Panel filter vs Paper filter

[Mark_wazza]

I've been considering buying a panel filter but Im not quite sure whether its worth it. What Ive read on this forum and others is that panel filters could possibly give a little better performance and fuel economy. Correct?
Although the regular paper filters do a better job at filtering the air than aftermarket filters?
Considering that I probably wont do anything else to the airbox, Im thinking that its probably not worth the extra money to buy a panel filter
Also how do you clean and oil a panel filter? And is it difficult or time consuming to do?

[GEN3RATD]

paper filters will be fine. panel filters save money though because you can clean them, i wouldnt be expecting 20hp and a massive fuel gain.

how i used to clean my K&N in my falcon:

take the panel out
rub it with soap
spray it with a hose until the water starts to run clear again
leave in the sun for few hours to dry
give a LIGHT coating of oil, make sure its even
put it back in.

[Mark_wazza]

Thanks. Im certainly not expecting much or any gain.

[GEN3RATD]

sweet, just make sure if you get your car serviced at a mechanic that you put the little sticker inside the airbox, or your mechanic will throw it away

[VR028]

the oil in the filter traps more dust particles too. i think k&n recommend washing and re oiling around every 5000kms. i use the k&n recharge kit which is a cleaning spray and can of oil although soap is also fine as mentioned earlier

[wraith]

Yeah and that recharge kit lasts for ages to.

[Mark_wazza]

Thanks for your help everyone. So a panel filter is worth buying then?

[wraith]

If you don't mind the initial outlay then yes.

[Vt_vic]

get the lukey ones their a high flow panel and you dont need oil and wash and go

[wrx884]

get the lukey ones their a high flow panel and you dont need oil and wash and go

+2 much better

[VR028]

but whats the point then? its the oil that makes a k&n filter better than a paper filter. the only benefit of a lukey filter is rewashable but with possibly less filtration properties than a paper filter

[wrx884]

but whats the point then? its the oil that makes a k&n filter better than a paper filter. the only benefit of a lukey filter is rewashable but with possibly less filtration properties than a paper filter

They also breath slightly better and u dont needa waste ur money on the oil needed and their only $40-$50 now. plus the oil can find its way 2 the TB over time. its definatly better bang 4 ur buck.

[wortus]

Do the math, genuine paper filter by the book lasts 45,000km (for a VY) and the last one I bought cost less than $10.00. Even using the Lukey one you can do 4 or 5 genuine filters for the same cost that's 180,000 to 225,000km of driving before you start to break even youjust chuck a genuine one out and you will probably have another car by then which may need a different type of filter. I don't think the Lukey is more cost effective at that rate.

[VR028]

They also breath slightly better and u dont needa waste ur money on the oil needed and their only $40-$50 now. plus the oil can find its way 2 the TB over time. its definatly better bang 4 ur buck.

it would probably filter less as a result with no noticible gains to boot. paper filters are fine for flow and they are very cheap. the only reason i have a k&n and not a paper filter is becuase the oil filters 'slightly' better than a paper one. otherwise i wouldnt waste my time at all with it

[nathanVY]

put it back in.

So glad you mentioned that.





Sometimes I forget.

[PRAVX II S]

I have not felt no difference with the paper V panel type air filter.
I just buy brand new paper filter every time i service the car.
The plus side is i have a new filter all the time not a cleaned out filter that gets reused.
Mind thing but thats me.

[monkeys437]

Do the math, genuine paper filter by the book lasts 45,000km (for a VY) and the last one I bought cost less than $10.00. Even using the Lukey one you can do 4 or 5 genuine filters for the same cost that's 180,000 to 225,000km of driving before you start to break even youjust chuck a genuine one out and you will probably have another car by then which may need a different type of filter. I don't think the Lukey is more cost effective at that rate.

Most people would replace their paper filters every 10k so the payback time is a lot less. Before I got my washable filter I was changing it at every service and by 10k it was always filthy. I do live on dirt roads tho, so i guess it comes down to what type of driving you do

[Mark_wazza]

Sounds a lot like it just comes down to personal preference. In that case I think I'll get a panel filter. Now I just need to decide on what brand to go with.