Hello,

I purchased my car used a few years back, but I'm not positive on the brand of the air filter the last owner installed. It resembles a K&N filter in both shape and colour (slight red tinge indicative of the oil), however there is no definite branding on the filter itself.

Is the K&N cleaning solution kit (more specifically the oil) safe to use on any filter, or is it made to work specifically with the K&N filter?

 

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https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-yourself-forum-73/new-sheriff-diy-town-228395/

 

If you can tell the filter is oily by touching it then I would say its a k&n or a knockoff, but they don't really have a slight red tinge its more of a deep red.

The oil is not used on all filters, the stock rx8 filter(which is probably better for you, depending where you live) is a regular paper one and does not need to be oiled.

 

Did not get the sense that the filter was oiled. I've cleaned it, and it's currently drying.

My impression was that the k&n oil was the cause of the redness, and the filter was closer to a brown. This filter appears to be red by design.

 

I personally would changed to paper filters if I were you. K&N have arguable good points and bad points, but the oil will sling off after you clean/oil the filter and that will cause issues with your MAF. Plus you need to dedicate the time to let the filter dry. I'm sure somebody will chime in and say they have never had that problem, but for me it's not worth the potential hassle again for a questionable gains.

 

My MS cold air intake uses a paper cone filter, anybody know where I can order a direct replacement or something equivalent, it says mazdaspeed but the dealership doesn't sell it anymore.

 

U can buy a replacement aem filter, its the same thing.

For the record, aem is part of k&n now.

 

ok, thanks!