K&N Customer for life...

Mystic_350 · 02-06-2012, 03:54 PM

The coupler that connects the FIPK to MAF on an LT1 car is not an easy part to source. Mine has been "shrinking" over the years and I noticed that the 4.25"-3.5" reducer actually had a bottlneck down to 3" in the middle of that reducer. I was looking around for options, and was about to head to Home Depot or Lowe's for a Fernco fitting. I called up K&N to see how much the part costs directly from them as the new version of the FIPK looks like it has a nicer/newer design. I got a CSR within 30 seconds of dialing and explained my situation. She asked when I purchased the kit (1998) and then asked for my contact info. I asked how much it would cost, she said "Nothing! It's covered under warranty." I knew the filters were lifetime, but I had no idea that the rubber fittings, band clamps, and plastic elbow would also be covered!

Bottom line, any CAI or filter I need in the future will be coming from K&N. I have no affiliation, just wanted to pass along a good experience with an American company (I believe/hope all their parts are still Made in the USA anyway!).

Chris

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67speeda · 02-06-2012, 03:56 PM

I used thier filter in my ATV and a few dirtbikes to find a huge amount of dirt in the intake....Not to mention the huge amount of oil.

good review though, will consider them in future

jmsjags · 02-06-2012, 04:31 PM

K&Ns are definitely not the best for filtration. but if you're happy with it then i guess that's good.

V8 Slayer · 02-06-2012, 05:56 PM

I'm on my 5th car, and all of them have had a K&N product; whether it be an intake or a filter.

Erik · 02-06-2012, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmsjags

K&Ns are definitely not the best for filtration. but if you're happy with it then i guess that's good.

Yep, they let in more particulates. I still use one in my Miata, not that I have much choice with a blower under the hood

SevenStars · 02-06-2012, 07:21 PM

+1 I had the exact same situation (my coupler ripped) except I purchased the car used with the intake already on it. I called them up and even told them I didn't buy the intake new and they still sent me a new coupler for free.

hairbear21 · 02-07-2012, 07:13 AM

Outside of the factory paper filter, what options are there for a replacement-free design? I like K&N just for that reason.
Every vehicle I have owned (except for the new Regal) has had a K&N. One of them was a Park Avenue Ultra that had 289,000 miles on it when I sold it. I never had any issues, and that engine was never opened up or rebuilt.

Chrome383Z · 02-07-2012, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hairbear21

Outside of the factory paper filter, what options are there for a replacement-free design? I like K&N just for that reason.
Every vehicle I have owned (except for the new Regal) has had a K&N. One of them was a Park Avenue Ultra that had 289,000 miles on it when I sold it. I never had any issues, and that engine was never opened up or rebuilt.

Ideally a glass fiber air filter would be the best choice, but I don't know if anybody makes them for automobiles. Typically they are finer, have a higher dirt holding capacity, and less pressure drop.

Probably be similar to the cost of a K&N, but it would not be cleanable. My guess is that's why they are not out there when paper air filters do an acceptable job for the desired lifetime of an automobile.

What would be interesting would be to see the impact of having absolute 3 micron filtration for the air filter (glass fiber), absolute 10 micron filtration for the oil (glass fiber), and possibly a 25 micron filter (glass fiber) added to the coolant. The engine would probably outlast the car would be my guess.

Z28Wilson · 02-07-2012, 07:42 AM

I ran one in the SS until I learned that oiling it once myself destroyed my MAF. Seems you have to be very careful not to overoil when servicing it.

Regardless, I was not going to make that mistake again and chucked it in favor of the old Delco paper filter. From everything I have read, the miniscule gain in airflow you might get is not really worth it. Their induction kits might be though.

JCU · 02-07-2012, 01:04 PM

I've only had good experiences with K&N but the 1,000,000 mile warranty is a bit misleading and the company tends to be a bit more stringent. Years ago they'd send you a replacement without even seeing the old filter. Now they ask for pictures (to be emailed) and IF you construct your own intake finished with a K&N conical filter, they limit the warranty.