TDR Air Filteration Test

[ACerf]

I was reading thru issue 77 (aug, sept, oct. ) and came across the article in Technical Topics, page 55-56, item 11 Exhaust/Air Intake. Robert Patton is talking about the testing of K&N filters (not my favorite brand). The result of the test; "Yes, they flow more air and more dirt". I realize that this test was done in 2001 and I also know that manufacturing technics have changed since that test was done. I have had an AFE system on my truck since it was nearly new in 2003. I do oil samples atleast annually, and my truck has has never been any higher on the Silicon element then 3 (Universal Average is 6-7, tested by Blackstone Labs. ) on a truck with 138,000 miles. My point is that I do see benefit to using an aftermarket filter; if it is helping with more air flow and keeping the engine clean! I am sure that Robert was not being critical of using aftermarket filters, but given the fact that the test was so old did not in my opinion have much value in even mentioning it. I might add that I have replaced the original filter I purchased in 2003 with a new one from AFE. Re-test results with new filter after 5,000 miles showed no change in Silicon reading. The key to using an aftermarket air filter is making sure it is cleaned regularly, and I inspect the inlet tube for dirt. If there is dirt present this would be an indication that the filter is not doing its job.

Robert, overall the whole Technical Topics was great!

 

[jelag]

I remember 2 tests from back than... one was the one on the TDR and I thought that was done by Cummins but can't remember... at the same time, Motorcycle Consumer News, a magazine for motorcycle riders who accept no advertisements did almost the same test and came up with the same results... I remember a later article where the people at KN had written them a nasty note... But the fact was that testing their filter against an OEM Honda filter found dirt that wasn't acceptable to the engine manufacturer's standards, as in the case of Cummins test...

at the time the factory Honda filter was $55 and the KN was $35 I think and the recharge kit was $10 or 12, a huge cost savings... . but because of this test I didn't change... .

Just my thoughts...

 

[rscurtis]

If K&N style filter were that good, they'd be standard equipment on construction equipment, OTR trucks, and portable air compressors.

 

[HBarlow]

The K&N may allow more air flow at the expense of more foreign particles during bench testing.

So what?

In the real world application with a K&N filter installed on an unmolested Cummins engine in a Ram additional air flow does not occur but additional dirt flow does.

Air flow is not restricted by the OEM filter in a factory stock engine and won't be until the engine is modified to produce upwards of 450 hp.

 

[ACerf]

Some good points. That is why I looked at the testing of the AFE vs. other filters at the time I bought mine. Of course that was 2003 and I am sure things have changed. It was my understanding that one of the key men at K&N left to start AFE because K&N was satisfied with the product they were making, but he was not! If I was to buy a new Dodge truck I may not spend the money for total filter system, but instead just get a drop-in AFE or AirAid.

 

[Mark31]

If everything on my 04 was as good as the air box and filter, especially the new long pleat one, I think I would have over a 99 and 44/100 % perfect truck. To find fault then would be worse than getting upset with Cindy's mole.