K&N air filters for my 2015 Genesis 5.0

[carguy75]

i have k&n in the 15 v6 previous owner installed. i'm debating if i should replace it with stock filter after reading this.

K&N Air Filter Review - Debunking the Myths (and why OEM is better)

"Compared to the AC, the K&N “plugged up” nearly 3 times faster, passed 18 times more dirt and captured 37% less dirt. "

When in doubt, take it out.
If you believe that K&N filters are as bad as the article states then remove it. I read that article years ago. However, if K&N filters are actually that bad then why are they still making and selling filters for over three decades.

I do not know if the article is really legit with it testing or just pushing the author point of view, but it makes senses that a filter that allows more air follow will allow more dirt to pass through.

In K&N defense it filters 96% of the dirt in the air while flowing more air per the test. I doubt any high flowing performance filter will filter 99% of the air and still out flow a paper filter.

If you feel better with a filter that filters more than 96% then go with the OEM filters.

 

[EdP]

When in doubt, take it out.
If you believe that K&N filters are as bad as the article states then remove it. I read that article years ago. However, if K&N filters are actually that bad then why are they still making and selling filters for over three decades.

They still make them because people still buy them. They have been controversial for 30 years too. No matter your position, you can find a test to back you up.

I have no opinion about performance because I've never tried them. My question though, if they are so much better, why are they not used on some performance cars from the factory? If they were much better, Mustang, Camero, etc would want the bragging rightd I would think.

 

[carguy75]

They still make them because people still buy them. They have been controversial for 30 years too. No matter your position, you can find a test to back you up.

I have no opinion about performance because I've never tried them. My question though, if they are so much better, why are they not used on some performance cars from the factory? If they were much better, Mustang, Camero, etc would want the bragging rightd I would think.

My opinion on why K&N filters( or performance filters in general) are not used on performance cars from the factory is cost. A oiled cotton gauze filter cost at least about twice the cost of paper filter. Paper filters may flow less, but it does flow enough air for engines to operate with more than adequate performance for most owners. The same goes for exhaust and tires. Yes, automakers could just put the best performing items on sports cars standard, but it comes down to cost.

However, many automaker sell factory-branded performance parts like oiled performance filters under performance divisions for select popular vehicles. Even Toyota has a performance part division that sell oiled air filters. Examples:
GM Performance Parts | GMPartOnline
Performance Packs - Mustang Packs, Fiesta Packs, Focus Packs, Power Packs, Handling Packs, Superchargers, Mustang Parts, Fiesta Parts, Focus Parts - Ford Performance Parts
BMW M Performance Parts
Toyota Racing Development

So yes even some automakers market and sell performance air filters as a performance enhancing option for their cars.

Toyota have been selling this K&N type oiled air filter for years. Read it selling points, sound familiar.
TRD - Filters

 

[Spanky61]

@carguy75 Well said, and cost is always a factor for manufactures. The average K & N Filter costs $50.00+ vs an average of $15.00 - $20 for a pleated OEM filter. If they can save and charge you more, they most certainly will. Capitalism, isn't it grand! Greed has a big factor in the equation also.

This might help all of you naysayer, doubters and of course owners who actually use K & N Filters. It's an excellent video and explanation of how they work. There is no Hyundai or Genesis TBS against usage of K & N Filters. Nor is there any current restriction by any automobile manufacture against usage of a K & N Filters . Anyone who is claiming so, is falsely speaking. I also challenge those who make such a claims against the utilization of K & N Filters, to post the TBS, manufactures guide lines, requirements or claims.

You can come up with all the excuses and reasons not use them, that's your personal prerogative. However, unless you've actually bought and tried one, it's simply someone else's influence, conjecture and speculation you've personally adopted. Provide some first hand tangible conclusive proof, to support your claims against the use of a K & N Filter, not second or third hand and speculation. OEM filters provide a diminishing return compared to a K & N. . By the way I've used them for decades in motorcycles and automobiles/trucks.

I can attest to the fact, I don't have to go out and purchase a $20.00 air filter every time I need to change one. They're easy to maintain, service and cost effective.

 

[Alfer]

???

So watching some random dude sitting in his garage saying they work is proof?

 

[Spanky61]

I could say the same thing about you or me, now couldn't I. "So what's a random dude sitting at his computer on this forum saying."

Did you listen to the video in it's entirety? What's your opinion regarding K & N filters and why? I've utilized them for decades if that helps.

 

[Alfer]

I don't doubt that they help capture more dirt and grime than the typical paper filters that most shops offer, but I don't totally buy into the whole idea that they magically make your car run faster or they bulk up your HP or whatever other claims some folks like to toss around.

 

[Spanky61]

Well I didn't mention anything about HP gains or running faster but there is conclusive proof K & N's have a higher CFM air flow flow than any OEM unit. So it's reasonable to say; more air flow, better all round performance than an OEM Unit.

 

[Alfer]

Perhaps so, but at the end of the day, after you've driven to work, or school, or shopping around town, would anyone really notice a difference? Answer: No.

