[Keith Tobberman]

Hey,
I am close to buying a 2004 Forester X and I was wondering if a K&N cold-air intake is a good mod? I know they add power but I was wondering: Will they reduce car life in any way? Are there any downfalls to having one? I know in general they allow the engine to breath better in-turn increasing power so my gut says they are fine but let me know what you think.

-Thanks

 

[FPT_RAIDER]

ummmm ya just save your money and get the high flow panel filter for the stock box

 

[Subie 2003]

ummmm ya just save your money and get the high flow panel filter for the stock box

What he said

 

[hrudolf]

I installed a cold air intake on my 03 XS Automatic. I didn't get added horspôwer but I did get quicker responce and more fuel economy.

 

[pleiad7]

There's a sticky for this: http://www.subaruforester.org/vbulletin/f66/getting-power-n-motor-6042/

Read it and weep. If you think 10 additional hp is worth between $200 and $300, by all means, go for it. Unfortunately, you will never see the kind of gains that are possible on turbo engines with an N/A, no matter how much money you throw at it.

 

[ScoobyDoobie]

There is no K&N intake designed for the n/a suby models. I would not try to put a turbo intake on one either

 

[The Black Box]

Just remove the snorkus and get all the sound and probably the same power (real or not) improvements.

 

[StealthyScooby]

+1 for panel filter replacement.

 

[Subie 2003]

+1 for panel filter replacement.

Which panel filter does everyone recommend?

 

[The Black Box]

Stock.

 

[StealthyScooby]

stock, K&N uses that oil on the filter and that can some times cause issues with your MAF sensor.

 

[Subie 2003]

stock, K&N uses that oil on the filter and that can some times cause issues with your MAF sensor.

:icon_frown:

I just put a K&N filter in (new, havent cleaned/oiled it yet).

 

[guroove]

:icon_frown:

I just put a K&N filter in (new, havent cleaned/oiled it yet).

It's not that bad, just not really any sizable improvement. The oil isn't really that big of a problem I've never had any problems with the MAF sensor, but on used oil analysis K&N generally show slightly more dirt allowed through than a paper filter. As a general rule, the better the flow, the worse the filtration.

 

[Subie 2003]

It's not that bad, just not really any sizable improvement. The oil isn't really that big of a problem I've never had any problems with the MAF sensor, but on used oil analysis K&N generally show slightly more dirt allowed through than a paper filter. As a general rule, the better the flow, the worse the filtration.

Thank you, think I'll sell it and go back to stock. I'll take cleaner filtration before better airflow anyday

 

[StealthyScooby]

Thank you, think I'll sell it and go back to stock. I'll take cleaner filtration before better airflow anyday

:bacon: the oil like i said "some times" can cause issues, but if so you can get maf cleaner and spray it off.... nothing to hard. i'd stick to stock or a dry panel. Rallysport sells a ARC panel for 27.00 bucks compared to K&N filters.... IDK just my .02 cents.

 

[Peaty]

I like the Green Filter oiled gauze type myself. I've used K&N for years and the Green Filters are just built better and use better materials IMHO. I just cleaned and re-oiled mine and it's still in great shape at 100K+ miles on my Forester. I can't say you'll see any sort of power improvement. It's mostly a savings issue since you can re-use it. I know people talk about oil on the MAF issues. This can happen if you over oil the filter. What I do is after oiling it, I let it sit overnight on some shop towels to wick away any excess oil. I haven't had a problem yet, but I do frequently clean my MAF with MAF cleaner just in case.

http://www.scoobymods.com/green-filter-air-filter-t2271.html?t=2271

My oil analysis shows good filtration too.

 

[Subie 2003]

I am not concerned about performance at all on our N/A Foz. Looking for savings and perhaps an increase in MPG's would be nice

 

[ScoobyDoobie]

Well FWIW 2000-2004 cars do not have a MAF sensor to worry about getting oil on in the first place. They use MAP intakes. I do prefer dry filters myself.