The Benefits of Upgrading to a Performance Air Filter

How do performance air filters work?

Performance air filters are designed to increase the airflow into your vehicle's engine. They achieve this by replacing the stock air filter that comes with most cars.

The stock air filter is typically made of paper or foam and is designed to filter out dirt and debris before it enters the engine.

While this is important for protecting the engine, it can also restrict airflow and reduce performance. Also, plastic OEM housings often have multiple restrictions in the pipes for fitment in the engine bay.

For example, some of the stock Honda airboxes have a ribbed effect on the pipe, which increases air turbulence and decreases performance.

Performance air filters are made of high-quality materials, such as cotton or synthetic fibres, allowing for greater airflow while maintaining excellent filtration. These filters are made to catch smaller particles without sacrificing performance.

They feature a pleated design that provides a larger surface area for air to pass through, resulting in improved airflow and better engine performance.

Performance air filters also have the advantage of being washable and reusable. Unlike stock air filters that must be replaced every few thousand miles, performance air filters can be cleaned and reused multiple times.

This saves you money in the long run, reduces waste, and is more environmentally friendly.

In summary, performance air filters improve airflow into the engine, allowing for better combustion and increased performance. They are made of high-quality materials, offer better filtration, and are washable and reusable.

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Benefits of upgrading to a performance air filter

Improved engine performance

Upgrading to a performance air filter can significantly benefit your engine's performance. By increasing airflow to the engine, these filters provide more oxygen for combustion, which results in better fuel combustion.

As a result, you can expect to see an improvement in horsepower and torque.

With a performance air filter, your engine can breathe more efficiently, resulting in smoother acceleration and better performance.

Whether you want to shave seconds off your quarter-mile time or enjoy a more pleasant driving experience, a performance air filter can make a noticeable difference.

Increased fuel efficiency

In addition to improved performance, upgrading to a performance air filter can also lead to increased fuel efficiency.

When your engine receives a more significant amount of clean air, it can operate more efficiently, burning fuel more effectively. This means you'll get more miles out of each litre of fuel, saving you money at the petrol station.

Performance air filters can also help reduce engine strain, allowing the engine to work more effortlessly. This can result in less wear and tear on your engine, potentially extending its lifespan and reducing maintenance costs.

Better air filtration

While performance air filters are primarily known for improving airflow and performance, they also offer excellent filtration capabilities.

High-quality performance air filters are designed to capture even the tiniest particles, such as dust, pollen, and other contaminants, ensuring that only clean air enters your engine.

By filtering out harmful particles, performance air filters help protect your engine from damage and reduce the risk of premature wear.

This is especially important if you frequently drive in dusty or polluted environments, as it can help prolong the life of your engine and keep it running smoothly.

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How to choose the right performance air filter

Now that you know the benefits of upgrading to a performance air filter, it's time to choose the right one for your vehicle. Here are a few factors to consider when making your selection:

Compatibility

Ensure that your chosen performance air filter is compatible with your specific make and model. You can find this information in the product description or using the manufacturer's compatibility tool.

Another quick way is to shop by car, which most websites have nowadays. This will make finding the perfect filter fitment easier than ever.

Filter efficiency

Look for a performance air filter that offers high filtration efficiency. This means it can effectively capture small particles while allowing optimal airflow.

Most of the performance air filters on the market offer this, but it is always worth checking to make sure.

Material

Performance air filters are often made of either cotton or synthetic fibres. Both materials offer excellent filtration and airflow, so choose the one that you prefer and suits your budget.

Both options are good and will net you the biggest horsepower gain whilst also being reusable.

Maintenance

Consider whether you prefer a washable and reusable performance air filter or one that needs to be replaced periodically.

Washable filters are more cost-effective in the long run and better for the environment. Most filters nowadays are reusable for this exact reason, but it's always worth checking before going ahead and buying one.

Brand reputation

Research different performance air filter brands and read customer reviews to determine their reputation for quality and performance.

Popular brands like K&N, Ramair, and Pipercross are known for producing top-notch performance air filters.

By considering all of this, you can choose the correct performance air filter for your application that does exactly what you need it to.

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Velocity Stacks

If you're in the market for performance filters, you'll encounter various filters linked to a velocity stack. This is a common addition to performance air filters intended to optimise their effectiveness.

A velocity stack is a trumpet-shaped device connected to the entrance of an engine's air intake system. It can be of varying lengths and can be fitted to carb and fuel-injected engines.

The original air box and related ducting are frequently discarded in modified engines, and velocity stacks are added as accessories. The length of the stack has a direct impact on the boosted power range of a particular engine.

