What are benefits of BHAF

[John Berger]

Thinking about this as my next upgrade. I've got good results (oil analysis results) with my Amsoil foam air filter, but I'm thinking I would like to increase air flow. Will the BHAF do this over the Amsoil filter? Are there any downsides to this filter? What about price and distributors?

 

[mimprevento]

BHAF

No benefits according to Cummins Atlantic since it is sitting out there in hot air and there is no ram or forcing of air in- they said to take it out and I did. You must also be vigilant to make sure the connection is good as mine loosened up and let dirt through to the point they thought I had done damage- I got lucky but I do question this retrofit and believe that a system that benefits from air flow and is protected is the best.

 

[Big White Beast]

Oiled or not.......

No doubt the Cummins can benefit from more airflow. The question would be if you want an oiled filter or not. In the stock box a couple of companies make higher flow oiled filters as replacements.



If you lose the stock box the BHAF is one of the few choices you have for a non-oiled filter. Mimprevento is correct that you need to reinforce the neck so it doesn't collapse and let dirt through.



Where I disagree is that your not getting any benefit from an open filter in the engine compartment. The stock box isn't ram air. Heck a stock truck can suck the tunnel right out of the fender opening. And several people including myself have put thermometers under the hood to test for heat. The only time it's too hot is at idle. Once moving air temps are just a few degree's off of ambient.



If your OK with oiled filters the choices are many.



Garrett

 

[illflem]

Every Cummins tech I've talked to who's seen a BHAF thinks it a pretty foolish thing to do.

After seeing just one BHAF hanging half way off the intake tube I said no way.

What I'm trying to understand that no one has ever explained is if the filter minder doesn't move how can your engine be getting any less than the full amount of air it needs?



Keep your Amsoil airbox filter.

 

[jwilliams3]

I run a BHAF with a heat shield.

It does flow more air then a stock filter, there is also more surface filter area.



My BHAF has never come loose from its hose clamp.

Also, there is no oily residue or dirt on my compressor blades or in my turbos compressor.



I did notice an EGT drop when I installed the BHAF, I also noticed my turbo spooled quicker after its installation.



If I remember correctly Larry Crawford dynoed 530+hp with a BHAF on his truck, I dynoed 447hp, Aaron Otte dynoed 470hp/1003ft lbs with a BHAF (yeah they work well).



There is a point though when I think a cotton oiled element filter could benefit, for quicker spool up and high boosting trucks.



By the way,

Most Cummins Techs dont owned bombed trucks (some do though!)



--Justin

 

[Amianthus]

I switched to a BHAF for a couple of reasons. First and foremost was that I can never seem to get my Amsoil filter clean enough. But my air demand requirements dictate a high flow filter. The only alternative, for now, was the BHAF. It's disposeable, and high flowing. The underhood ambient temp problems are there, but they aren't a major concern of mine right now. Summer may be a problem. But I will make accommodations when it becomes a bigger issue.

 

[rjones]

I tried the BHAF over my KN air charger system and I also wasnt impressed, though I didnt notice any improvements I did notice alot more smoke with the BHAF over the K&N,I also had a heatsheild on the BHAF..... Rick

 

[Big White Beast]

Illflem......

I'd be curious as to their (Cummins techs) opinion of the oiled cone style filters. Do they also see these as foolish? I'll agree that on a stock motor the stock filter is adequate. When adding more horsepower I think it is something that needs to be addressed.



Just my 2¢ worth,



Garrett

 

[illflem]

Garrett, some techs have no problem with oiled filters, others do. Main complaint is a lack of consistency in the maintence and installation. Hard to mess up with a paper throw away filter.

 

[rjones]

Originally posted by jwilliams3

Illflem,

Well since you have talked to all the Cummins techs, I guess its a closed case.



I run a BHAF with a heat shield.

It does flow more air then a stock filter, there is also more surface filter area.



My BHAF has never come loose from its hose clamp.

Also, there is no oily residue or dirt on my compressor blades or in my turbos compressor.



I did notice an EGT drop when I installed the BHAF, I also noticed my turbo spooled quicker after its installation.



If I remember correctly Larry Crawford dynoed 530+hp with a BHAF on his truck, I dynoed 447hp, Aaron Otte dynoed 470hp/1003ft lbs with a BHAF (yeah they work well).





