I figured the only "performance" mod I would do is a K&N filter (or some other non-paper media filter). Are these out yet? If anything, I won't be throwing the filters away every X,XXX miles during an oil change. I see the air filter in the engine bay is just the drop in, flat style. Anyone know where to get these? My local parts store says they aren't out yet... Patrick
I'd be concerned about the real chance of the oil from the K&N fouling the carbon/charcoal filter which is in the air cleaner. This carbon filter captures any gasoline vapors that would otherwise escape through the air intake. I believe this filter comes after the paper air element.
Changing the air filter is not going to increase significantly the performance of a 76 hp engine. The new filter may look better, though. Keep the old filter and put it back when you're ready to sell the car.
"Look better"? The K&N-type filter can't possibly help this car, can possibly hurt it. If installed drop-in it's invisible, and if installed externally it sucks hot air and loses efficiency and power. Why would you use such a thing?
A reusable filter is reusable. The stock OEM is not. The Prius is an environmentally friendly vehicle. If anything, maybe I don't want to fill up my local landfill with used Prius air filters. The only way it will damage the car is if you use too much oil. Patrick
Certainly it can "possibly" help...it may margianally help gas mileage...this car is all about marginal improvements spread over a large number of things....marginally improvements due to regen braking, due to low Cd, due to the hybrid battery, due to LRR tires, due to light weight building products, due to aerodynamic underside panels....etc., etc. A gain of 0.5% in mpg might be small, but it's something. If there's no harm and you're not creating more environmental waste and it is a marginal improvement...or even if there is no noticable improvement, then it could be considered a good choice. I do have some concern about the oil in the filter, but thus far have never seen anything solid that suggest a real risk if oiled properly.
I bought my K&N air filter at Kragen (special order). The installation instructions are wrong. Take out the thick rubber seal and cut it down the middle of the "cross" piece. This will allow the K&N filter (it's as thick as the seal) to be level. This allows the top of the air box to fit tight and flush. I couldn't measure any mpg increase (I get 52 mpg combo of city, country 2 lane and 75 mph freeway). Oh yeah, I drive 1,000 miles per week so good mileage is a blessing
I really doubt that the Prius has any trouble 'breathing'. The ICE is small and the air inlet/filter is quite large relative to displacement, compared to other cars. The Prius also has a very low 'Redline' further reducing any possible strain on air intake systems. People have reported that the Prius runs just fine at high altitude which is where you would see issues first. So, for me the cost, time and risk are downsides with no apparent upside. I think a Block Heater in the winter would save more fuel by far than an Air Filter change, and I'm pondering that.
My friend just pulled out the Carbon filter from the top of the air filter (it broke the plastic frame when prying out). It looked 50% clogged (no light passing through). No change in running with this out.
My boyfriend called the K&N place for me to find out if they had the filters in for my future 2005 Prius. They do not have any yet. The only positive side to getting the K&N filter is that you never have to replace them where you do have to replace the others every x miles, like mentioned above. And, also mentioned above, it will not make a huge difference in your mpg. I still wanted one for the fact that you never have to worry about replacing it. However, I don't think it will save me much money at all unless I had the car for more than 10 years- that is just my dad's estimated guess using the prices he thinks the K&N air filter would cost and how much a "regular" air filter costs. Any one else have anything to add?
I'm waiting for the air filter to come out. I already use a K&N for an oil filter. I don't think it's reusable. It's simply a good design, has a bolt head attached to it so it's easier to install and take off.. plus.. it cost less than other filters.
Don't bother using K&N or Amsoil. Check this out : [web:4922221ff9]http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/airfilter/airtest1.htm[/web:4922221ff9] The test shows that K&N and Amsoil perform worse compared to paper OEM filters. Flow may be a little better, but they do not filter dirt as well.
Hey all, 1st post here. I wonder if anyone ever considers the wastewater/groundwater pollution from the oils in K&Ns (which Ive used since the 70s) vs. the paper/rubber landfill waste. I think the landfill issue is less important than the water pollution issue and I also think on a Hoover level engine like the Prius that it matters near zero what filter if any you use. On my old 68 GTO, sure there's difference. Just m yopinion-feel free to agree with me.
