K&N air filters have been reported to increase power by up to 10%, although this may vary depending on the vehicle. While it's unlikely that you'll experience a dramatic increase in power, there are still benefits to using a high-performance air filter from the aftermarket. Jason Fenske of Engineering Explained conducted a dynamometric test to compare the performance of different air filters. He tested a dirty filter, a clean filter, a cheap alternative filter, and a K&N filter.
The clean filter showed a marginal improvement compared to the dirty one, while the cheap alternative filter showed a marginal improvement compared to the clean OEM filter. The K&N high-performance filter showed the best improvement, with almost eight horsepower compared to the dirty filter and an improvement of 4.3 percent compared to the cheap alternative filter. When it comes to improving your vehicle's performance, replacing your air filter with an aftermarket option is one of the most cost-effective ways to do so. Not only can you expect an increase in power and torque, but you can also expect improved acceleration.
In addition to these performance benefits, aftermarket air filters are also much easier and faster to replace than OEM filters. To get the most out of your K&N air filter, make sure to use the appropriate K&N refill system to clean and oil the filter. Additionally, you should remove the screen before the air filter box and disconnect the positive cable for five minutes so that the computer can restart and relearn the new air-fuel mixture. This will ensure that your engine is running at its optimal level and that you're getting the most out of your K&N air filter.
In conclusion, replacing your air filter with an aftermarket option such as K&N can provide numerous benefits, including increased power, torque, and acceleration. However, it's important to remember that these benefits may vary depending on your vehicle and that proper maintenance is essential for getting the most out of your K&N air filter.