B&N (and copycats) Air Filters

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 27 Dec 2011, 23:19

Is docmentation available on the Volvo air filtration (850s and P2s) versus B&N? What are the micron sizes? What is the allowed max air flow? Is there a performance increase? Does cost work out over time?

I had one on my '97R andd took it off, replacing it with the stock (Mann element) and over time see no difference in performance or cost. Here in the high desert we have VERY fine dust, and it comes from volcanic rock....pumice! I really hope to keep that stuff out of my engine. Would appreciate any facts on the K&N, etc.

Thanks! Sim

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 27 Dec 2011, 23:25

Meant K & N, or course!

Sim

SimLyons · Post by **SimLyons** » 28 Dec 2011, 16:40

C'mon guys! I have seen LOTS of photos on MVS with owners proudly showing their K & N conical filters. Also the flat filter that fits in the standard box. Lots of talk but where's the beef? (Data!)

ed7 · Post by **ed7** » 31 Dec 2011, 10:29

More flow means less filtration, plain and simple. The trick with the K&N is to NOT over service it. The dirtier it gets, the better it works. The more the obstruction the better the filtration.
Buy a paper filter and tap it out every once in a while.
Ed

instarx · Post by **instarx** » 31 Dec 2011, 12:24

Technically, the very slight decrease in resistance to airlfow from a K&N filter does result in better fuel economy. So if you really want to spend a lot of money to get 0.00000001 mpg better fuel economy, go for it.

ed7 - more filter surface area can increase airflow through a filter by lowering resistance. So higher flows do not necessarily mean poorer filtering efficiency.