Most aftermarket stacks are intended to be used within the airbox, but some are created as a standalone unit which you can mount wherever you have space or the most significant amount of clean airflow.

A reputable, research-oriented company will have some applications that feature stacks of the same length and others with velocity stacks of different sizes.

The two most common brands we deal with that produce velocity stacks are Hybrid Racing and Skunk2, which both produce a 3" and 3.5" version, which tend to be the most popular aftermarket sizes.

They also include the necessary filters, stacks, clips and silicone to make it as user-friendly as possible.

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Performance Air Filter Brands

We have learnt about performance air filters and the optimal selection method. We've compiled a list of the best performance brands on the market to save you from having to shop around for hours!

K&N

K&N performance air filters are created to be long-lasting, reusable, and washable throughout the lifespan of your vehicle. The filter design is top-notch, including multiple layers of proprietary cotton gauze media and specially-engineered oil.

Initially developed for the racetrack, it has now been custom-engineered for your vehicle.

K&N air filters have been tested, proven, and trusted for over 50 years, and millions of drivers depend on them to help safeguard their engines against premature wear.

Mishimoto

Mishimoto is a company that specializes in producing top-quality cooling products for automotive enthusiasts. Established in 2005, they have over a decade of experience creating superior cooling system upgrades.

If you want to improve your performance vehicle's air filtration and airflow, consider getting a Mishimoto Performance Air Filter.

These filters can be cleaned and reused, ensuring consistent and efficient performance for extended periods of use on the street or track.

Mishimoto's filters are built to last, featuring robust construction and high-quality clamps for easy installation. Best of all, they are made in the USA and come with the Mishimoto Lifetime Warranty.

Exoracing

Although we are the newest company on the list, we also strive to put out the best quality products. Our new air intake filters are tested using competition drift cars to ensure they will last and increase performance.

Currently, we have a range of two sizes and two colours to fit most aftermarket intake pipe sizing.

Using premium materials and the fact the filters are washable and reusables makes them compete with some of the biggest brands in the industry.

Ramair

RamAir is the ultimate source for top-notch filters, induction kits, and exhausts, catering to the automotive industry and after-market sales.

Their extensive product range includes high-quality ducting, accessories, replacement hoses, and intercoolers.

Opting for RamAir, especially their Proram line of air filters, is a guaranteed way to enhance your car's overall performance.

Pipercross

Pipercross has been dedicated to creating top-performing air filters for more than 35 years. They use foam for its superior dirt retention and unrestricted airflow, ensuring your vehicle performs at its best throughout your ownership.

Pipercross filters are handmade in the UK with high-quality parts, many of which are sourced locally, and undergo a rigorous quality control process at every production stage.

Hybrid Racing

Getting the most power out of your engine requires attention to detail. Hybrid Racing focuses on how air flows into and out of the engine to achieve optimal performance.

A cold air intake and high-flow cone filter are effective ways to improve breathing. If you've ever examined an intake manifold, you'll have noticed a curved "bellmouth" profile at the inlet of each intake runner.

This feature, which can increase the efficiency of air movement by up to 70% in certain circumstances, is added for good reason.

Skunk2

Skunk2 puts a lot of effort into creating its products in-house. They use the latest computer simulation and modelling techniques and test their products extensively in controlled laboratory environments with advanced equipment.

Additionally, they put their products through thorough dyno, street, and race track testing to ensure they perform well in extreme conditions. That's why top street and race cars across the globe depend on Skunk2 products.

The Universal Skunk2 Racing High-Velocity Intake Kit is a great product that minimises heat soak and maximises airflow and velocity on any induction system. The filter has a unique Composite Velocity Stack with golf ball-like dimples on the surface.

These dimples create a boundary layer that reduces drag and allows air to stay attached as it curves into the bell mouth. This results in higher air velocities and increased air mass delivery to the engine.

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Conclusion

Upgrading to a performance air filter is a simple and effective way to unlock your vehicle's potential. With improved engine performance, increased fuel efficiency, and better air filtration, the benefits are undeniable.

Whether you're a car enthusiast looking to maximise your vehicle's performance or want a smoother and more efficient drive, a performance air filter is a worthwhile investment.

Remember to choose a performance air filter compatible with your vehicle, which offers high filtration efficiency, and suits your maintenance preferences.

So, why wait? Give your car the breath of fresh air it deserves. Upgrade to a performance air filter and experience the power within your engine.

Breathe easy and enjoy the enhanced driving experience of a performance air filter.

If you've learnt anything from this article, please comment below, or if you're still unsure about which air filter you need, please get in touch with us for our team to point you in the right direction.