K&N Filters

papabeat · 02-10-2005, 10:33 AM

I've seen two types of K&N filters for sale that both boast of the same benefits. The first one was the cone-shaped one that runs >$200 and last night I found one that looks like the stock, flat-rectangular for about $40. Is there that huge of a difference in performance, mpg, etc. to justify spending the extra $$ on the cone-shaped one? I never thought I'd be considering the purchase of an air filter that costs that much!

Thanks,
papabeat

**CaliforniaTitan** · 02-10-2005, 10:50 AM

papa,

The 'cone' one is also a new intake tube connected to it..hence the price difference.
Differences will also be 'based' on what else you do to the truck. If you just dont want to replace the filter all the time...buy a drop in...Change your exhaust etc etc mods then a full kit is what you want. IF you want a full kit...you might want to check Volant as well.

Chris

papabeat · 02-10-2005, 11:45 AM

The reason I started researching the improvements on the intake system is to try and increase my mpg. I'm new to the whole 'mods' thing with trucks and am learning with every post

.

So if I'm reading these posts and absorbing the wisdom, is a new KN air kit in addition to a new exhaust system (like Banks) the ticket to higher gas efficiency? Plus this combination provides a boost in performance as well as mileage, yes?

As far as driving patterns are concerned, I'll be doing about 90% highway and 10% towing/fun stuff). I would be very interested to hear about other ideas on improving the mpg.

Thanks!
Mike

**CaliforniaTitan** · 02-10-2005, 12:11 PM

Not quite true..

Modding the truck will have different results with different trucks.

Example - On our old '04 the K&N drop-in might have bought us about a .2 mpg help.

On the new '05 our Banks has declined our mileage .3 mpg thus far.

As far as Titan's go, most have not found any magic bullet for MPG other than finding what your truck specifically does best at..If you cruise 55 for a tank..take a reading...cruise 65 take a reading so on and on...

For us and for both trucks...the '04 started avg'n around 14Mpg but got better and stable at 15.7 MPG before we traded her in at 29k miles.

The '05 started at 15MPG and is sitting right at 16MPG after 12k miles and the banks.

Same drivetrain/gears etc for both trucks...only difference between the two is the '04 had the dyno in the rear end and the new '05 has the synthetic. Same gear ratio.

Could the difference be the rear end took longer to break-in on the '04? Actually it ended up burning up and being replaced..so that may have had something to do with it as well.

Once again, no magic bullet for MPG so far.

Chris

*Titan Critter* · 02-10-2005, 12:35 PM

my brother changed out his in his titan to a flat panel k&n and also put the cone shaped one in his wife's expedition. i guess he can really tell a difference in hp on the expedition but not really on the titan.

i don't think i'll do the k&n on my titan....doesn't seem to be worth it if there's not much benefit in hp. not sure about the gas mileage.

Davo · 02-10-2005, 07:57 PM

I just got my Titan so I haven't really had a chance to do anything yet. However, I'm about to get rid of my Tahoe and I tried about everything to improve the dismal mileage. I put on the full K&N kit and dual Flowmasters. All I really got was better sound out the rear, a huge, sucking sound from the K&N (it really pulls the air) and a .5 increase in mpg. BTW, the K&N is working itself loose and is very difficult to keep very tight.

Clancy · 02-11-2005, 08:53 AM

I just picked up one of the last 04's (KC, SE, 4x4) and it's getting like 10.2 mpg right now. My old Tundra averaged 14-15mpg and I'm driving the Titan much easier since I'm still breaking it in... I'm hoping the motor is just tight and she'll sip a little gentler soon.

When I read CaliforniaTitan's remark that he was seeing 14 - 15 mpg, I got excited until I check his profile and saw that it's just a 4x2. Can anybody tell me what I might come to expect on my 4x4?

*Titan Critter* · 02-11-2005, 10:03 AM

clancy, i get about 11-12 in town, and 14-15 hwy. it's not going to get much better for you i'm afraid. it's just a powerful engine that needs a lot of juice and a heavy body to boot.

Clancy · 02-11-2005, 10:20 AM

Thanks Critter.

I know the drop-in K&N helped my Toy a little, so the Titan will get one soon. I'd also consider upgrading the exhaust, but I'm not sure I'll find something I like. The Gibson is too loud. I haven't heard the Banks yet...