K&N Air Filter - Lower Engine Noise!

[WFalicoff]

A couple of weeks ago I installed a K&N air filter in our 2010 Insight. I was surprised how dirty the OEM filter was, given we regularly have the car serviced and we have around 25k miles on the car. However, I was pleasantly surprised that the engine noise level dropped dramatically after installing the new engine air filter. It appears that there is some boost in power (more noticeable going up a hill). Also, I see no change one way or the other with regard to mpg. But I am puzzled as to why the K&N filter should have such a noticeable affect on engine noise. I find the reduction occurs even when using near full throttle on the gas pedal. I was expecting quite the opposite and wondered in the beginning if it was just my imagination. After doing some searches I discovered several claims from owners that supported this, including one Honda Accord owner.

I wonder if anyone else who has installed this filter has noticed the same thing (or maybe not).

This was the third upgrade we have done on the car (tires, sway bar and filter) and I am pleased with overall improvement in the car's handling. The air filter bonus is also most welcome on our 600 mile trips to Southern Oregon.

2010 Silver Insight EX
Nokian WRG2 Tires
Progress Tech 22m rear sway bar
K&N Air Filter

[cheesie]

actuallly i didnt notice a noise change
but i think i noticed a mpg change...really little but still there
cant wait till they come out with the intake!!

[Cobb]

Yeah, it puts the motor under a less strain for sucking air in. If you change to synthetc oil and spray the belly pan and inside of the bumper with sound deadening material, you can easily sneak up on people.

[rome_rod]

Originally Posted by WFalicoff

A couple of weeks ago I installed a K&N air filter in our 2010 Insight. I was surprised how dirty the OEM filter was, given we regularly have the car serviced and we have around 25k miles on the car. However, I was pleasantly surprised that the engine noise level dropped dramatically after installing the new engine air filter. It appears that there is some boost in power (more noticeable going up a hill). Also, I see no change one way or the other with regard to mpg. But I am puzzled as to why the K&N filter should have such a noticeable affect on engine noise. I find the reduction occurs even when using near full throttle on the gas pedal. I was expecting quite the opposite and wondered in the beginning if it was just my imagination. After doing some searches I discovered several claims from owners that supported this, including one Honda Accord owner.

I wonder if anyone else who has installed this filter has noticed the same thing (or maybe not).

This was the third upgrade we have done on the car (tires, sway bar and filter) and I am pleased with overall improvement in the car's handling. The air filter bonus is also most welcome on our 600 mile trips to Southern Oregon.

2010 Silver Insight EX
Nokian WRG2 Tires
Progress Tech 22m rear sway bar
K&N Air Filter

That's such good news. How much did it cost you to have all of this done?

Also...

How can the filter affect the engine noise? Were you able to confirm if how it affected the noise?

[WFalicoff]

Originally Posted by rome_rod

That's such good news. How much did it cost you to have all of this done?

Also...

How can the filter affect the engine noise? Were you able to confirm if how it affected the noise?

The K&N filter costs just under $50 (bought from my local auto parts store). I installed it in a couple of minutes. It is very easy to do yourself.

I believe that the lower noise is do to the change in the way air flows through the filter during heavy load (up hill, heavy acceleration). Also the OEM filter was very dirty and was restricting airflow. I guess there is a resonance that occurs when the air is restricted.

There is anecdotal support on the Internet that the K&N filters lower noise level in some Honda cars. This goes against conventional wisdom concerning high air flow filters such as the K&N.

[TheyCallMeH]

Originally Posted by cheesie

actuallly i didnt notice a noise change
but i think i noticed a mpg change...really little but still there
cant wait till they come out with the hid bulb intake!!

Same. I didn't really notice the noise change at all..

Do you know when they're coming out with the intake?

[nikeian]

May I ask if anyone realise there's a different sound coming out once you switch to S Gear? (acceleration)

To me it sounded slightly more smoother, but there's a significant humming sound.

Power wise- Same
MPG - same

There was a technician who mentioned to me that he's afraid of opening my air filter lock as its has a different lock mechanism, tend to get damaged easily.

[rome_rod_is_spam]

your days are numbered rome_rod

You are indeed a spam artist - reported