cone filter - does it really make a difference?, newb questions Options

[BloodyStupidDave...]

Hi,

I notice that most members' cars have a cone filter fitted.

I picked up an unbranded burgandy red cone filter for a couple of pounds at my local scrappy. It looks brand new. Considering using it on my Celica, but does it really make a difference over the stock Toyota panel filter? Perhaps I should look at a K&N panel filter to go in the stock air filter box?

Also, being in the UK and as my Celica is my daily drive, the engine bay gets quite damp, salty and grubby. How do cone filters cope with water and dirt build-up? Should I be looking to box the cone filter in a similar way to the stock air filter box?

Finally, where is a good place to fit a mass air flow sensor with the stock setup and with the cone filter fitted?


This post has been edited by BloodyStupidDavey: Jun 16, 2007 - 12:03 PM

[tin_foil]

Well, yes cone filters make a difference. Simply by providing less resistance for the air flow than stock boxes. But the reality is that slapping an unbranded cone filter on will probably get you 1-3 more hp at best. Unless you plan on showing off your engine bay to a lot to people who have no idea what they're looking at, and you really want to impress them with some colored filter thing sitting in there, I'd stay stock. Especially cause of what you said about dirt and grime. Whatever you do, just don't put the cone filter in a box. That's not what they were designed for. You'll probably end up getting 0 to -2 hp. Keep asking questions, it's the best way to learn.

[brianforster]

just do it, it looks good

[hitcachi]

everybody wants teh blingz in the engine too!

[neo_in_aus]

Most people use cone filters for the 'bling' factor because they generally look good in a well maintained and cleaned engine bay. Sad thing about it is, unless you pipe in cool air directly to the cone filter, you are actually harming performance of your car by only sucking in hot air. Hot air is less dense than cold air, and as such you get less bang for your buck.

So unless you are planning on showing off your engine bay quite a bit, i would get the K&N drop in filter or equivalent. I have been using a K&N drop in filter and it works great. you just have to make sure to regularly clean the filter, however any replacement filter that is not a cheap paper filter will have the same requirement.

[BloodyStupidDave...]

Thanks for all the replies.

I have been using a K&N drop in filter and it works great.

But does it make a difference over the stock Toyota panel filter?

--
Davey

[uberschall]

But does it make a difference over the stock Toyota panel filter?

--
Davey

in a word, yes. in multiple words - a high performance filter (like a k&n) panel filter is designed to pass a higher volume of air by presenting less restriction (while maintaining a high level of filtration). oiled cotton filters require maintenance (washing and re-oiling), but the upside is that you can actually save money by purchasing one instead of a paper filter, which simply has to be discarded when it gets clogged/dirty.

i put a k&n in my last celica, and i'm putting one in my current one too.

[manphibian]

Thanks for all the replies.

I have been using a K&N drop in filter and it works great.

But does it make a difference over the stock Toyota panel filter?

--
Davey

I had a pipercross panel filter, which did make a difference over stock, then i got a K&N induction kit (cone) and that was better still.

As long as (mentioned above) you have a cold air feed going to it. The K&N 57i kit comes with a cold air hose and fixings.

And the cone filter gives the advantage of giving your engine a really cool, roaring noise

And i'm in the uk and mine is fine.

Go for it, as long as you fit some kind of cold air feed (from under the car)

There's a pic in my profile

This post has been edited by manphibian: Jan 2, 2007 - 5:50 PM

[Kwanza26]

Open element filters, cone, paper, foam, whatever it is... is mostly for the sound. The power increase is too small to really notice.

[hashmaster52]

Keep asking questions, it's the best way to learn.

lol yea but alotta times ur told 2 search.

[manphibian]

Open element filters, cone, paper, foam, whatever it is... is mostly for the sound. The power increase is too small to really notice.

I disagree. When i installed my cone and cold air feed, the difference WAS noticable! The throttle response was a lot faster and any flatspots in the acceleration were removed.

There is no doubt that increased cold air flow into the engine makes a difference.

[Jaws4God]

yeah i mainly did mine for looks.. but I do like the sound of it..

[ExSane]

THIS LINK WILL GIVE YOU ALL YOUR ANSWERS.

http://www.6gc.net/index.php?action=information&itu=11

If I were you, go for the K&N Drop In Filter. Esp with your situation with dirtiness of your engine bay. My 2 cents.

[Kwanza26]

Open element filters, cone, paper, foam, whatever it is... is mostly for the sound. The power increase is too small to really notice.

I disagree. When i installed my cone and cold air feed, the difference WAS noticable! The throttle response was a lot faster and any flatspots in the acceleration were removed.

There is no doubt that increased cold air flow into the engine makes a difference.

we're not talking about cold air. Open element filters tend to get hotter if anything...

[tin_foil]

Open element filters, cone, paper, foam, whatever it is... is mostly for the sound. The power increase is too small to really notice.

I disagree. When i installed my cone and cold air feed, the difference WAS noticable! The throttle response was a lot faster and any flatspots in the acceleration were removed.

There is no doubt that increased cold air flow into the engine makes a difference.

we're not talking about cold air. Open element filters tend to get hotter if anything...

^x2. Your cool air feed is the only thing you feel making a difference. Just a cone isn't going to make any noticible difference.

[GTS13]

Open element filters, cone, paper, foam, whatever it is... is mostly for the sound. The power increase is too small to really notice.

I disagree. When i installed my cone and cold air feed, the difference WAS noticable! The throttle response was a lot faster and any flatspots in the acceleration were removed.

There is no doubt that increased cold air flow into the engine makes a difference.

we're not talking about cold air. Open element filters tend to get hotter if anything...

^x2. Your cool air feed is the only thing you feel making a difference. Just a cone isn't going to make any noticible difference.

Agreed, although you're getting more air, it's gonna be hotter which can actually be worse. The cold feed is a good idea, especially since most CAI's get wet (very bad) and the feed can somewhat bypass that. Make sure your feed is placed in angles that water cannot travel up. Also it's always good to create a heat shield for you filter. They're not too hard to make and there are examples everywhere. It's just too bad no one makes perdy ones for our cars already.

[nate95]

go with out the filter!! lol. not smart, but does add more power. and better throttle response.

[Rockford]

I would prefer.. the K&N OEM replacement...

[BonzaiCelica]

back from the dead, I just hate creating new threads. I'm looking for a drop in filter, thats not oem. Well OEM is my cheapest option at around $20 with taxes included. The best filter I'd go for within my budget would be $50 for the K&N. The reason I don't want K&N is because I don't like oiling it and cleaning it. I currently have a cone K&N and it just doesn't seem to stay red with the oil I put on it after every 5,000 miles.

Whats the best DRY drop in filter for Under $45???

[trdproven]

TRD is within your budget but it is an oiled version. never heard of a drop in dry filter for our celica. In fact, i think its a waste of money to get a drop in filter. Although it does bring in a percentage improvement of air flow but it misses the two significant things we look for. #1 Most Air Flow Possible such as a cone filter that gives most potential performance increase for that particular system and #2 Sound (by preference). A drop in filter is really just for some unnoticeable improvement and keeping it stock profile sound and looks. Or perhaps thats what you are looking for?

I've owned:

TRD Drop In Filter
Injen
Fujita
Weapon R
Apexi
and generic unbrand

This post has been edited by trdproven: Jun 16, 2011 - 1:53 AM