I am curious... - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

LostSouthernStar · 12-31-2011, 04:35 PM

Hello all,

I am curious, as I have seen numerous mixed reviews about this, but will a K&N air filter improve the fuel economy on my 2001 Toyota Camry 5S-FE 4 cylinder?

Some have said it can cause damage and hinder acceleration...others have said it improves acceleration only and not fuel economy and vice versa. This is confusing, is there anyone who has the Gen 4 that can attest to this?

Thanks!

-LSS

***zythr*** · 12-31-2011, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LostSouthernStar

Hello all,

I am curious, as I have seen numerous mixed reviews about this, but will a K&N air filter improve the fuel economy on my 2001 Toyota Camry 5S-FE 4 cylinder?

Some have said it can cause damage and hinder acceleration...others have said it improves acceleration only and not fuel economy and vice versa. This is confusing, is there anyone who has the Gen 4 that can attest to this?

Thanks!

-LSS

If you don't feel comfortable installing this filter in your car, then don't

93cr250 · 12-31-2011, 06:19 PM

it seems that if toyota could have gotten even 1 mpg more by only installing a different filter in their cars , they would have....k&n is crap

LostSouthernStar · 12-31-2011, 06:39 PM

I appreciate the sarcasm.

TrueBooleanFalse · 12-31-2011, 06:44 PM

I installed a Spectre SRI. I do not believe I lost any MPG, but may have lost some acceleration in first gear, but it makes up for it at 4k RPMs. You get a nicer vroom sound... and maybe its just the psychology of it, greater velocity at higher RPMs. I did notice when I installed the SRI, the 98 camry 5SFE already has a CAI, but lacks the sound because of the enclosed filter and the two resonators.

So, I suppose you COULD say you lose MPG out of it if you 'put the pedal to the metal', but I have always had a lead foot.

93cr250 · 12-31-2011, 06:44 PM

sorry if i seemed rude saying that....i just hear about these type of bolt on things all the time that are supposed to give better economy, hardly ANY work....i suppose you could get one just because you can clean and reuse it, but i wouldnt expect any performance or mileage gains

***TrailDust*** · 12-31-2011, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LostSouthernStar

I appreciate the sarcasm.

Be aware that discussing K&N filters is very much akin to discussing religion or politics. Opinions vary, emotions fly high, but order will be maintained rest assured.

LostSouthernStar · 12-31-2011, 07:10 PM

It's alright, I don't hold any grudges. I know how you feel when something you pay alot of money for doesn't work as advertised.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 93cr250

sorry if i seemed rude saying that....i just hear about these type of bolt on things all the time that are supposed to give better economy, hardly ANY work....i suppose you could get one just because you can clean and reuse it, but i wouldnt expect any performance or mileage gains

LostSouthernStar · 12-31-2011, 07:11 PM

I understand, but opinions must clash occasionally to prove a point sometimes. Thank you, I appreciate that!

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrailDust

Be aware that discussing K&N filters is very much akin to discussing religion or politics. Opinions vary, emotions fly high, but order will be maintained rest assured.

***TrailDust*** · 12-31-2011, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LostSouthernStar

I am curious, as I have seen numerous mixed reviews about this, but will a K&N air filter improve the fuel economy on my 2001 Toyota Camry 5S-FE 4 cylinder?

Some have said it can cause damage and hinder acceleration...others have said it improves acceleration only and not fuel economy and vice versa. This is confusing, is there anyone who has the Gen 4 that can attest to this?

In answer to your question, I can offer an observation.

I have a K&N filter installed in my 2008 Highlander and Suzuki Samurai, with 3 years and 8 years, respectively, experience in use, all to no ill effect. Both of these vehicles have been driven extensively off-road in many types of dust and gritty dirt, to no ill effect to either one.

As for mileage, I was very anal retentive about testing the K&N on my Highlander. I ran two tankfuls of gas through it with the OEM paper filter installed, then two tankfuls with the K&N installed, then reinstalled the paper filter, and finally reinstalled the K&N. The sum of all those tanks of gas was a consistent 4% improvement in mileage with the K&N installed.

That's been my K&N experience and, no, I don't work for the company.

LostSouthernStar · 12-31-2011, 07:15 PM

Thanks!

I guess it just depends on the driving habits and overall condition of the vehicle...the air filter only makes up a small percentage of the performance and fuel usage, from what I can tell.

I can always try it and if it doesn't work, then I can just go back to a regular filter.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrailDust

In answer to your question, I can offer an observation.

I have a K&N filter installed in my 2008 Highlander and Suzuki Samurai, with 3 years and 8 years, respectively, experience in use, all to no ill effect. Both of these vehicles have been driven extensively off-road in many types of dust and gritty dirt, to no ill effect to either one.

As for mileage, I was very anal retentive about testing the K&N on my Highlander. I ran two tankfuls of gas through it with the OEM paper filter installed, then two tankfuls with the K&N installed, then reinstalled the paper filter, and finally reinstalled the K&N. The sum of all those tanks of gas was consistent with a 4% improvement in mileage.

That's been my K&N experience and, no, I don't work for the company.

***TrailDust*** · 12-31-2011, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LostSouthernStar

Thanks!

I guess it just depends on the driving habits and overall condition of the vehicle...the air filter only makes up a small percentage of the performance and fuel usage, from what I can tell.

I can always try it and if it doesn't work, then I can just go back to a regular filter.

You might also consider a high performance paper filter that would probably provide an improvement in the 4% ballpark like the K&N. It's a matter of personal choice I think. I'd rather be able to clean my own filter any time I want or need to, as opposed to throwing away a paper filter and buying another. In the long run, and depending on driving conditions, the costs probably equal out in the long run. They certainly do for off-roaders.

LostSouthernStar · 12-31-2011, 07:23 PM

Which filter brands would that be?

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrailDust

You might also consider a high performance paper filter that would probably provide an improvement in the 4% ballpark like the K&N.

***TrailDust*** · 12-31-2011, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LostSouthernStar

Which filter brands would that be?

Purolator PureONE air filters, as opposed to their standard Purolator Classic air filter, would be an example. Your local auto parts store or online parts stores will provide options to you for standard or high performance paper filters.

LostSouthernStar · 12-31-2011, 07:33 PM

Thanks!

Will this improve fuel economy AND acceleration???

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrailDust

Purolator PureONE air filters, as opposed to their standard Purolator Classic air filter, would be an example. Your local auto parts store or online parts stores will provide options to you for standard or high performance paper filters.