DMRH

Am looking at getting an upgraded intake for the RX-8.

Does anyone have a K&N panel filter in their car...?

Part # 33-2284

Any comments, what did you pay for it & where.......??

REgards

auzoom

No panel, but the pod.

DrGonzo

I would also be keen to know about this part.. and if anyone noticed any difference in sound or performance at all?

Rimmsy

I am interested in the panel too. All my searching suggests that there is not much more performance to gain, however there is more induction noise, that some say sounds cool. If the filter performs well, I think it would be more environmentally friendly too as you are not throwing out a filter every service.

I am more concerned about the crap the filter is allowing into the engine. Many threads suggest that the aftermarket oiled filters allow more particulate matter into the engine compared to the stock paper filter. I wonder if its true? Is it just paranoia, good K&N marketing, or it makes no difference one way or the other?

There is an eBay shop (situated in Melbourne I think) that sells them too if you are interested.

Cheers
Rimmsy

Brettus

iTrader: (2)

don't know if it lets more crap through but i've done 55000kms on mine & motor is fine .

DrewMan

i have the typhoon type II

quite loud

DrGonzo

The Typhoon is a pod though isn't it?

XLR83N

its a short ram intake, a little more than a pod, but basically, yes

matt13b

Hi dmhr
I had a unifilter panel filter and had my car dynoed with the stock filter and the unifilter one.The unifilter panel actually lost 1-2kw compared to the stock one. The guy at the dyno place said that they find that a lot with mazdas.Whether they are pod or panels or which brand they often find that the mazda induction systems seem hard to improve upon.I say hard but I'm sure not impossible.So needless to say I have put the factory one back in until I can find another worthwhile option.

solo8

That's very interesting and unexpected. Although I never expected huge gains from a K&N panel filter, I wouldn't have anticipated a loss of power!

Figures. I just ordered one (had them in my last two cars). I may end up shipping it back.

RXSeven1

i noticed a gas milage increase with mine

solo8

Decisions, decisions. I'm bound to get really crappy mileage where I live. A lot of waiting at lights, if not in traffic. Did you get all-around gains or mostly highway?

DMRH

For reference

Rocket industries are the sole supplier of K&N in Oz. Their retail price on the panel filter is $101

Now the key is scoring it for "trade price"

Shall keep you all informed......

REgards

Revolver

Have read all these threads for ages now.

I'm yet to be convinced there's anything worthwhile induction-wise short of forced.

takahashi

When Mazda charges you more than $101 to replace the filter than you will remember what DMRH has just typed.

I don't see a big deal of fuss to insisting what brand or how useful a drop in filter is...

Air filter is consumable and need to be changed very now and then.

It is like another oil thread and gear oil thread... brake thread. Experiment and tell the world....

I will say go for it. And Revolver when it is your time to change for dirty filter, I will be disappointed if you go for Mazda's one.

Revolver

Oh, I'm happy to use something besides Mazda brand if it does the same job (without actually hurting performance) and saves me some $$$ - I was just saying I don't believe that there's much you can do induction-wise to increase performance short of a turbo/super charging kit.

Brettus

iTrader: (2)

one word - Nawzzzz

Cromax

I have the K&N pod in my stock box ... it works a treat, and I've been told you can remove both pieces of mesh too!!!

Cromax

No, it doesn't make a difference, it's more a matter of economy. The Mazda replacement costs the same as one K&N filter, but the K&N filter will outlast your car!

Ottog

I have had the panel filter in for three years now - good as new. Keeping it clean and re-oiled regularly should result in it lasting a long time.

You won't get much of a change in the air induction noise from the panel filter as you are retaining the existing air intake and box. Fitting a decent cold air intake at the same time will.

Impact on performance - negligible
Impact on economy - negative (you tend to give it just hear the sound - LOL)


Cheers.... Otto

Revolver

For feel good factor on the noise, I get that. After all, that's why most of us have probably fitted a catback.

In terms of saving the cost of replacing the Mazda filter, fair enough.

DMRH

Would like to follow report on the K&N filter purchase.

Took a while of general searching (no hurry) about the place & finally settled on MIKES PERFORMANCE CENTRE in NJ, USA

Here is the link on E-bay........ >>>http://stores.ebay.com/MIKES-PERFORMANCE-CENTER<<<

Total cost to get it shipped to my door was AU$65.

Trade price from Rocket industries was $84 & I was asking a big favour from an acquantance to get me that price..........

REgards

mikeyr

Put my panel in last week and Magnecor Wires,

One of them had the magic effect of making the idle smoother. No lumps now.

Seems to rev freer too. My wife noticed the difference so thats saying something!

Got mine from DPE. (About $Au72 landed for the panel)

LittleJohn

Yes... I have the panel filter. Initially psychologically it made a difference ;-)
but apart from being reusable it's no different from the stock. Well almost..

Pros
1. It doesn't get clogged up as easy
2. you won't ever have to buy another filter
3. cost wise, it's not all that much more expensive than the OEM or Mazdaspeed one.

Cons
1. no perceptable power gains or economy

My 2c.
If you need a new filter.. sure go for it. Otherwise wait till you have to replace your filter