Anyone use K&N air filters - Subaru Newbie here - Subaru Outback

Needsnow · 12-26-2011, 11:53 AM

Hi Everyone. I have been merrily driving Mazdas for the past 15 years and am awaiting the arrival of my Outback. In the past, the first thing I do on a vehicle is install a K&N air filter. I don't seem to find any info about them and Subarus.....any reason why I shouldn't do it on my Outback.
Kristine

Seabass · 12-26-2011, 01:01 PM

It depends on which engine you have. They are fine on non-turbo cars.

Needsnow · 12-26-2011, 02:36 PM

It will be the standard engine. 2.5 L

AWD Flyer · 12-26-2011, 06:48 PM

I have used them on many cars with no issues. I will be installing one on my '10 OB when the factory filter needs replacing.

**AWDFTW** · 12-26-2011, 09:46 PM

Never found them to help or hurt.

grossgary · 12-27-2011, 12:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AWDFTW

Never found them to help or hurt.

+1. i've put tons of miles on them on Subaru's as well, no difference noticed either except i've probably put 150,000 miles on one filter before, so i saved a few filter changes.

vebop · 12-27-2011, 04:28 AM

I use the K&N because it's sturdy enough withstand hard raps dislodging debris. Brushing out the screen folds doesn't damage it. Washed and oiled every 30k. It breathes with no complications.

Needsnow · 12-27-2011, 08:19 AM

Thanks for responding to a newbie!

jlaudio_outback · 12-27-2011, 07:12 PM

I ordered mine yesterday. I will have it tomorrow. I noticed an increase in HP and gas mileage on my other car but on that car I bought the whole short ram air intake not just the replacement filter.

highest_vision · 12-27-2011, 07:51 PM

If you drove Mazdas, perhaps you have seen the relatively in-depth, non-scientific comparison between various filters done by a Miata owner. His endpoint, if you could not arrive there yourself, was that if you want to flow more air, you will flow more dirt. However, it think that there have been relatively few engine failures attributed to dirt inhalation in the last 50 years. My opinion is that you will only see real benefits with the K&N if you flow a LOT of air, or think about long-term filter service costs. Plan on keeping the car more than 60k? Maybe you will come out ahead.

James

12-26-2011, 11:53 AM	#1 (permalink)
Needsnow Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 51 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Anyone use K&N air filters - Subaru Newbie here Hi Everyone. I have been merrily driving Mazdas for the past 15 years and am awaiting the arrival of my Outback. In the past, the first thing I do on a vehicle is install a K&N air filter. I don't seem to find any info about them and Subarus.....any reason why I shouldn't do it on my Outback. Kristine

12-26-2011, 09:46 PM	#5 (permalink)
AWDFTW Super Moderator Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chicago Car: 2003 2.5 4EAT with AWP. Posts: 4,823 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Never found them to help or hurt. __________________ 2003 Outback: "Kaylee". 108k and counting. +30 low beam upgrade, HIR1 high beam upgrade, Nokya yellow fog lights, Fumoto valve, Quaker State Ultimate Durability 5w30, PureONE oil filter, STP air filter, Valvoline Maxlife ATF, Valvoline Durablend 80w90, Michelin Primacy MXV4. Also: more rust than I care to think about.

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12-26-2011, 01:01 PM	#2 (permalink)
Seabass Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Brothel, WA Car: 05 OBXT 5eat stg1.2 Posts: 1,632 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	It depends on which engine you have. They are fine on non-turbo cars.

12-26-2011, 02:36 PM	#3 (permalink)
Needsnow Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 51 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	It will be the standard engine. 2.5 L

12-26-2011, 06:48 PM	#4 (permalink)
AWD Flyer Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 155 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I have used them on many cars with no issues. I will be installing one on my '10 OB when the factory filter needs replacing.

12-27-2011, 04:28 AM	#7 (permalink)
vebop Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Oakville ON Car: 2008 OB2.5i LTD Posts: 104 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I use the K&N because it's sturdy enough withstand hard raps dislodging debris. Brushing out the screen folds doesn't damage it. Washed and oiled every 30k. It breathes with no complications.

12-27-2011, 08:19 AM	#8 (permalink)
Needsnow Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 51 Feedback Score: 1 reviews	Thanks for responding to a newbie!

12-27-2011, 07:12 PM	#9 (permalink)
jlaudio_outback Registered User Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 160 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I ordered mine yesterday. I will have it tomorrow. I noticed an increase in HP and gas mileage on my other car but on that car I bought the whole short ram air intake not just the replacement filter.

12-27-2011, 07:51 PM	#10 (permalink)
highest_vision Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Boone, NC Car: 02 Outback 2.5 5sp Posts: 475 Feedback Score: 0 reviews	If you drove Mazdas, perhaps you have seen the relatively in-depth, non-scientific comparison between various filters done by a Miata owner. His endpoint, if you could not arrive there yourself, was that if you want to flow more air, you will flow more dirt. However, it think that there have been relatively few engine failures attributed to dirt inhalation in the last 50 years. My opinion is that you will only see real benefits with the K&N if you flow a LOT of air, or think about long-term filter service costs. Plan on keeping the car more than 60k? Maybe you will come out ahead. James

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