Help deciding between K&N and Volant

[canman]

Ok, I was trying not to do this, and I hate to do it as my first post for fear of getting flame sprayed, but I really could use some help.

I have a Titan LE 4x4 Offroad and lets assume that I have decided mod with dual exhaust (thanks to sammy for the great ideas and pics) and CAI of some sorts. That said, I really am having a hard time deciding between the K&N and Volant. I have read and read and read and the more I read the harder the choice becomes. I was pretty set on the Volant after reading lizardking's post, but after hearing some of the install problems.

Here is my main dilemma, I am an engineer, but not really the hands on type. I am a more critique someone else's design or task other engineers with work kind of guy. That said I am really not into a complex mod and have no intention of using duct tape, coffee can lids, or anything other than hopefully what would come in a box. This may sound like heresy to most people here, but I was even considering having a shop do it. It sounds to me that the K&N is simpler to install and I could probably swing it. I could probably even do the Volant with some help.

I have read the thread on K&N versus Volant before, but it really did not help me much. So what do you guys think? Is one better than the other? Is either one easier to install? Are all of the added insulation tricks that everyone mentions really necessary? If I do have a shop do it, how do I make sure that they do it well? I am really stuck.

BTW, this site really rocks! I found a different Titan forum right after I bought my Titan and hung around there for a while before I found this one. This forum is definitely better!

[SUBTITAN]

I for one will wait until all the bugs are worked out and see if there are any long term benifits/problems (ie Improved MPG, engine problems ect.) on both the exhaust and CAI Mods. There is currently too many install issues atleast for the Volant for the price.

[canman]

Yea, that is definitely a possibility, but timing for making a mod is really good for me right now. Father's day is right around the corner so the wife is amenable to some monetary discretion and my work load is low so I thought about striking while the iron is hot. Not to mention I was considering doing them at all once.

From what I read in some of lizardking's posts there may have been some changes to the Volant already. At least some people post not having as many problems with alignment etc. Anyone else any other thoughts?

[SUBTITAN]

Have the wife put the money in your account and collect the intrest. Just Kidding. From what I have read on this site the K&N is open where as the Volant is in a enclosed box. If your planning on doing any off roading you will probably want the Volant.

[Big Platinum]

hey sam, i have the k&n and must say, it is quite easy to install, however, it doesn't sound to me like the volant should be much harder. it also seams like the volant is a better system out of the box without any tinkering, the k&n is not a true cold air induction out of the box like the volant. however, with some modification, the k&n can be isolated from the engine heat and it has a bigger conical filter(can flow more air). also with the k&n you can remove a piece of rubber next the the washer fluid resevoir to pick up some extra cold air from the front air dam instead of getting it all from the fender opening. this however does require a little tinkering and as such i would recomend the volant for you if you don't feel like messing with the K&N. both will give you solid gains. after modifying my k&n i could feel i picked up a little extra that you perhaps may not get with the volant. also i think the volant looks a little cleaner. just my opinion, and remember, i have the k&n.

hope this helps, let me know if you want more details on the K&N.

[Sammy Sandbag]

I'd say both systems would be something you could install yourself. The only thing that concerns me is that the K&N moves the location of the MAF closer to the TB and rotates it 90°. Those with the K&N haven't reported any ill effects, so maybe it isn't anything to worry about. I've never installed one myself, but the majority of my friends who own trucks have gone with the K&N and been pleased. It's probably more of a name recognition thing than anything else. If you do go with the Volant, I would at least make the simple modification of covering the air ram scoop's hole. While the K&N isn't a "sealed" box, it is larger and has a more potential of pulling more air. You have to weigh the positives and negatives, more air vs less air (but possibly cooler air.) I for one don't think the end result in temps will be noticeably different (at least not $50+ worth difference.) We've seen dyno's from both, but with variables such as exhaust mods. I believe the greatest improvement seen here was with the K&N.

[CaliforniaTitan]

Welcome aboard and glad you found your way here!

As far as the intakes I agree with Sammy. The K&N seems to offer a lil more performance wise but the Volant installed looks more like a complete package and has a great look and the fully enclosed box. Don't think you can go wrong with either of them.

Chris

[smoketitan]

if you are in a smog state the the K&N is illegal so be weary of that, as it is deemed off road only on the k&N site

[ensclark]

I have to say I have the K&N and love it. I put it in, in less than an hour. My thoughts on it were if I wanted to stay with the closed box look I would have done some of the mods to the stock box and bought the K&N drop in filter. Not knocking the volent box at all, don't get me wrong, I like the open look a little bit more and it's not completely isolated from the air around the eng but over all it makes a good seal. It made a difference that I could notice as soon as I floored it and so did the guy I was passing. A nice loud growl too. love it. I have less than 3000 miles on my Titan so gas mileage is still rough. It did jump up a little on the display but not enough to brag yet. As of right now. I had a K&N on a ranger edge and drove it off road in the mud and muc and never had a problem with it. They make a cover for the filter too that helps with any big stuff that can be takin off and cleaned.
Just my thoughts, hope they helped

[pagerdaddy]

Originally Posted by sammy sandbag

I'd say both systems would be something you could install yourself. The only thing that concerns me is that the K&N moves the location of the MAF closer to the TB and rotates it 90°. Those with the K&N haven't reported any ill effects, so maybe it isn't anything to worry about.

Is it possible that they moved it to the top of the tube like that in case
someone over-oiled the filter? The oil that got sucked in might be able
to flow underneath it without contaminating it. Just an idea.

Steve

[todd92]

The only way the MAF sensor gets oil on it from the filter is if the filter is over oiled. K&N instructions are very explicit on oiling the filter to avoid just that. There is no way the mounting direction of the sensor matters at all. The hot wire sits in the middle of the intake tube either way. I have the K&N and I like it. I noticed an immediate performance gain, no waiting for the ECU to learn.

[37L1]

Anyone install the Volant with the snorkel/Ram Air whatchamacallit?

If you did, how about a report?

37L1

[TrojanDan]

I thought Jetforeman, (I think Jettech now) was going to, but he never said anything about it if he did.

[Steve04SE]

Originally Posted by canman

Ok, I was trying not to do this, and I hate to do it as my first post for fear of getting flame sprayed, but I really could use some help....
BTW, this site really rocks! I found a different Titan forum right after I bought my Titan and hung around there for a while before I found this one. This forum is definitely better!

Unlike other forums I belong to, this one has a classier group of members, so I don't think you have to worry about being flamed.
In the event someone get carried away, Cali-Titan has a fire extinguisher for them and we know it.

As for your original question, IMHO, the K&N was the best choice for me for two reasons: it cost ~$50 less and usually an open element (K&N) air intake will make more power than an enclosed one (Volant).
Welcome aboard,
For those who don't know the physical differences, I've attached pics of each.

[TITAN21]

i have the volant intake and i am glad. the power gain was noticable and now with my headers and exhaust i can really feel the pulling power. this thing gets stronger by the day it seems.