opinons please on performance air filters

[bakedbeing]

Just wondering what people on here think of performance air filters?
I'm thinking of sticking a K&N panel filter in my SE 1.8 (adz), i don't expect miracles obviously, but was wondering if i will feel any significant benefit?

Is an induction kit a waste of time on my engine size?

Would appreciate everyones opinions!

Ta.

[SammoVWT]

I have a kit on my 1.6, and it makes a fair difference I must say, but only when combined with other changes, as in free flowing exhaust, heat shielding, cold air etc.

You cant slap on a cone filter exposed in an engine bay and expect an improvement. Ive not used a panel filter personally, but it would probably make the throttle response better at any rate.

[Tricky Red]

I don't think that you will see a tremendous difference if anything at all, I am afraid to say.

[Crasher]

K&N panel, bugger all difference though. Induction kits can cause hot air to be drawn in which loses power, makes them sound faster though.

http://www.candrenterprises.co.uk/shop/k-n-replacement-air-filter-vw-91-99.html

[Tricky Red]

Question to Crasher - did you get my email?

[Crasher]

What about?

[SammoVWT]

There are ways to avoid heatsoak, but I warn you its a lot of effort!

[bakedbeing]

Well thanx to all above who replied - help appreciated!

Not sure if it's made my mind up one way or another! I was leaning towards the K&N as i had been told about the I/kit sucking in warm engine bay air, did'nt fancy making my engine bay look as if i'd let someone off Blue Peter loose on it!

I had an 1800 mk3 before which i've always felt was a bit nippier than my current one, fancied seeing if i could just squeeze a bit more HP out of it.

Yeah, Sammo, the car has already got a powerflow exhaust fitted to it, so maybe worth sticking in a panel filter then?

[SammoVWT]

If you can route some cold air into your existing ducting it may be worth a shot. Other than that i guess the only real benefit is that its washable.

I found the airbox on my 1.6 to be pretty restrictive and had a poor breather design, the intake pipe was just sat in the engine bay which was pretty pants to be honest, but it really depends on how good your existing intake system is.