There is a point though when I think a cotton oiled element filter could benefit, for quicker spool up and high boosting trucks.



By the way,

Most Cummins Techs dont owned bombed trucks (some do though!)



--Justin

Yeh but did they dino them with any other filter??

 

[jwilliams3]

Not that I am aware of to answer that question.



But, it shows that the BHAF is capable of supporting 400+hp.

That was the point I was trying to make.



--Justin

 

[rjones]

Originally posted by jwilliams3

Not that I am aware of to answer that question.



But, it shows that the BHAF is capable of supporting 400+hp.

That was the point I was trying to make.



--Justin

Just curious... . I would like to see actual runs with the stock versas any other filter manufacture... ... . Rick

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

"some techs have no problem with oiled filters, others do. Main complaint is a lack of consistency in the maintence and installation. "



Which is a point I consistently attempt to make - any owner who is "inconsistent" or incompetent in proper installation or maintenance of an oiled type filter, is probably JUST as inconsistent and incompetent with a STOCK, paper type - and THEY leak if not properly installed and seated in the airbox, JUST LIKE the oiled ones do - but fellas seem real "forgiving" when that happens with a stock filter - and REAL noisy if the oiled one does it...

 

[R.ebel]

BHAF

I love my BHAF. The K&N I have run in the past is in the TRASH where it belongs! Beware here guys the K&N does not meet the minimum particle size requirement per Cummins. I'm running the BHAF with a heat shield and find that it is comparable to the K&N re-0880 in terms of egt reduction. Besides what a pain in the rump to clean, then wait for it to dry and re-oil the K&N. I get the BHAF for $33. 00 at the local Peterbuilt shop. Blow it from the inside out with compressed air every few months and replace it once a year.





513HP & 1140 ft-lb

 

[rjones]

Re: BHAF

Originally posted by R. ebel

I love my BHAF. The K&N I have run in the past is in the TRASH where it belongs! Beware here guys the K&N does not meet the minimum particle size requirement per Cummins. I'm running the BHAF with a heat shield and find that it is comparable to the K&N re-0880 in terms of egt reduction. Besides what a pain in the rump to clean, then wait for it to dry and re-oil the K&N. I get the BHAF for $33. 00 at the local Peterbuilt shop. Blow it from the inside out with compressed air every few months and replace it once a year.





513HP & 1140 ft-lb

Thats funny my oil test came back 0 for silica... ..... after 6000 miles on the KN... ...

 

[QRTRHRS]

My filter evolution

Stock, KN stock replacement, KN 880, BHAF. Coming up on two years with the BHAF, ho hum, guess I should be stopping by NAPA for a new one. Works for me but then so does Rotella dino.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

R. ebel sez:



"Beware here guys the K&N does not meet the minimum particle size requirement per Cummins. "



PUT yer money where yer mouth is - *I* have $100 that sez you can't back that statement up with info direct from either Cummins OR K&N! No evasions, tricks or word games - just a clear statement from either that the specified filter for the application will NOT meet minimum spec...



Wanna play?



Time to fish, or cut bait...

 

[Tom C]

I dont have a BHAF and really dont want one.



I can tell you that I have tried the stock filter, Fleetguard filter, and K&N and with my setup it has made no difference in performance, sound level or EGT's.



hope this helps with your filter decision.



Tom C

 

[R.ebel]

BHAF

Garyjkq6, I saw it in the TDR magazine about 3 years ago and will give you the issue and page number when I find it

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

"Garyjkq6, I saw it in the TDR magazine about 3 years ago and will give you the issue and page number when I find it"



Like I said a clear statement, *direct from Cummins Corp* the K&N filters don't meet Cummins OR DC spec on dirt stopping capabilities will do it - not just an opinion from some guy who works in one of their shops and is quoted as tho' he was the "official Cummins" spokesman - and for that matter, it would be interesting to see exactly WHAT the "Cummins spec" *is* for dirt filtering - and keep in mind, it's NOT Cummins who warrants these engines anyway, but DC... If you don't think so, just try to take one in to a Cummins shop for direct engine warranty work - unless you have a direct referral from DC, Cummins won't touch it...



I do know that a few years back, Dodge dealers were offering some sort of K&N intake/filter package as a power enhancing package, it was discontinued eventually, but I don't remember all the particulars, or even if it was a setup specifically marketed for the Cummins or the gas rigs...



Meanwhile, keep looking...