 

[Spanky61]

Yes, in considering the law of diminishing returns and cost effectiveness. I can only answer for me not anyone else. I'm not a fortune teller or even claim to know what others think unless they actually tell me.

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[carguy75]

I don't doubt that they help capture more dirt and grime than the typical paper filters that most shops offer, but I don't totally buy into the whole idea that they magically make your car run faster or they bulk up your HP or whatever other claims some folks like to toss around.

A performance air filter do not add horsepower to an engine. The performance filter just allows the engine to run at its best due to more air flow. Any engine would run at it best with no air filter restriction, however it would not last very long due to contaminates in the air. A performance filter is allowing the engine to breath as if it was not running without a filter, well better than a paper filter does.

However, there are compromises to be made with each filter type. Paper flow less, but filters better than cotton. Performance cotton filters like K&N filters less, but has better air flow.

The same concept as HVAC home air conditioning filters. I used to use MERV 13 filters in my AC for the cleanest air in my home, however the MERV 13 reduced my air handlers airflow and raised my power bill. I even upgraded my AC blower motors in my air handlers to compensate for the increase load. I stepped down to a MERV 8 filter and the system blows stronger and reduced my power bill.

The higher the MERV rating the more the restrictive the filter and harder the AC has to work to cool/heat the home. Same concept for the car. Paper flows less and restricts the engine power making capacity. Granted only by maybe 10 HP or less, but paper does reduces horsepower. How much various by engine and the quality of the OEM paper filter. Auto manufacturers take the paper filter restrictions into account when they publish final HP numbers, even if the same engine would run stronger with a less restrictive air filter.

 

[carguy75]

???

So watching some random dude sitting in his garage saying they work is proof?

LOL. I never just take the word of any person. Do your research and if try it out for yourself.

 

[carguy75]

@carguy75 Well said, and cost is always a factor for manufactures. The average K & N Filter costs $50.00+ vs an average of $15.00 - $20 for a pleated OEM filter. If they can save and charge you more, they most certainly will. Capitalism, isn't it grand! Greed has a big factor in the equation also.

This might help all of you naysayer, doubters and of course owners who actually use K & N Filters. It's an excellent video and explanation of how they work. There is no Hyundai or Genesis TBS against usage of K & N Filters. Nor is there any current restriction by any automobile manufacture against usage of a K & N Filters . Anyone who is claiming so, is falsely speaking. I also challenge those who make such a claims against the utilization of K & N Filters, to post the TBS, manufactures guide lines, requirements or claims.

You can come up with all the excuses and reasons not use them, that's your personal prerogative. However, unless you've actually bought and tried one, it's simply someone else's influence, conjecture and speculation you've personally adopted. Provide some first hand tangible conclusive proof, to support your claims against the use of a K & N Filter, not second or third hand and speculation. OEM filters provide a diminishing return compared to a K & N. . By the way I've used them for decades in motorcycles and automobiles/trucks.

I can attest to the fact, I don't have to go out and purchase a $20.00 air filter every time I need to change one. They're easy to maintain, service and cost effective.

Very good video and it explains the K&N filter function very well.

I actually did some research and discovered that many newer electronic throttle bodies do not even fully open the throttle plate unless at high rpms(4k or higher) so even if a person does swap to an K&N performance filter, the gain in off-line acceleration will still be similar to a stock OEM filter since the throttle is part way closed unless flooring the pedal until over 4k rpms.

However, I will be installing a Sprint Booster soon that will allow the electric throttle to open instantly. Then my engine will most differently utilize the extra air provided by the K&N filters.
BMW owners love this device. From Youtube testing it shaves about .5 second off 0-60 times due to instant full throttle tuning which eliminates throttle lag.
Improve Throttle response - Instant acceleration - Sprintbooster

 

[Gen127]

I don't doubt that they help capture more dirt and grime than the typical paper filters that most shops offer...

I thought tests indicated just the opposite: they trap less dirt and grime to increase airflow.

 

[Spanky61]

Again the OEM filter works well when new but as it picks up particulates it begins to diminish in ability to filter and allow air to pass. Don't get one wet though their ability to filter diminishes even quicker. Keeping in mind no air box is completely sealed against water intake.

No they allow much more CFM air flow over a longer use duration. The flow typically better because of design and engineering. Check out the video above and it's pretty well explained, with references.

 

[carguy75]

Here is a back to back dyno test comparison of the stock paper filters vs. a K&N air filters on a Infiniti G37 with twin air boxes, which is similar to my 2015 5.0 set-up.
The G37 gain 14whp and about 6lb-ft of torque at the wheels just by changing out the twin filters with K&N filters. So the performance filters did help uncork the engine power. V8 engines usually make more horsepower than V6 engines when using performance filters.

