RazzyBRX-8

Reading all this stuff has made me want to go down to autozone and get the filter.

I was going to get the AEM and spend the 300 dollars but now I think I'll just get the drop in due to the easier install.

thanks guys.

Oh and like you all have been saying! I hope that sticker (if there is one) will do me well on the streets!

RazzyBRX-8

I'd have to agree on not feeling a power increase. But I did think it ran a lot smoother, i guess would be the word. And before you start thinking how many miles was on the old one?! I only have 1520 on her. I just put it in today.

brtzrx8

I just installed my K&N panel filter, and it does seem to make the car rev better. I am however having a problem with the CEL. The car threw a CEL once I installed the filter. I cleared it, but it keeps coming back every 500 miles or so. Has anyone had a similar experience?

Your advice would be much appreciated. Best regards.

Brett

yiksing

If a filter can make that much of a difference in performance, I would worry about its filtering capabilities first.

Howdy1606

i think i might pick one up too

alcimedes

If it's kicking a CEL it might not be seated properly.

RazzyBRX-8

It's worth the 50 bucks

Vertigo-1

iTrader: (3)

I picked one up myself recently. I have been wanting to try and aftermarket air filter for some time now, and originally had planned to get the Mazdaspeed dry air filter as I really wanted to avoid wet filters. But after seeing what it would cost after shipping ($160), I said screw it and just went with the K&N. Bought mine from Crutchfield.com, the buying experience was easy and painless. I've had mine installed for about two weeks now. I drive an AT.

First off, the filter itself...it's about half as thick as the stock filter, with gauze soaked in red oil contained within a metal mesh filter. I wrapped it in newspaper overnight to draw off any extra oil but all in all there wasn't much to show for it. Quite heavy feeling, but thin. This thinness I suspect is responsible for any sound differences between the K&N and stock filter...it's not filling up the air box as much, thus allowing air to resonate more within the air box. The sound difference I hear rather supports this as well.

Performance wise...there are definitely no power differences. There is definitely a difference in throttle responsiveness however, which is what I expected from a high flow air filter. Things I noted:

1. From a complete stop, a slight tap on the gas produces a slightly more jumpy, throw-you-into-the-seat start than with the stock filter.

2. The engine revs with a less restrictive sensation, particularly at over 4000 RPMs when the S-DAIS starts to kick in. This is really noticeable with the AT in 2nd gear, as the 2nd gear is insanely tall and normally feels slow and restricted when attempting to get it over 3500 RPMs.

3. The engine responds more rapidly and readily at any RPM at a steady cruise. The biggest difference occurs in 3rd and 4th, where pegging the throttle when cruising at 2-3000 RPMs suddenly produces greater and enough acceleration to execute passes. Previously, I wouldn't have attempted to do passes in either gear, and would usually drop to 2nd to pass.

If you don't believe in air filters doing anything for performance, than you should still get the K&N for the sound difference. The car sounds perfectly stock when driving normally...with just a slight bit of a low toned snarl underlying the intake note that hints at things to come. Find a stretch, plant your foot into the firewall, let that rotary wind up and that buzzer sing, and it's like the beast that was caged in the stock intake note gets cut loose. The sound is still close to stock but gains a bassy, aggressive low toned roar that is very much noticeable to bystanders. It's tight and controlled, without any echoes or boxiness. This is how the car should've sounded stock if you ask me. The stock sound hints at a snarl but dampens it too much and it sort of gets lost...a little too "stock economy sedan" sounding. If you're a fan of the stock intake note but ever feel it's a little too quiet and subdued...adding in the K&N really adds some much needed aggressiveness to the intake note, without making it sound too ricey or having it drown out the unique rotary whine.

All in all, is the filter worth $50ish? Most definitely.

zoned

Great review, Vertigo :-)

CarAndDriver

Updating a long thread....

Just got my K&N drop in filter and will update this when I drive more miles on it.

sticks888

Yeah, I have an AT. Dropped it in and the only thing I can definitively say that I've noticed is that the my idle is much stabler (rpm needle doesn't fluctuate at all) and rests 500 rpm lower than with the OEM filter. Anyone else notice this?

