Discarding K&N filter after getting FP ecoboost tune?

[WNCblueridge]

For you guys/gals who installed Ford Performance ecoboost tune (Ford Ranger). How many of you decided to discard K&N air filter and use the factory paper filter instead? I initially used the K&N filter a gew weeks but could not justify using it due to insufficient particle filtering concerns, especially fine dust sand in my location. I would love to use the aftermarket filter supplied with tune but needed peace of mind that particulates aren't going to damage any components down stream of the filter and to ensure more longevity from vehicle.

Sponsored

 

[daniel3507]

So I don't have the tune, but in my opinion I think you did the right thing. I would be hesitant to use a k&n. Especially in dusty environments

 

[jlewand3]

any recommendation to those with the tune who live in dusty environments? Would going back to OEM filter be best or is there an aftermarket one which is well liked with the tune?

 

[Mustang2Ranger]

You will be fine with the K&N with dust. Just clean it more frequently and make sure to oil it properly. The filter oil helps with the dust

My truck is regularly off-road in dusty environments and that is the least of my worries

You will find people in both camps here, with little data to back it up on both sides. K&N wouldn't be in business if their products weren't put through R&D and if they were leaking dust all over

I am not affiliated with K&N

 

[Rp930]

I have the Ford tune and use a paper filter. I have seen too much sand on the backside of a K&N filter. No thanks.

 

[66F100]

So you installed the K&N filter initially then worried yourself so much that you took it out without any evidence that it was causing a problem?

I have run K&N cone style filters on all my ATV's and never had a problem. The abuse these filters saw was much worse then anything a pickup experiences. Keep it clean and oiled and you will not have a problem.

 

[Trigganometry]

The only paper cone I know of that is possibly the right size is made by Apexi and they cost an arm and a leg. If you want a cotton gauze alternative to the K&N, check out S & B filters or AFE filters. Testing showed the AFE was actually one of the best filters at actually filtering even though it is cotton guaze

 

[Ranger X3]

I have the tune and asked the same question to the service department guys about the K&N filter, they replied "not with our dusty conditions in the desert". I'm using the OEM filter, the tune has been great!

 

[JaysOnTheEDGE]

I didn't use my K&N with the FPP Tune I've been running a aFe dryflow S filter for about 15K miles tuned. The bottom of the airbox always collected sand but the top of the box and accordion tube was very clean with no sand. recently took the aFe out because it needs cleaning and i haven't had time to do it. and I stuck the paper filter back in and I've lost about 1.5 MPG over 3000 miles

 

[importfighter01]

I have the Ford tune and use a paper filter. I have seen too much sand on the backside of a K&N filter. No thanks.

Ditto. Have FP tune with paper filter too. IMO runs better with the paper filter. Since speed density tuning assigns a predefined fueling value to predefined rpm cell at WOT, if the tune is expecting a higher airflow volume at that predefined RPM with a K&N and you reduce the airflow at that predefined RPM by using a paper filter, then theoretically you have created a slightly richer AFR. I noticed difference going to paper from K&N with the FP tune with low end response and I liked it. My open OEM downpipe backfires a lil bit on off throttle slowdowns now and I love that too.

I also did the math and when removing the plastic grill on the back side of the filter you free up 13% more filtering area / flow capability.

Final thought, changed my paper filter at 6k and was amazed at the fine silt I knocked out of it (see pic below). Made me so glad no K&N. Turbo cars ingest such large volumes of air over their N/A counterparts that dust loading a filter becomes a factor very quickly depending on environment.

 

[Trigganometry]

Ditto. Have FP tune with paper filter too. IMO runs better with the paper filter. Since speed density tuning assigns a predefined fueling value to predefined rpm cell at WOT, if the tune is expecting a higher airflow volume at that predefined RPM with a K&N and you reduce the airflow at that predefined RPM by using a paper filter, then theoretically you have created a slightly richer AFR. I noticed difference going to paper from K&N with the FP tune with low end response and I liked it. My open OEM downpipe backfires a lil bit on off throttle slowdowns now and I love that too.

I also did the math and when removing the plastic grill on the back side of the filter you free up 13% more filtering area / flow capability.

Final thought, changed my paper filter at 6k and was amazed at the fine silt I knocked out of it (see pic below). Made me so glad no K&N. Turbo cars ingest such large volumes of air over their N/A counterparts that dust loading a filter becomes a factor very quickly depending on environment.

That looks like pollen dust. If your air filter looks like that so does your cabin filter too!

 

[importfighter01]

That looks like pollen dust. If your air filter looks like that so does your cabin filter too!

Pic was crappy, taken at night with bad lighting / glare. It was all the same sort of dust seen in lower LH part of pic. Couldn’t believe it. Then reminded myself that my 2.3 Econoost Ranger is ingesting a LOT more air than my 2.5 Lima Ranger was. Gonna change my paper filter every 6k oil change to keep airflow at its peak as much as possible.

 

[MXGOLF]

It looks like AFE only makes an oiled air filter? The Magnum-flow-pro-5R? S&B Doesn't list one for the Ranger either?

 

[jlewand3]

I am currently looking at replacing my K&N with this one as per the recommendation from Jay's post above:
https://afepower.com/afe-power-31-10294-magnum-flow-pro-dry-s-air-filter

Based on the feedback, sounds like a washable dry filter or OEM is the way to go for more dusty / sandy environments; and peace of mind.

 

[TheBadger]

I got this paper cone with the Mishimoto CAI.

The extra time and money to maintain an oiled filer just isn't worth it, personally.

Got one of their stickers on my garage cabinets though! ?

Sponsored