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K&N filter, any change in fuel mileage or waste of $$$

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by GNX6, Mar 7, 2020.

  1. Mar 7, 2020 at 12:28 PM
    #1
    GNX6

    GNX6 [OP] New Member

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    TRD rear sway bar TRD oil cap (adds 25 HP, It said so online)
    I was thinking about putting a K&N in my 14 Tundra. Anyone notice any difference in fuel mileage or it is just the benefit of a washable filter and that’s it?
     
  2. Mar 7, 2020 at 12:34 PM
    #2
    Ronin73

    Ronin73 New Member

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    Waste of money.
     
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  3. Mar 7, 2020 at 12:36 PM
    #3
    KMG

    KMG New Member

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    My opinion is they are a waste of money. Some of the washable filters allow more debris to pass through and enter the engine.
     
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  4. Mar 7, 2020 at 12:39 PM
    #4
    BigRedFireEngine

    BigRedFireEngine New Member

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    Complete waste of money.
     
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  5. Mar 7, 2020 at 12:51 PM
    #5
    omgboost

    omgboost The Accountant

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    No gain other than a lighter wallet
     
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  6. Mar 7, 2020 at 2:16 PM
    #6
    Stig

    Stig New Member

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    The best way to improve your mpg for free is put 60 psi in your tires and never fill the has tank past 1/8
     
  7. Mar 7, 2020 at 4:06 PM
    #7
    Greg Marmalard

    Greg Marmalard New Member

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    I bought a TRD air filter when they were 40% off and I can say slight MPG and HP gain!

    Not to say any filter would be an improvement over the stock paper but I'm glad I did it!
     
  8. Mar 7, 2020 at 4:08 PM
    #8
    Professional Hand Model

    Professional Hand Model A.K.A ‘Golden Hands’

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    Don’t forget to remove spare tire and back seats for weight reduction!
     
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  9. Mar 7, 2020 at 4:15 PM
    #9
    Stig

    Stig New Member

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    I gotta try that one, didn't think of that. The other important thing is to make sure the bed is empty at all times and get rid of the trailer hitch
     
  10. Mar 7, 2020 at 4:21 PM
    #10
    GNX6

    GNX6 [OP] New Member

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    Alright, consensus is it’s a big ass waste. Thanks guys!
     
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  11. Mar 7, 2020 at 4:23 PM
    #11
    GNX6

    GNX6 [OP] New Member

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    TRD rear sway bar TRD oil cap (adds 25 HP, It said so online)
    I remember driving the big block manual shift GM cab and chassis vehicles that were going out for tow truck conversions back in the 90’s. Man those things ripped.
     
  12. Mar 9, 2020 at 8:19 AM
    #12
    donny.brooke

    donny.brooke New Member

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    More air means bigger holes in the filter media, bigger holes in the filter media means more dirt gets thru. During trade school HD mechanics course we actually had a section on filters and KN were not recommended. OEM stock filters are always best no matter what guys tell you.
     
  13. Mar 9, 2020 at 8:36 AM
    #13
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    Reusable filters are not a waste at all. Reusable equals.....saving $$. No drop in filter is going to add HP. I've used K&N's since the mid 70's without any issues. 45+ years.The extra thin layer of oil provides another barrier to prevent even smaller dust particles from getting by. Bigger holes are just nonsense. The un oiled K&N filter media provides the same filtration as most other high performance filters with an added layer of filtration like the AFE oiled does.
     
    Last edited: Mar 9, 2020
  14. Mar 9, 2020 at 8:41 AM
    #14
    Greg Marmalard

    Greg Marmalard New Member

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    How about a peer reviewed published scientific study?
     

    Attached Files:

    • k&n.pdf
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  15. Mar 9, 2020 at 8:47 AM
    #15
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    In summary...……."Though the K&N air filter was found to render slightly better performance compared to OEM style paper air filter, the very high cost of K&N air filter (Rs6500/-) compared to that of the OEM air filter(Rs200/-) is a deterrent. From the tests we also see that clogged filter degrades the performance of the vehicle noticeably. But from a practical point of view the effect in degradation of performance was found to be negligible."

