K&N Filters in new focus

[owens]

Hi Guys. I just saw mention of installing a k&N filter in the new focus and a link to the product here:

http://www.knfilters.com/search/prod...x?Prod=33-2886

My question is, how much difference does it mate, would it be noticeable and worthwhile doing? Also, how much do they charge for them?

Cheers,
Owen.

[FocusLX06]

I was also considering one of these, I rang my local repco and they said they can't get them in. I guess I'll try Autobahn when I'm at the coast next.

[orsest170]

In terms of quantifiable performance gains, you will get very little, if any (maybe1 -2 hp tops), which you certainly will not feel. If you are planning other mods down the track, it is a worthy upgrade as it will help your car breathe better (especially combined with a performance exhaust system). Probably around $100 in Australia, but you can often do a lot better by purchasing online.

[zetec]

I honestly don't really notice much if any difference, again it's barely noticeable even on a dyno. Your engine is tuned to best performance using the factory filter and unless you drop on an exhaust, chip and filter together, gains are negligible. So as a stand alone mod, not really worth it but with at least an exhaust, probably worth a look. At the end of the day, more air in means more air out and unless you increase the flow of the exhaust, extra intake can only go so far.

[owens]

Thanks for the input guys Much appreciated.

[Parasite]

The greatest advantage is that they are re-usable which should equal less servicing dollars over time

[WASP]

There maybe a slight improvement in fuel economy as well, but if it's enough to offset the cost is another matter.

[Zetec20]

I've just had a 2 1/2 inch exhaust done on my new focus and i was looking at one of these next, anyone know of a good site to get them from?

[zetec]

Under $100 is your guide, just get htem from any reputable exhaust or aftermarket centre.

[owens]

Originally Posted by Zetec20

I've just had a 2 1/2 inch exhaust done on my new focus and i was looking at one of these next, anyone know of a good site to get them from?

Hi Zetec20. Do you have any pics of your new exhaust? I've been contemplating getting one as well. What price range would I be looking at?

Cheers,
Owen.

[Zetec20]

Originally Posted by owens

Hi Zetec20. Do you have any pics of your new exhaust? I've been contemplating getting one as well. What price range would I be looking at?

Cheers,
Owen.

Haven't got pics yet as I haven't cut out part of the rear bar yet to get the tip moved into but i'll get a few shots today or tomorrow and post them, it cost me $300 for the whole thing cat back with 2 high flow mufflers and and an awesome dual tip, it's got a real nice growl to it too and not too loud when it idles but when the foot's to the floor it screams (in a good way)

[melbzetec]

Worth looking at BMC filters as well. Was always my preference. European not US

[Zetec20]

Originally Posted by melbzetec

Worth looking at BMC filters as well. Was always my preference. European not US

Any perfromance difference between BMC and K&N or just a personal thing?

[owens]

Originally Posted by Zetec20

Haven't got pics yet as I haven't cut out part of the rear bar yet to get the tip moved into but i'll get a few shots today or tomorrow and post them, it cost me $300 for the whole thing cat back with 2 high flow mufflers and and an awesome dual tip, it's got a real nice growl to it too and not too loud when it idles but when the foot's to the floor it screams (in a good way)

Sounds awesome

[FocusLX06]

Originally Posted by Zetec20

Any perfromance difference between BMC and K&N or just a personal thing?

I'm also interested.

[melbzetec]

I reckon the BMC performs better, but have no dyno results to show. The McLaren and Ferrari Formula 1 teams use BMC, so they do know something about Filter technology. You'll pay more for a BMC though, for minimal if any gain over the K&N

Autospeed reckon they tested heaps of panel filters, and argue that unless you change the whole airbox, you'll get minimal results with an aftermarket panel filter

[zetec]

The Focus builders handbook also backs up this point about minimal gains on its own, returning the following

"It should be evident by the results that installing a simple drop-in filter is worth very little in terms of added horsepower."

Gains recorded were 2-3 horsepower. Negligible and less than you'd "feel" by using a higher grade of fuel or a fuel octane booster I'd dare say.

The only main benefit, as mentioned above in an otherwise stock car, is the cost of replacement is nil once you have a K&N, however remembering that it has to be re-oiled, it still works out cheaper in the long run than constant paper filter replacements. Just not really worth it stock.

[Zetec20]

hm.... what if i were to ИИИИ off the entire airbox etc and run a pod filter right down the front just in front and to the right of the radiator?

[amlohac]

your talking about a long ram pod, lotsa tourque, lotsa nice cold air. The thing with the focus here in australia is the under hood temp, in summer it gets f'ing hot under there. A short ram pod just sucks very hot air into the engine which is not what you want. Ive just installed a long ram on my car this summer (had to take the short one off last summer cos i was having serious power problems due to the hot air) and while theres a slight extra power gain, its not really that noticeable, except maybe when you boot it from a red light.

The only thing you need to remember with air intake is the colder the air the better. Some people get the same power gain from a decent high flow panel filter and cold air ducting from the front of the car (for a normal aspirated car anyways, turbo is a whole different bag of elephants).

[pertuan]

Hang on... does this whole cold air thing mean that you'd get more power in winter?

[amlohac]

nope just more consistant power. The extra power you get from a pod on a non-turbo/supercharged car is pretty ИИИИ weak, still makes the engine sound great from the induction noise.