Hey - even though opinions seem to differ on its effectiveness, I took the plunge and bought a new k&n air filter. It took me about 30 minutes last Friday night to finish the job. The installation was a breeze. I also disconnected the negative end of the battery for about an hour to allow sensors and computer to reset (based on FAQ section of k&n official site).
It was revelation time the next Monday. The car started off as her usual self with sluggish throttle response and slow acceleration. Before I got a chance to blame myself for falling to the marketing hype, I felt the change in demeanor. The car became a lot more responsive and there was noticeable better pick up during acceleration. Wow.
After taking a close look at the stock air filter, there is no question how the design and material can restrict air flow. Sort of like working out while wearing a dust mask.
It's yet to be seen what this all means for gas mileage. Some people also suggest it's a zero sum game where a gain in performance will result in premature wear and tear on some parts - you just have to pick your poison. All and all, I feel like I made the right choice.
I have nothing against K&N but the only worry ihave is the cleaning solutions, the oil u have to add could end up clogging up the MAF which in return throw a Check engine light or premature wear and tear, but i'm glad ur happy with the filter
When you clean the filter after 50k, just clean out the TB and clean the MAF. No big deal. I doubt you will see any real fuel saving gains unless you can consistantly measure your mileage. I think any spirited driving will negate any minor gains. Just IMO. I have a K&N in my Tacoma and a Typhoon SRI in my Matrix.
Can you point me to the location of the TB and MAF on a Toyota Matrix? Do I need to take anything apart in order to clean them?
Visit www.matrixowners.com . You will find a link to the 2003 service manual. I know you have an 06 but the principle is the same. There is a little work involved but its not that hard. The MAF (Mass Air Flow) is on the air intake tubing, little almost square piece. You have to remove it and clean it with electronics cleaner. The most important thing is not to short the sensor or you'll blow it and they cost about $100. There is a step by step at the MO.com. The TB (Throttle Body) is what the air intake tube attaches to at the engine. You spray cleaner and thats about it. As long as you don't kill your filter with oil when you clean it, you'll be ok. If you drive on dusty roads and whatnot, just clean it a little more often.
After spending a good bit of time trying to track down a part # for the K&N drop in filter I talked with a Toyota mechanic who said the TRD filter was a much better fit. I purchased it and it fits perfectly. My question is does the K&N fit the same or is there some play as I was told. I am happy with the TRD but wold like to know if the mechanic was truthful. Having a Magna Flow Vortex muffler installed this morning and eliminating the pre muffler as recomended bu the performace muffler shop. Will post the the results very soon!
k&n also fits perfectly. If anything, the edge is a little thicker than the stock filter, and as a result, I had to use a bit more force to push down on the lid to snap the clamp in place. The k&n edge is made of rubber material and is a little elastic, the result is a pretty tight seal.
There's really no need to remove the battery. He only replaced the filter that goes in the OEM filter box. Unless he was installing an intake (CAI for example) then yes he has to remove the battery for the installation. Changing the filter is a mere 2 snaps and a drop-in (guess why they call it a drop-in filter, come on, guess) of the filter and you're done.
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Installed drop-in k&n air filter last weekend
K&N vs TRD
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