My engine does feel like it runs stronger for sure. Today I gave a newer Porsche Panamera a run for its money while merging unto the highway. He could not pass me before the road merged unto the highway. Granted, he probably did not engage his launch control at the light which would have sealed the deal for me, but those cars are still fast without using launch control. LOL, I did have my Genesis in sport mode which is stupid fast with the K&N air filters. Judging from the G37 gains my engine probably gained about 15-20whp peak and about 7-8 lb-ft of torque from the filter swap. It does feel like it did.

Note, I can see what some performance tuners are saying about the throttle response at low rpm with the modern electronic throttle bodies even on this dyno. The engine does not really start making power until about 4k rpm. The stock and K&N filters were actually making the same level of power until about 4k rpm, which would make the car feel the same for most owners even if the engine makes more power with the performance filter overall in normal driving unless they do wide open runs to test the filters performance.

I have noticed that I only feel a large difference in performance with the K&N filter at highway speeds(above 50 mph) in my Genesis. Off-the-line acceleration is better with the K&N, but not by much compared to the stock air filter until the engine rpms hit about 4k.

Hence why I will be getting a Sprint Booster to solve that problem.

 

[QuantumRift]

I can assure you that you don't see any real measurable HP improvement with a K&N filter, ESPECIALLY without opening up the back end (more). The REASON to purchase K&N filters is the reusability factor. That's it. Do NOT expect HP increases. DO expect to see more money in your wallet. I have used K&N filters in EVERY vehicle I own since the late 90's. Currently I own the '12 3.8 Genny, an '04 GMC Envoy XUV, 1990 Isuzu 2.6L SpaceCab LS, and a Suzuki Burgman 650. What the K&N delivers is economy. I have saves THOUSANDS of dollars over the years by using a K&N filters. And I CLEAN and recharge my filters twice a year, so I know I have clean air filters in my vehicles.

If you can get the filter on sale, do it. I also purchase the recharge kits when they are on sale (and get military discount at O'Reilly, AutoZone, etc). I had corresponded with one of the engineers that works for K&N and he assured ME that "you don't buy a K&N for HP increase".....period. Just a good 3 cents to add here.

 

[Gen127]

The G37 gain 14whp and about 6lb-ft of torque at the wheels just by changing out the twin filters with K&N filters. So the performance filters did help uncork the engine power. V8 engines usually make more horsepower than V6 engines when using performance filters.

I can assure you that you don't see any real measurable HP improvement with a K&N filter, ESPECIALLY without opening up the back end (more). The REASON to purchase K&N filters is the reusability factor. That's it. Do NOT expect HP increases. <snip> I had corresponded with one of the engineers that works for K&N and he assured ME that "you don't buy a K&N for HP increase".....period.

 

[QuantumRift]

Well, I have the 6 cyl and the other folks I know with 6 cyls didn't see any real measurable HP improvement. Over a period of time, any 'increase' in HP that could occur will prob be offset by accumulating deposits on the intake valves because of the GDI. I can agree that yea, if you already have a DUAL intake system you might see some improvement. But I hear and see such things as "...I can feel that it accelerates faster".....yati yati yati and I just laugh. So yea, color me wrong on that one HOWEVER, when a K&N Engineer (admittedly this was several years ago) tells ME the straight dope, I'm happy with it. I buy a rechargeable air filter to save money. For example, on my Suzuki Burgman, stock Suzuki air filter is $30. The rechargeable filter was about $59. I clean the motorcycle filter twice a year and I can get 2 - 3 years out of one recharge kit ($11 on sale). So I save money, and keep the filter clean. SO yea, if you got absolute dyno proof that's cool, but again, I would look for other ways to add HP if I was in that market.

 

[carguy75]

Well, I have the 6 cyl and the other folks I know with 6 cyls didn't see any real measurable HP improvement. Over a period of time, any 'increase' in HP that could occur will prob be offset by accumulating deposits on the intake valves because of the GDI. I can agree that yea, if you already have a DUAL intake system you might see some improvement. But I hear and see such things as "...I can feel that it accelerates faster".....yati yati yati and I just laugh. So yea, color me wrong on that one HOWEVER, when a K&N Engineer (admittedly this was several years ago) tells ME the straight dope, I'm happy with it. I buy a rechargeable air filter to save money. For example, on my Suzuki Burgman, stock Suzuki air filter is $30. The rechargeable filter was about $59. I clean the motorcycle filter twice a year and I can get 2 - 3 years out of one recharge kit ($11 on sale). So I save money, and keep the filter clean. SO yea, if you got absolute dyno proof that's cool, but again, I would look for other ways to add HP if I was in that market.

No offense, but I have seen dyno test that shows horsepower gains like in the video I posted so I will believe that more than someone like yourself who says it does nothing yet have no proof to back it up.

Where is your proof to back up the claims that a performance filter does not free up horsepower?

Your personal opinon does not matter, nor your claimed K&N insider. Seriously???

Hell, I can play too. I know a Hyundai engineer that stated that my 5.0 engine will gain 20 hp just by using a K&N filter. He told me at a party.

Did you have dyno proof that a K&N does not increase performance in our engine?