How much of an improvement do these high performance air filters really make versus the standard air filters?

 

I noticed a 1mpg increase so its worth it to me, better throttle responce, plus you just clean it and reinstall... (K&N)

 

i've noticed maybe 2-3 extra MPG's with my 2.3 litre with a K&N Filter. I don't really notice any low end power gains but I deffinently notice it at 50-80 MPH. for $60, i'd say go for it.

 

Go for it. Its a good mod and they have been proven to be worth it time and time again.

 

They are nice because you can clean and reuse them. Just remember to clean your MAFS sensor every oil change or few months or you will be having issues. Oil comes off the filter and sticks to the sensor making it meter the incoming air wrong. Also, K&N was the culprit when my idle air control kicked the bucket (Was filled with dirt and oil inside). Be VERY careful when you clean it and re-oil it...more oil is NOT better.

IMO: Your better off getting an amsoil air filter that flows more air then stock and traps more dirt. It's not oiled so it wont cause some of the problems the K&N may cause. https://www.amsoil.com/storefront/eaa.aspx

 

The air filter for the 4 cylinder is the same filter used for the 3.0L and 4.0L V-6 Rangers. Therefore, the OEM paper filter is way over sized for the 4 cylinder so you will be throwing your money away with a K&N. Not only that, you risk contaminating your MAF sensor with the dirt and oil the K&Ns pass!!
Stay with the OEM paper filter.

 

i didn't notice any difference at all in performance/mileage when i took out the k&n.
i wanted to avoid fouling the MAF so i replaced with a standard paper filter.

 

Smart move! Those that think they are getting an improvement with the K&N is due to the "placebo effect". Check this chart out. It is a study I did some time ago, showing the OEM air filter area of the 2.3L, normalized for displacement. The 2.3L has more air filter area than a V-12 Mercedes, Mustang, or Corvette!!



One other thing you should realize. With the CAFE standards, vehicle manufacturers DO NOT design the intake system to be restrictive that would
limit engine efficiency. This appiles to all vehicle manufacturers!!

 

All that chart shows us is that the 2.3L ranger has a large area of air displacement using the stock filter. You should redo it with after market filters and see what you get.

 

Why? the data shows the OEM paper filter is oversized for the 2.3L. You could put a filter on it twice as big, and you wouldn't get any more air flow.