Air Cleaners

[vincec5]

Mike, I was wondering how the air cleaners increase horse power. Wouldn't you think that the factory would put in the most efficient air cleaner for the vehicle that they are manufacturing? What would be the best for my hardtop, other than the factory one? I want to replace the stock one. Thanks.

[FinWolf]

K&N filter

http://www.steves65customvette.homestead.com/files/motor4.jpg

The one for your car would be special for your car get the cold air box to.

[vincec5]

I didn't really want to go that way. I want to keep it stock. I think K&N is way over priced also. If Mike tells me that for street use the GM filter is just as good as a K&N that cost $79 opposed to a Fram or GM for $12-$15, I would be pretty stupid to buy the K&N if I'm just going to use it in the street. But, thanks for your input. I know most guys go that way, but I don't want to throw my money away if I'm not racing.:nono:

[MKOTZE]

Originally posted by vincec5
Mike, I was wondering how the air cleaners increase horse power. Wouldn't you think that the factory would put in the most efficient air cleaner for the vehicle that they are manufacturing? What would be the best for my hardtop, other than the factory one? I want to replace the stock one. Thanks. Hi VinceC5, Actually air cleaners(filters) alone do not increase horsepower. However, all air filters offer some restriction of air flow which then causes a decrease in horsepower. The idea is to get the least restrictive air filter with quality filtering of the dirt. The reason the factory does not put the most efficient air filter on the cars is partly due to the noise level. This sounds odd but they actually go to great lengths to muffle the noise of the air flow through the air cleaners system. They also use the paper element filters to reduce any kind of maintenance as you only need to throw it away and replace it . Where as the aftermarket air filters require periodic cleaning and reoiling. The K&N filter is a better filter but if you are only street driving you would not notice any improvement in horsepower,if you are still using the stock air cleaner system. The only way you would noticeably increase the horsepower would be to replace the entire air cleaner assembly and filter. Which can tend to be expensive. For further information about increasing horsepower see the previous post marked increasing horsepower on the technical assistant site. Basically, you will need to decide if you want to change the filter but the stock filter that is on your hardtop is fine.:chevy: MKOTZE