Nikgen
Been here awhile...
- Joined
- Jul 8, 2014
- Messages
- 2,244
- Reaction score
- 22
- Points
- 0
I'm not an engineer and so I wouldn't propose anywhere else. I also didn't say it was a bad setup - you're putting words in my mouth. I merely tried to communicate that it was unusual to have a brace running through the air box in a depression as I've never seen that setup before.
Here's an exercise for you -
Name 20 cars that require you to remove a brace to access the engine filter. Then name 20 cars that do not. Which list was easier to come up with? That's the definition of something not of the usual.
Anyways, I've used K&N cones on my past 3 cars. I've never noticed an increase in mpg or power (obviously a filter isn't going to give you 10% or more, which is the "feel" threshold); however, if you're building an aftermarket intake it's one of the most used filters along with the AEM dryflow.
I'd rather use K&N than one of the knock offs. I also clean mine more often than the 50,000 mile recommendation. I've seen a study that shows that K&N's tend to clog up faster than advertised.
I am an engineer and this placement seems to be a compromise given the use of the existing 3.8 engine and the desire to achieve more stiffness through the addition of front crossbars coupled with the geometry/size of the engine bay. While you didn't explicitly say it was a bad set-up, I took it as implied by description of it as being odd and difficult to replace the filter.
Not trying to put words in your mouth an no offense was intended - just trying to show that there appears to be a valid reason that they did it this way in the 2015 - so, as an engineer, it's not odd to me given the design intent/comtext. In the end, we are just coming from different definitions of "odd" and I define it contextually and you do not - no biggie and no intent to be argumentative.
WRT to cars that I'd have to remove a brace to replace the air filter, I can't think of any - but, then again, I can't think of any with cross bracing upfront like this other than the BMW 535 xDrive - and that looks like you'd need some dis-assembly as well:
http://www.canadianautoreview.ca/images/car_photos/2014-BMW-535d-xDrive/normal/bmw-535d-xdrive-engine-bay.JPG
I do have to ask - if you notice no increase in HP or MPG, whats the point? While I might get the aesthetic value on a show car, I don't get spending money on something that doesn't actually really deliver a benefit over stock (that you can afford to change more often, if need be - and not worry about oiling your airflow sensor). Not trying to be judgmental, just trying to understand why folks spend their hard-earned money on this stuff. In any event, K&N is enjoying making money based on the urban legends for sure!