22 replies to this topic

[burnerking]

I’ve been reading up on air filters for my SU HS4 carb. I have a 998 engine

After reading an article on Mini Spares about Stage 1 kits – Keith goes on to state that although K&N cone filters look nice and tidy, they can actually lose you power and can be quite noisy.

He then says that the standard black air filter you get on Mini’s is adequate with a K&N replacement filter and drilling holes into to the case will actually give you better performance.

I just want to know other people’s experiences and thoughts on filters so I can make a better decision.

[T.Harper]

Often comes down to preference. And after replacing a dirty (clogged up) paper filter the difference with either cone or replacement element is a vast improvement.
I'm running cones at the moment but may change to a sponge filter in my new engine rebuild

[burnerking]

Do you find it that the cone is really noisy at high speeds or heavy load?

[liirge]

It makes your exhaust note slightly different and a bit louder.
The thing that is really noise is the sssssssssss noise from the front as the carb sucks the air through the cone..
i quite like that noise to be honest, so its not a problem!
if your gonna get a cone, to be honest i would get a cheap one from eBay, they do the same job as the K and N

[chris_gilly]

if your gonna get a cone, to be honest i would get a cheap one from eBay, they do the same job as the K and N

disagreed!!!
a cheap one often can break down in a few weeks (the paper starts being sucked into the engine) so it causes damage and it isnt filtering properly
a k&n is FOR life they are cleanble and last forever!!
trust me buy an expensive one otherwise you'll be buying cheap ones every few months!
not worth the money! in the long run paying more is better!

[liirge]

if your gonna get a cone, to be honest i would get a cheap one from eBay, they do the same job as the K and N

disagreed!!!
a cheap one often can break down in a few weeks (the paper starts being sucked into the engine) so it causes damage and it isnt filtering properly
a k&n is FOR life they are cleanble and last forever!!
trust me buy an expensive one otherwise you'll be buying cheap ones every few months!
not worth the money! in the long run paying more is better!

Meh,
not happened to me
Personal Preference i guess..
sure the K and N filters are better and do last longer, but if your on a budget, i wouldnt make it my business to save up for a K and N

[burnerking]

It makes your exhaust note slightly different and a bit louder.
The thing that is really noise is the sssssssssss noise from the front as the carb sucks the air through the cone..
i quite like that noise to be honest, so its not a problem!
if your gonna get a cone, to be honest i would get a cheap one from eBay, they do the same job as the K and N

I only have a single box exhaust so it's quite loud already.

I bought a 2nd hand K&N cone for £7 - need to clean it though. I suppose I'll fit that and see how it goes. I'll keep my standard casing to maybe try out the K&n replacement filter and drill those holes to see if there is a difference

Cheers for the feedback

[Sleepy Stu]

K & N all the way!!!!

Not that im Biased or anything

Edited by Stewart_GT, 09 September 2008 - 12:51 PM.

[blacktulip]

element filter is the way to go, im not a fan of the cone type at all.

[BJst416]

It's been recorded that you'll lose up to 6HP with a cone filter on a small bore.

I find everything in my car is a compromise between looks an performance so fitted a K&N stubstack to maybe regain those 6HP.

If you decided to keep the standard airbox with a K&N + a few holes drilled, this will be noisy as well, maybe not like a cone, but close I'd say.

Since I like the carb noise but not the cone filter look, I stuck one of this on. Sorry no pics of the install yet, but they look the part

[taffy1967]

I've got a K&N cone filter and the extra noise isn't a problem. It didn't cost the earth either, plus it looks and sounds great. It's also very easy to wash and re-oil, but make sure you buy the right K&N cleaning/oiling stuff.

I think I've only ever washed and oiled mine once in the 10 years I've had it fitted and so the cleaning/oiling stuff should last a long time.

[CraigyBoy]

the ITG filters on Calvers website, or from ITG direct are great filters, certainly look the part and do perfomrm very well on many applications.

Not the cheapest though, but now-aday's you do pay for what you get.

[burnerking]

It's been recorded that you'll lose up to 6HP with a cone filter on a small bore.

I find everything in my car is a compromise between looks an performance so fitted a K&N stubstack to maybe regain those 6HP.

If you decided to keep the standard airbox with a K&N + a few holes drilled, this will be noisy as well, maybe not like a cone, but close I'd say.

Since I like the carb noise but not the cone filter look, I stuck one of this on. Sorry no pics of the install yet, but they look the part

Did you find you gained the lost 6HP with the stub stack?

How does a K&N cone filter actually lose you 6bHP?

[taffy1967]

When fitting a K&N cone filter, you're supposed to get it set-up on a rolling road and fit a slightly richer needle to suit.

You will gain a few extra BHP in the long run, plus I'd say it helps with the fuel economy too.

Well mine has always been great on economy, more so with the K&N.

[burnerking]

When fitting a K&N cone filter, you're supposed to get it set-up on a rolling road and fit a slightly richer needle to suit.

You will gain a few extra BHP in the long run, plus I'd say it helps with the fuel economy too.

Well mine has always been great on economy, more so with the K&N.

I planned to get it on a rolling road as soon as I have a inlet manifold (then my stage 1 kit will be ready).

To be fair with a cone, I'm able to make adjustments on the carb without taking it off, like I do with the standard filter.