As an expert in the automotive industry, I am often asked about the benefits of high-performance air filters. And the most common question I receive is, 'How much horsepower can a better air filter add?' The answer is simple: yes, high-performance air filters do offer an increase in power. On average, this increase is around 3-5 hp. While this may seem like a minor increase, it can make a significant difference in the overall performance of a vehicle and greatly improve the driving experience. One of the main advantages of a high-flow air filter is that it does not need to be changed every year like regular filters.
Instead, it only needs to be cleaned every two years or so. This is because high-performance filters do not clog up as quickly or easily, but they offer better airflow and filtration of the air that enters the engine. And when an engine receives more air, it can perform better. In fact, a high-flow air filter can increase an engine's power by 3-5 hp and also increase its torque. But that's not all - it can also improve fuel efficiency.
How? Some high-performance filters come with a cold air intake unit, which draws air from outside the car instead of using hot air from the engine compartment. As we learned in science class, cold air is denser and burns better, resulting in improved engine performance. I have personally seen the difference that a high-performance air filter can make on a vehicle's performance. In one test, we installed a K&N filter and saw an increase in power from 163.32 hp to 164.42 hp and an increase in torque from 141.82 lb-ft to 142.53 lb-ft. While this may not seem like a significant difference, it was the best performing filter in the test.
However, it only provided a 1.1 hp and 0.71 lb-ft increase compared to a cheap aftermarket filter. So why are cold air intakes such a popular modification among car enthusiasts? For starters, they are relatively affordable, usually costing only a few hundred dollars depending on the manufacturer and type of car. They are also easy to install with just a few hand tools in a standard garage. And despite their simplicity, they can provide a decent power boost with a small investment. But how do high-performance air filters maintain their efficiency over time? Unlike disposable paper filters that accumulate dust on the surface and block airflow, high-performance filters are designed to be more durable and maintain their airflow for longer periods. This is similar to what happens with a vacuum cleaner - when the filter is dirty, it restricts airflow and decreases the machine's power. In another test, we were surprised to see that an aftermarket CarQuest filter performed better than a clean OEM filter, despite being less expensive.
This just goes to show the significant impact that redirecting the filter to extract cooler air can have on a vehicle's performance. In most cars, this simple modification can result in an increase of 5-20 hp.The K&N intake system is designed to provide both performance and protection. The premium air filter included in the system can increase airflow by up to 50% compared to traditional disposable paper filters. And the intake tube is designed to allow a large volume of oxygen-rich air to flow without any excess baffles or components that can slow down airflow in factory systems. When it comes to routine maintenance, many people overlook the importance of the air filter.
Most disposable paper filters greatly restrict airflow because the openings in the filter medium have to be extremely small to filter efficiently. This slows down airflow and decreases performance. On the other hand, high-performance filters have a principle called surface charge, where dust accumulates only on the surface of the filter medium, allowing for better airflow and improved performance.