    The higher cost a K&N or AFE will cancel itself off eventually. It is necessary to properly oil them when required to prevent any clogging. This is common sense.
     
  16. Mar 9, 2020 at 8:53 AM
    #16
    plinyyounger

    plinyyounger New Member

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    I use K&N drop ins, pretty much always have. I don’t notice a mpg increase in the tundra, nor can I say I feel a power increase. But there are several dyno videos avail that do show a performance increase. Not much but usually between 5-15 hp. I like the K&N because I enjoy getting my hands a little dirty. Pulling the filter cleaning and oiling it properly are fun to me. And I never will have to buy a new paper filter again, just take care of all of it myself.
     
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  17. Mar 9, 2020 at 9:00 AM
    #17
    BENWALES

    BENWALES New Member

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  18. Mar 9, 2020 at 9:32 AM
    #18
    plinyyounger

    plinyyounger New Member

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    Do your research. :)
     
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  19. Mar 9, 2020 at 9:41 AM
    #19
    Jengel451

    Jengel451 Misanthropist

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    Oiled Gauze Filters are great if you want airflow....and dirt flow. I used to be a K&N fan back in the day. I've been educated based on personal experience, never will I go down that path again. You won't notice 2-3 hp gain.

    Now, if someone can come up with an oiled 2 layer foam filter with a sock, i'd be all over it.
     
  20. Mar 9, 2020 at 10:03 AM
    #20
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    I posted on my build thread pics of my last cleaning and re-oiling of my K&N on my 07. Pics of top and bottom before cleaning. Worked just fine. Clean as a whistle MAF too.
     
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  21. Mar 9, 2020 at 10:23 AM
    #21
    Sonicbluerider

    Sonicbluerider New Member

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    use them on all my motorcycle an will when it's time for a filter on truck
     
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  22. Mar 9, 2020 at 11:20 AM
    #22
    omgboost

    omgboost The Accountant

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    I bought an AEM dry filter which is reusable. Did not want to deal with oiling and possibly over oiling the filter which can screw other things up so I did the dry flow filter to "save" money in the long run.
     
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  23. Mar 9, 2020 at 3:28 PM
    #23
    2020TNtundra

    2020TNtundra New Member

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    If you buy a Tundra are you really worried about MPG??
     
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  24. Mar 22, 2020 at 4:06 PM
    #24
    Waterboyz

    Waterboyz New Member

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    This guy does some amazing testing of stuff.

    https://youtu.be/sJ3L-E-ufYo

    As to the K&N, some people report the downstream sensors get oily.
     
  25. Mar 22, 2020 at 5:02 PM
    #25
    texasrho83

    texasrho83 DGAF#1

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    AFE dry along with an SABM and you're done
     
  26. Mar 22, 2020 at 5:10 PM
    #26
    Waterboyz

    Waterboyz New Member

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    AFE = Association for Facilities Engineering
    SABM = Society for the Advancement of Blood Management
     
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  27. Mar 22, 2020 at 5:39 PM
    #27
    aggrex

    aggrex New Member

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    Other than increased intake noise from the K&N doubtful mpg will get better. Something about cleaning + re-oiling a filter sounds like a chore while replacing a drop in air filter (preferably OEM) is too easy.
     
  28. Mar 22, 2020 at 6:06 PM
    #28
    texasrho83

    texasrho83 DGAF#1

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    Good nuff
     
  29. Mar 23, 2020 at 1:21 PM
    #29
    JQ3

    JQ3 2005 XSP rwd

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    A waste! There’s not enough noticeable difference in hp or mpg. I began using them way back in mid 90’s and it “felt good” to be using a “high performance” air filter, but really unless you’re drag racing where 0.1 sec is the difference between winning and losing stick with a quality paper filter. Save the money for something else worthwhile!
     
  30. Mar 23, 2020 at 2:19 PM
    #30
    07KingTundra

    07KingTundra New Member

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    I run a K&N filter mainly for the reusable aspect of it. I like to be able to not have to buy a new filter every time I need one, I can just clean this one, oil it, and put it back in. I have never ran into any issues with K&N filters and I don't think I ever will. Can you tell a performance difference - I don't think so.
     

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