As for mileage improvements, can't say....maybe 1-2 mpg at best. The engine does SOUND smoother in the cabin but that doesn't mean it RUNS smoother. Again, it's too close to say definitively.

So if you're looking for performance gains, don't think you'll notice much. But it is a qualitative improvement over stock filter.

User24

iTrader: (1)

I've been looking for a reasonable way to increase the engine noise; this is worth trying.

XLR83N

does anyone know where i can get 1 of these shipped to australia?

supergoat

I had one in my 05. My girlfriend is getting me one for my 04.

I enjoy haveing a washable filter.

avenger007

Any updates CarAndDriver?

S1lveRx8

iTrader: (1)

Will prob. stop by Auto Zone, or Advance Discount to pick one of these up today. I'm hoping it will satisfy me enough to not want a $300+ CAI. I'll let you guys know what I think after some use.

NoOdLe BoY

iTrader: (1)

i am also contemplating on whether i should get this K&N panel filter or a MS CAI. i mean the CAI helps with the heat under the hood alittle and it has the warranty. but then this K&N looks real good for 50 bucks.

JD32

I agree it is a good deal even if it is just for the butt dyno effect because you will not have to buy another filter for the life of your car ($40 OEM). I changed mine last weekend and it "seems" better to me. In the end, all that really matters is that I am satisfied and happy.

Very much recommend the K&N panel filter.

avenger007

Just installed the drop-in filter in my '04. Idle is a bit more stable, but not 500rpm less like some others. I haven't had it long enough to measure any gas mileage increase, I assume if there is any it will be slight. It does add a little "meaness" to the engine, so all in all, I think its a good deal for +/- $50.

NoOdLe BoY

iTrader: (1)

is there only one type of panel filter K&N filter for the 8?

hagar852

I just ordered mine after reading this. Got it on the site that was recommended for like 44.95 plus 10 dollar handling charge whatever that is.


Can wait to try it.

dynamho

I don't know if it's the case with the Renesis, but from my experience, regular piston-based cars always lost a bit of low RPM torque but gained top end when I installed CAIs. Thus, to me, it doesn't make much sense getting a CAI for the RX-8 for insignificant gains on top. You might as well spend $50 for the better throttle response without sacrificing low-end torque, which the RX-8 needs.

I have a Green Filter (same as K&N) primarily because I think paper filters degrade performance faster than gauze filters.

hagar852

I got my filter today and didn't waste anytime throwing it in.

After driving around about 60 miles or so I have noticed what other people have also notice. Obviously no noticable power gain, but the engine seems to accelerate much smoother, and there is more response on the throttle I can verify that. My idle isn't much different but it seems a bit better not as "rough" as it was with the other filter.

My oem filter was on a little bit of the dirty side so I am guessing that has a little bit to do with some of the differences I am feeling.

As for the sound.... After reading what some people where saying about the sound difference, well is leaving me a little disappointed. I wasn't expectinng a dramatic change, but based what I read in some of the posts the change in the sound is much less than people were reporting.

I do hear a SLIGHT difference at lower rpms, and maybe another small difference in the higher rpms. Maybe my disappointment was my over excitement after reading some of the posts about the filter.

One other positive I noticed is that I had a flat spot in acceleration around 6500rpm which is now gone and the engine pulls nicely all the way to "BEEP" .


Is the filter worth it? I think so even though the sound isn't what I hoped for but it is a LITTLE different. I don't feel like modding the stock box to change the sound either. Throttle response is defeniately there and smoother acceleration.
And you never have to buy a new filter!!

Defeniately worth the purchase.

sleeperx8

just got my first fill-up with this filter in my car... 19 mpg! i went up 2!

other than that: not really feeling any hp gains, but the throttle response is better and the idle is a lot smoother now. the sound is better... but it's such a small difference for my untrained ear that i find it negligible.

Rimmsy

There is an online store on eBay situated in Melbourne that will do it for around A$120 (can't remember the name), or any Supercheap Auto or Autobarn can get them in for you as well. Like you I have been looking into it as well.

Cheers
Rimmsy