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QUESTION: Aftermarket Air Filters
This comment from Wayne was posted to FYI not to long ago on "Looking for Your Input," and we've been working on an answer. Thanks to Kelly Wysocki, Product Communications Manager, GM Full-Size Trucks, for helping us out with this in-depth answer. -Alicia Dorset, blog editor
"im an owner of a 2006 silverado and like many today looking for better gas mileage with the gas prices being what they are $$$ everyone tells me that my 2006 silverado has a cold air intake is this true?? if so how would GM`s intake system on my truck go up against K&N air intake?? because i`ve been told by alot of people K&N cold air intake will give me way better performance along with better gas mileage is this true?? please help" -Wayne
From Kelly:
K&N is a brand of air filters. In some cases they sell air cleaner solutions. Per your comment, Wayne, I would be very careful in changing my air cleaner.
- K&N filters are less restrictive, but they achieve this performance by differing filtering strategies (using oil on their filter media). Oil use on your filter element over time could damage your MAF sensing elements and result in service engine soon lights or driveability issues.
- Changes to the air cleaner itself could affect both snow and water ingestion performance, which could damage your engine.
Therefore, I would strongly discourage any changes to the filter element and air cleaner assemble. The fuel economy benefits aren't worth the risk.
K&N is an aftermarket producer of high-efficiency air filters and high-flow air intake systems. Most auto parts stores (Murrays, Pep Boys, etc...) carry their products. Aftermarket air filters will not produce "way better" fuel economy. Furthermore, while some "cold air intake" systems reduce intake restriction, they also tend to generate more intake noise than the production air intake system, and yield little (if any) improvement in fuel economy.
However, maintaining proper tire pressure, and ensuring the air filter is free from debris or significant dust/mud/dirt collection will ensure the vehicle is operating with the best possible fuel economy. Additionally, driving behavior significantly affects fuel economy. Avoiding aggressive accelerations and lifting off of the accelerator pedal earlier when approaching stop signs or red lights can significantly improve observed fuel economy.
Apart from proper maintenance and good driving habits, it's up to the manufacturer of the vehicle to deliver a product with minimal mass, low aerodynamic drag, low tire, brake, driveline, engine and transmission friction, and with an efficient powertrain to maximize fuel economy. Most, if not all of these characteristics cannot be significantly changed by even a skilled customer... especially without voiding their warranty.
We're working hard on answering the questions we get here at FYI, so please keep them coming!
Posted by Editor on January 17, 2008 5:04 PM
Comments
What we have seen in the field is that when the filters are cleaned & re-oiled, if a little is good, a lot is very bad as MAF sensors get coated & fail. Also, alot of the "cold air" intake systems that I see really allow more hot air in than any cold air.
Posted by: kevin on January 18, 2008 10:58 AM
Do you know if this applies to all GM products or just GM's truck engines? I ask because I'm currently using a K&N filter in an '03 Vibe.
Posted by: Pete on January 18, 2008 11:29 AM
While K&N makes no fuel economy claims many of our customers supply feedback that would support such a claim. K&N does make Horse Power specific claims with dyno charts for most Intake Systems at knfilters.com. For K&N's position on MAF sensors and oil follow the link provided. We have done a lot of research and provide it on the website.
Tim Stewart
Merchandising Director
Posted by: Tim Stewart on January 18, 2008 5:00 PM
I am currently usung a K&N filter in my 4.3L, Chevy S-10, have had it for 2 years, and I just recently experienced a "service engine soon" light. Thanks for the info.
Posted by: Mike on January 25, 2008 2:23 PM
"it's up to the manufacturer of the vehicle to deliver a product with minimal mass, low aerodynamic drag, low tire, brake, driveline, engine and transmission friction"
Who would want a car with low tire friction?
Posted by: Anonymouscynic on January 30, 2008 9:29 AM
What about the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act of 1975? Vehicle manufacturers may not refuse warranty repairs under the Clean Air Acts performance and defect warranties merely because aftermarket parts have been installed on the vehicle. The only circumstance under which the vehicle manufacturer can void the emissions warranties is if an aftermarket part is responsible for (causes) the warranty claim. If you do have this item installed in your vehicle, be sure to properly maintain it!
Posted by: Joshua on April 5, 2008 2:59 PM
