Concern about air filter

[Swann, Benjamin R. (BSWANN)]

Mark,

I don't want to get into refuting or validating authenticity of studies or
detailing exactly what they tell you.  This issue has been discussed
numerous times on the quattro list and other places.  Perhaps you want to
get the collective wisdom of the list on this, as I am just one person.  You
will find I am not the only one who feels this way.  I think I've given you
a verbal on the results.

You may search the list on other's comments and results..the study results
you read need be taken with a grain of salt, as it does not tell you the
whole story, and in fact leaves out the downside of the results.

I maintain my opinion that you would be wise to spend your money on things
that will guarantee results.  There is no problem with stock filtration on
these cars, as is evidenced by their longevity.

It is your choice whether or not to spend your money on the K&N filter, etc.
I copied the quattro list for the record.

Ben
-----Original Message-----
From: Mark Sayampanathan [mailto:mark at southernstatesmedical.com]
Sent: Monday, November 19, 2001 3:56 PM
To: Benjamin R. Swann III
Subject: FW: Concern about air filter

Ben,

This is what I have heard elsewhere.  Here it is straight from the
horse's mouth.

FYI.

Mark.

-----Original Message-----
From: richardb at knfilters.com [mailto:richardb at knfilters.com]
Sent: Monday, November 19, 2001 1:02 PM
To: 'Mark Sayampanathan'
Subject: RE: Concern about air filter

Dear customer,
    Our filters are tested by an outside, independent laboratory.  They
have
been proven to stop at least 99% of particles on a SAE dust test.  This
test
uses particles as low as the 0 - 5 micron range and goes up to 20
microns.
For comparison, a paper filter also stops 99% on the same test and the
OEM
minimum standard is 96%.  Foam is generally the worst media with a
typical
efficiency rating of 75 - 85%.  To get higher ratings, the foam must be
more
dense and therefore way more restrictive. The "tack" characteristic of a
K&N
allows for increase filtration without loss of flow as well.
     The testing procedure used is SAE J-726 using ISO Test Dust. This
test
is the standard of the air filter industry. The test procedure consists
of
flowing air through the filter at a constant rate (airflow rate is
determined by the application) while feeding test dust into the air
stream
at a rate of 1 gram per cubic meter of air.
      As the filter loads with dust the pressure drop across the filter
is
increased to maintain the prescribed airflow rate. The test is continued
until the pressure drop increases 10" H2O above the initial restriction
of
the clean element (in this case .78" to 10.78" H2O). At this point the
test
is terminated. The dirty filter element is then weighed. This weight is
compared to the clean element weight to determine the total Dust
Capacity.
The amount of dust retained by the filter is divided by the total amount
of
dust fed during the test to determine the Cumulative Efficiency.


                        The K&N filter achieved the following results:

                        Dust Capacity:                        305 grams

                        K&N Cumulative Efficiency:    99.05 %

     Holding the filter to the light is useless, pin holes are normal.
That
is what makes a K&N filter.  There are actually hundreds of microscopic
fibers that cross these holes and when treated with oil, capture and
hold
the very fine particles.  On the same hand, they allow the filter to
flow
more air than paper or foam.  The filter is 4 ply cotton gauze unlike
some
competitors synthetic material filters.  The synthetics do not have the
very
small fibers that natural cotton does.  Also, the oil can be pulled off
of a
foam filter contaminating electronic sensors.  It will absorb into
cotton
and stay in the media.  In fact, Honda and Toyota only recommend K&N
filters
when using aftermarket high flow filters as K&N is the only brand of
filter
the oil does NOT come off of.  They will not cover a failed sensor if
foam
filters were used.
     We got started over 30 years ago making filters for motorcycles and
off
road racers. The filters did so well that these guys wanted them for
their
cars and trucks.  We started making filters for these applications and
here
we are today.  If they did not work, we would not still be here and
growing
every year.
     We now make filters for Chrysler/Mopar, Ford Motorsports,
Edelbrock,
Rotax Engines, and Harley Davidson.  We come as original equipment on
the
2000 Ford Mustang Cobra-R.  We even made filters for the Apache
helicopters
used in Desert Storm because of maintenance problems with the original
paper
design.  If they work in these conditions they will work for you.  Links
to
the filtration tests are on our web site at
http://www.knfilters.com/images/factstab1.gif and
http://www.knfilters.com/images/factstab2.gif
          Thanks for writing, Rick

> ----------
> From: 	Mark Sayampanathan[SMTP:mark at southernstatesmedical.com]
> Sent: 	Monday, November 19, 2001 9:10 AM
> To: 	tech at knfilters.com
> Subject: 	Concern about air filter
> Importance: 	High
>
> Dear Sir,
>
> I am planning to install a K&N filter in my 87 Audi 5kcstq.  I know
about
> your legendary performance reputation and am looking forward to this.
>
> However, through some of my "gearhead" friends, I have heard that your
> filters perform better because they allow more air through.  In the
> process, they also allow more dust and dirt through.  This may be all
> right for racing environments because the engines, manifolds, etc. are
> stripped and cleaned, etc. after every event.  On the other hand, with
a
> "normal use" car like mine, this could pose to be a problem.
>
> Please let me know who is correct and where I can get definitive
> information regarding this matter.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Mark.
>
>