filter/cleaner oil made specifically for the RC air filters. That does not mean that other oils are not adequate. I just prefer to use something I know for a fact was made to be used on these things.
Third, the performance increase you see from adding an upgraded filter is nothing compared to say making a gearing change or adding a quality tuned exhaust pipe. What you will see is an engine that can be dialed in to run a little richer to bring the fuel to air mixture in line with the increased air flow. This richer condition will provide extra lube to the engine (a good thing that does affect longevity.)
Finally, engine life is determined by too many factors to say that the right air filter will guarantee anything extra in the way of engine life. This is not some silver bullet that will make the engine live forever. If you maintain your engine, keep it clean and lubed, shut it down and position the piston at BDC, use ARO when necessary, and don't do anything overly crazy to the engine...it should last you quite a while before needing a rebuild. BUT I could tell you the engine should last you ten gallons, and tomorrow you could go out and have the engine crap out after one tank. There is nothing certain in these things.
Like I said, you can run with the stock filter just fine. BUT I still recommend the better filter.
BTW, pmoyer...where in VA do you live? I'm in the Hampton Roads area.
digger
Hardcore RCTalk User
I just put the HPI on mine. It is huge compared to the stock filter!!! Stock filter is smaller than the
one that came on my kid's .18. 3 or 4 runs and I had to clean it. Running great one day, had to lean
it a turn the next day where it was stopped up. I was like, WTF? Wasn't running in very dusty
conditions either.
You will probably have to richen it up because it will be getting "more" air.
As for the oil: I'm using Marvel Mystery. Using it for after-run too. Has worked great so far. New to the
cars, but been putting it in my planes for years. My buggy has had about 2 gallons through it and that
is what I have used. Still has the compression it had when it was new.
one that came on my kid's .18. 3 or 4 runs and I had to clean it. Running great one day, had to lean
it a turn the next day where it was stopped up. I was like, WTF? Wasn't running in very dusty
conditions either.
You will probably have to richen it up because it will be getting "more" air.
As for the oil: I'm using Marvel Mystery. Using it for after-run too. Has worked great so far. New to the
cars, but been putting it in my planes for years. My buggy has had about 2 gallons through it and that
is what I have used. Still has the compression it had when it was new.
SkyMaxx said:
Not sure about the 25 but the SS filter uses a 2 part foam and it does come pre oiled. It takes in more air than the T-Maxx filter but what I do not like about it is that the foam is completely exposed, essentially this is a one stage filter as opposed to the 2 or 3 stage motor saver. The SS comes with extra foams but still, one trip through the mud or heavy dust and the thing is shot.
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Nice chatting with you on AIM...I got sent to sea for a bit and did not get back to this thread to respond to you.
I have family up near Fairfax...my grandmother lives in Fairfax and my inlaws live in Sterling Park.
As for the K&N oil, you should be able to use just about any air filter oil on any air filter. I would steer clear of anything very thin or light weight as it might not do its job and coat the filter element properly. But the K&N should be fine...
I have family up near Fairfax...my grandmother lives in Fairfax and my inlaws live in Sterling Park.
As for the K&N oil, you should be able to use just about any air filter oil on any air filter. I would steer clear of anything very thin or light weight as it might not do its job and coat the filter element properly. But the K&N should be fine...