Air Filters
Posted: Sun Jan 31, 2016 9:36 am
Just wondering what brand of PAPER air filter you guys use. I had a look at my filter a few days ago, and decided it needs to be replaced for the first time.
I know that many of you guys have modified to a CAI. But I don't really want to spend that money right now.
Therefore I opted to stick with the factory intake system.
Let me explain my intentions towards dealing with air intake. Would be great if you could give me your opinions on this:
I am not really a huge fan of cotton filters for everyday use. In my opinion, I will never get to the point where more airflow than the factory system, with the paper filter provides, is needed. Unless I push the pathfinder into high performance situations. Plus, I am pretty sure that I'll be getting problems with the MAF sensor and/or throttle body, due to the oil used on the cotton filters. At least if I use the cotton filter for a long duration of time.
I don't do any SERIOUS off roading. We go into the mountains for fishing, hunting and camping on logging roads. But I don't do any mudding or river crossings or things like that. So the filter will have to deal with dust, but not with any moisture thats worth mentioning or sand.
Personally, I don't believe that cotton filters filter out as much dirt as paper filters do. But I am also under the impression, that cotton filters let my V6 breathe much better, when I am going to tow a 4000-5000 Ibs camping trailer in extreme situations like the coquiahala highway (7%, 8% at times).
So my approach is, to go with a paper filter for my everyday driving (my wife is the main driver and she rarely revs up higher than 3k. And even that only while passing on the highway, for the duration of the pass.). It'll provide better cleaning when on the dusty ligging roads and deliver more airflow than ever needed in those situations.
I also bought a k&n filter, that I swap in, every time I do REAL towing or when I go for extended highway trips. I'm speaking 300 miles+, on highways or interstates I might do 80 mph and more.
Do you guys think, my idea makes any sense? Or do you rather think, it'll make no difference at all and I am just over reacting on the air filter issue?
Please also let me know, what brand of filter does the best job. There was a FRAM filtet in there. Not sure, how good a job a "cheap product" like FRAM does.
I know that many of you guys have modified to a CAI. But I don't really want to spend that money right now.
Therefore I opted to stick with the factory intake system.
Let me explain my intentions towards dealing with air intake. Would be great if you could give me your opinions on this:
I am not really a huge fan of cotton filters for everyday use. In my opinion, I will never get to the point where more airflow than the factory system, with the paper filter provides, is needed. Unless I push the pathfinder into high performance situations. Plus, I am pretty sure that I'll be getting problems with the MAF sensor and/or throttle body, due to the oil used on the cotton filters. At least if I use the cotton filter for a long duration of time.
I don't do any SERIOUS off roading. We go into the mountains for fishing, hunting and camping on logging roads. But I don't do any mudding or river crossings or things like that. So the filter will have to deal with dust, but not with any moisture thats worth mentioning or sand.
Personally, I don't believe that cotton filters filter out as much dirt as paper filters do. But I am also under the impression, that cotton filters let my V6 breathe much better, when I am going to tow a 4000-5000 Ibs camping trailer in extreme situations like the coquiahala highway (7%, 8% at times).
So my approach is, to go with a paper filter for my everyday driving (my wife is the main driver and she rarely revs up higher than 3k. And even that only while passing on the highway, for the duration of the pass.). It'll provide better cleaning when on the dusty ligging roads and deliver more airflow than ever needed in those situations.
I also bought a k&n filter, that I swap in, every time I do REAL towing or when I go for extended highway trips. I'm speaking 300 miles+, on highways or interstates I might do 80 mph and more.
Do you guys think, my idea makes any sense? Or do you rather think, it'll make no difference at all and I am just over reacting on the air filter issue?
Please also let me know, what brand of filter does the best job. There was a FRAM filtet in there. Not sure, how good a job a "cheap product" like FRAM does.