Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Which AFE To Buy ??

[TShively]

Looking to buy an AFE Pro Guard 7, was wondering which you recomend - the stock square or the complete system (is it worth the extra $). Thanks for your input!

 

[WBusa]

The OEM replacement square filter is perfectly suitable if you're not already starved for air, but if air is already a problem, you'll prolly want to go over to the cylindrical filter. Note that with the cylindrical (which replaces the stock filter box) you'll hear your turbo a LOT more... this is either good or bad, depending on your tastes - my Jack Russell Terrier really hates that turbo whine, but me, I can hardly hear it with these old ears. With the cylindrical, the pre-filter (nylon sock) is a good investment; keeps splashes and chunks away from the filter.



Just guessing here (and I'll prolly start an argument with this), but the Stage 2 system (cylindrical filter plus a new filter-to-turbo tube) is prolly unnecessary overkill, unless you just like the look of it under your hood, or unless you're generating 600 HP.

 

[Mark Craig]

TShively,



Seeing as you already have exhaust and fuel plate I would reccomend the Stage II, the factory filter dimensions are just barely able to supply the stock engine, yours being modded would benefit from the Stage II for sure! Getting the Pro Guard 7 is definetly the way to go too!!! We feel so strongly about it it is all we stock and sell.



Mark @ DPPI

 

[TShively]

Thanks for the info its good to see what you guys are running and hoe it works before spending the money.

 

[Dave M]

I got an AFE pro Guard 7 from Piers. When I bought my #10 and GSK kit Piers recommended I get rid of my square AFE in the stock box and go with the conical AFE. The stock box is too restrictive for the air flow I need. I ended up with PN AFE75-10071 (with yellow Pro Guard 7 filter) which is Stage I. I could have got the Stage I with a higher flow filter also (AFE 54-10071 blue filter). The Pro Guard 7 cost a little more than the standard cylindrical blue filter.



The Stage II setup comes with your choice of the blue or yellow filter also. The Stage II cost more and has a more enclosed hooded box and also has the new "filter to turbo tube" mentioned. The Stage II is also almost twice the cost of the Stage I...



As I understand it, the regular blue AFE filter setup (Stage I. . AFE 54-10071) flows more and the one with Pro Guard 7 filter (AFE 75-10071 with yellow filter) flows less but filters better and is great for dusty areas. Some use the higher flow blue AFE blue filter in the winter and higher filtration/lower flow Pro Guard 7 in the summer.



The Stage I is pretty much open on top and on the turbo side it just shields the heat from the turbo, so the sock is a good idea. Wish I got one when I ordered mine but I will get one myself to help protect the filter.



I haven't installed my AFE Stage I yet so let us know what you think as far as louder and performance effect.



Some prefer the BHAF, but thats another story.



Dave

 

[JPittinger]

Some prefer the BHAF, but thats another story.



Dave

:-laf Get a BHAF and stick an AFE sticker on it, maybe an outerwears cover. Then, Just lie to yer friends. Twice the air at 1/10th the cost.

 

[Dave M]

Jpittinger:



Yeah, I hear ya :{ . Anyone want to buy an AFE Stage I... . minus the AFE sticker of course :-laf Well... I bought it... so I'll run with it for awhile and someday try a cheap BHAF... did I say much cheaper Oo. ... filter than the one I got . And you don't have to give the BHAF a bath and oil it... Geeeezh. I coulda bought 10 BHAF's for the price of my Stage I... don't rub it in :{



Dave

 

[TShively]

what is a BHAF and who makes/sells , how much?

 

[Dave M]

What is a BHAF?

Well... ... ... Since no one has jumped in yet , I'll try to help you out a little. I don't have a BHAF but I've read about it. Hopefully someone with direct experience will help you out.



Just to get you started, BHAF just stands for Big Honking Air Filter. It's just an aconynm someone cleverly made up I guess. They are very large cylindrical paper filters that will fit onto your current "filter to Turbo" air input hose in place of your current stock airbox and filter. Kinda looks like something you'd find on a big rig. I never priced them but I believe they cost about $35 and they cannot be re-used like the AFE filters :{ .



NAPA and Fleetguard have them... others can give you PN's. They need to be sized to fit the turbo hose and fit under the hood (barely). There are heat shields available and socks to help protect them.



I don't know what the flow of the BHAF is compared to the AFE, but apparently they flow better and a lot of guys here like them better and they are cheaper . You'll hear good and bad about both... kinda stirs things up when you bring it up :-{} .



Here is a link to a recent thread posted last month that has pics:



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=120212&highlight=bhaf



If you search on "BHAF" you will find hours of reading enjoyment.



Hope that helps some. Those with PN's can post them for you or look in the thread above that has the pics and PN's.



I got the AFE Stage I and am going to try that cause it has a niffty sticker :-laf , and it does come with the heat shieild Oo. too . Seriously tho, there are pro's and con's for both.



Good luck,



Dave

 

[sack]

I put on the whole stage two system with the torque tube and I have been really impressed with the results. The Turbo definitly gets a bit louder but thats for a good reason as it spins up faster and feels like it delivers boost quicker. (I didn't have guages b4 I installed it so I can't say for sure) But there is a noticible difference in acceleration, and it definitly makes a difference. Although make sure you order the cleaning kit and a prefilter as well.

 

[Dave M]

AFE Stage I Installed

Wow! Its sounds good Oo. . Just installed it today. The turbo whistles like a jet taking off . I can see why guys talk about rolling the windows down to hear the turbo whine. The acceleration is improved as it feels like the turbo is spooling up quicker. Life is good . Go for it tshively ! It will make you



JPittinger:



I added a AFE sticker to the heat shield box and the rear window . The stickers really are . I might have an extra one for your BHAF :-laf .

 

[EBottema]

Depending on your alternator. You might have fitment problems with the new tube of the stage II. Tried to get afe to make a new tube but they of course refused. Figures :-(

 

[tURBOdIEZEl]

i am yet to see a major horsepower difference between the stage I and stage II AFE intakes. the stock intake tube is swirled on the outside, but is not on the inside. i know many guys have dyno tested drop in filters, BHAF's, and a variety of intakes.....