Different Air Filters

Has anyone experimented with the differences between BMC, K&N, and Novitec air filters? Besides the price, I'm curious as to how much more air flow, etc you get from one vs the other.

 

Just replaced mine which came with the car (some yellow rubber border, re-cleanable type), with K&N and it made a world of difference. Shifting and revving up/down is much smoother and the car is so much more responsive.

From what I read with K&N, make sure you do not have too much fiilter oil on it after re-cleaning, otherwise it can foul up the MAF sensors and cause the CEL to light up.

Cheers.

 

Yes, to all of the above

 

I would love to see actual dyno results from each filter, i cant imagine they would be off from 1-2 horsepower

 

That's what I'm thinking too Nick. And the K&N is half the price of the other two.

 

I am also wanting a bit more aggressive intake "sound" for my Spider. Whats holding me back is the experience from the Porsche world.
It was clearly the best option to use original "paper filter" due to the fact that it did not mess up the MAFs.
I guess this is also true on the Ferraris as well?

 

Very True. The last thing I want to do is screw up the MAF and then have to deal with the CEL coming on. I changed out my air boxes to Carbon Fiber and it did improved the sound and is "supposed" to give me an extra 14hp (just FYI if your looking for a little different sound)..sounds a little more aggressive.

 

I'm going to try K&N , I will make sure they dont have excess oil before installing plus you can buy them from AutoZone

 

The oil used with these sorts of filters can gum up the mass airflow sensors- I believe that may have contributed to me having to replace both of my sensors on my 360 at considerable cost (I'm not sure but I think the prior owner may have had K&N in there at some point). Coming from Porsches, this was also a known potential issue, with people either over-oiling the filter when servicing it, or maybe oil sediment coming off the filter from the factory (difficult to say). Some people had issues with the intake and MAF when using K&N type filters in 911s when I owned mine- I had already purchased an aftermarket intake cover for the stock airbox and K&N when I found all of this out and immediately put the paper filter back in but kept the aftermarket airbox cover which gave me the sound that I wanted (I doubt the open airbox cover added any measurable power but I wanted the better sound).

The power increase from different filters is not likely to be anything of any consequence, especially when factoring in the potential risk. Lots of people use these things but I recommend two things: (1) stick with OEM, or (2) if you still want to "upgrade" the air filters, at least research it a little before doing it to see if others had any issues. The 360/430 MAFs seem to have a shorter life than in other cars (my theory is due to the heat in the engine compartment), but if your MAF goes (over $1,000 each) you'll always wonder if that airfilter oil caused a premature death...

For me, you literally couldn't pay me to put anything other than OEM air filters on my car- not worth the risk. Just do the airbox cover if you want different sound. I have a tubi and hyper flow cats on my 360 so I don't think I'd hear anything different with other airbox covers

 

you are right but there are guys who use them without issue. i think they clean the MAF periodically also.

 

There's a few tips we give when cleaning foam or cotton gauze air filters...

1. Be sure to purchase a K&N or respective air filter cleaning/oiling kit for the filter you own.
2. Rinse the filter under cool or warm water at low pressure. High pressure can damage the filter which can allow unwanted contaminants in.
3. The flow of water should run the opposite direction to the flow of air travelling through the filter when on the vehicle. This sends the dirt & dust back in the direction it came from and prevents it from getting trapped within the filter.
4. Allow the filter to dry naturally. No not use a blow dryer or compressed air to dry the filter as both can damage the filter element.
5. This step only applies to filters that require oil... Only apply oil to a clean a dry air filter . Use a pre-measured amount of oil for the filter. The amount of oil can vary based on the surface area of the filter. It is wise to allow the oil absorb into the filter for a few hours before installing in your car.
6. Do not over oil a air filter.

These are general cleaning tips and I'm sure every manufacturer has their own procedures and guidelines for their filters. I would advise adhering to the instructions provided by your filter manufacturer or included in your cleaning kit.

In regards to the MAF...
Cleaning a MAF sensor can be tricky, the last thing you want is to damage it. I'm sure there is a wealth of information on F-Chat in regards to cleaning the MAF.

 

I went to the K and N site they do not make a filter fro a F430 is this true?

 

I don't think is this ferrari at all . for the 360 it also fits toyota

 

Has anyone replaced the stock 360 / 360 Spider intake conveyor with the Stradale one? Is there any difference?
I think the intake tone on a 360 (at least the spider) could be more aggressive / noticeable.

I know that the Challenge one is just a carbon scoop at the air vent with a direct large hose to the cleaner box with no silencers / mufflers etc.

 

IMO BMC filters hands down.

I've had issues with the oily K&N filters screwing the MAF sensors up (almost $2k later). I went with what was less expensive and it cost me way more then it was worth. Just my .02 from experience. K&N's went in the trash and I'm now running BMC's with no issues.

 

Isnt bmc the same as k n? Both use oil

 

No. BMC filters are made in Italy and don't have the oily residue as K&N has. They are slightly oiled not over oiled like K&N.

 

So the only difference between the two filters is one is oiled more than the other. If this is the case , why not oil the K&N less ?

 

When I first got the K&N, I was surprised it was very lightly oiled compared to the K&N I had for my other cars a long while back.

Just to be safe, I let the filters sit on paper towels over the next day or so, to let it absorb any oil left on it. So far, it's been a month since I've put it into the 360, and it's been running fine.

With the AFMs in my previous cars, when it gets dirty, I just remove the AFMs and spray it out with an electronic-components cleaner spray, and it's all fine again. Just don't physically touch/scrub the AFM components. I had CELs on my 180sx previously, but no problems after a clean. Did the same for a few other friends who had dirty AFMs before in various cars, and it resolved any further CEL issues.

Hope my 2c worth of experiences help.

 

what the part number for K&N?

 

I got it from this eBay seller:

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/K-N-OE-Stock-Replacement-Air-Filter-Ferrari-360-Pair-/250889430214?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a6a2ce4c6

 

33-2854

 

If you want to up the intake sound go for the Gruppa M (spelling) I had one on a 360 and it sounded better than anything else, it changes the whole airbox to a large carbon chamber and uses 2 cone shaped oiled filters, expensive but looks good and works well


Russell

 

Yes. The only problem with the GruppeM intake is the cost. Maybe, if I find one used for a fair price.

 

I wanted to go with gruppe m but the price is just ludicrous. I went with a RTune Carbon boxes and a pair of BMC filters I got from a member of 6speed. 1/4 the price and looks amazing. Even changed the sound a little it too, for the better.