K&N or STI air filter? which is best

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06-21-2003 | 05:06 AM

T. Hammonds

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K&N or STI air filter? which is best

I have a 2003 WRX no modifications yet, I want to stay under warranty.

I want to replace my OEM air filter, should I get the STI Air Cleaner Element from Subaru or should I get the K&N? Please help I want to add this to the car soon. Thanks

06-21-2003 | 05:25 AM

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How big of a price difference is it? Can you justify the price difference? The dealerships are never affordable so you might just want to go with the K&N setup because if something goes wrong the dealership might just use some other BS excuse to deny warranty work. Like saying that the wear on the tires shows that you were abusing the car. You know crap like that.

06-21-2003 | 06:52 AM

Wingless Wonder

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Car Info: 02 Impreza WRX sedan

Originally posted by T. Hammonds
I want to replace my OEM air filter, should I get the STI Air Cleaner Element from Subaru or should I get the K&N?
I would save your money for something that gives tangible gains. There's not even 1 hp to be gained with a K&N because it doesn't flow as well as the OEM paper element (more pleats). Here's a recent thread that tells of a problem with the K&N, as well as other oiled elements.

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0==WW==0
"…axles of evil…" - george w. bush

06-21-2003 | 11:57 AM

T. Hammonds

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Thanks for the insight I will NOT be buying the K&N.

Will the STI FILTER give me any gains if so how much?

When I say STI Filter I mean the one that looks like the K&N but does not have to be oiled, it is a direct replacement for the OEM and is made my SUBARU, it is in the catalog of performance parts.

Thanks

Last edited by T. Hammonds; 06-21-2003 at 12:02 PM.

06-21-2003 | 10:41 PM

Wingless Wonder

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From: Sacramento CA

Car Info: 02 Impreza WRX sedan

Originally posted by T. Hammonds
Will the STI FILTER give me any gains if so how much?
I don't have any info on the STi filter element - never seen one and don't know anyone personally who has one. I don't think the OEM element is much of a restriction until the engine mods are pretty substantial (big catless exhaust, bigger turbo, engine management), but that's my personal opinion. I'm biased toward using the OEM item because:

1) It flows well,

2) It doesn't cost too much at replacement time,

3) The recommended (non-severe duty) replacement is something like 25 or 30k miles.

I've used K&N filter elements in the past and swear by them on certain applications. They work great in big open element or 'frying pan' air cleaners found on muscle cars, and I never noticed any oil residue. Then again, the filter surface area is huge compared with the drop-in panel for the WRX, so the air velocity may not high enough to wick oil down the carburetor throats.

--
0==WW==0
"…axles of evil…" - george w. bush

06-21-2003 | 11:04 PM

Kevin M

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Car Info: 1993/2000/2001 GF4 mostly red

The STi filter is paper like stock with a wire screen like a K&N. It flows better than the Fram crap you started with but it doesn't get oiled. The downside is, it's like buying a K&N every 15,000 miles...