Open Element Performance Air Filters

Normally, the air passing through the intake system is 21% oxygen while nitrous oxide is 33%. We all know that nitrous oxide is a power-boosting, complete and more expensive mod in tuning process, and I hope we all agree on the performance of this mod. Nitro increases the density of the oxygen in the air to 33% from 21%, which is still quite close to the natural density. Do you believe that a cotton performance filter can increase the density of the oxygen? No.. So, the only fact about the open element performance filters is that they only let some more air to pass through, and the most important question is that how much horsepower do we get from them?

Tests on dynamometers show that you will lose horsepower, not gain it if you don't find a way to duct cool air directly to the cone filter. Unshielded cone filters (K&N or any other) were reported to yield a net loss in horse power. The factory filter pulls cool air from outside the engine compartment, while open cone filters will pull warm air from the area behind the radiator. Warm air is less dense than cold, so this can cost between 6-13 HP. Cone filters like K&N and similars only raise the Hp's by 0-2 Hp's on a normally aspirated engine, however, on turbocharged or supercharged engines, the increase is somewhat higher like 8-10 HP, according to the power and vol. of the engine.

Another issue on performance air filters is that they only affect the top end, meaning close to redline. You can feel a power loss at low revs. And one other is that the cotton filters let in considerably more dirt (300-500% more) than stock. Filter allows more dust and fine dirt particles into the engine, but general consensus is that this should make no difference to engine wear.

Filter Maintenance

To maintain good filtration performance, regular cleaning and application of filter oil is necessary. Otherwise the performance will be worse than the original. The cleaning period depends on driving conditions but a 6 month period is acceptable for average maintenance time. Maintenance exist of two sections: Cleaning and oiling.. To clean the filter, pour some gasoline into something like a large, PVC bottle, and dip the filter into the gasoline for 1-2 hours. Rinse the filter and let it dry. Re-oil the filter by spraying the oil onto the inside surface. That's all..

Result

To get HP to increase, you need cold air... hot air will decrease HP. So find a way to isolate the filter. Use a special, large entry box that will help suck the cold air from outside the engine compartment, or cut the hood.
Change your driving characteristics. Change gear at slightly higher revs, cause you will get power at high revs especially closer to redline. (I'm sure you also do that in any case, at least for hearing the sound
Clean and re-oil your filter periodically. Even if you don't clean the filter, just re-oil it so you can be sure that the fine particles or dust can't pass through the filtering element.

• To get HP to increase, you need cold air... hot air will decrease HP. So find a way to isolate the filter. Use a special, large entry box that will help suck the cold air from outside the engine compartment, or cut the hood.
• Change your driving characteristics. Change gear at slightly higher revs, cause you will get power at high revs especially closer to redline. (I'm sure you also do that in any case, at least for hearing the sound.
• Clean and re-oil your filter periodically. Even if you don't clean the filter, just re-oil it so you can be sure that the fine particles or dust can't pass through the filtering element.