https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...133#post143133

Someone has quoted an extra 11hp with tornado.

 

where do you buy one

 

These two threads should be combined - but if you post hard data, plus mpg results that would be great. There are alot of hungry hp folks on this forum but only with good solid data.

 

http://www.tornadofuelsaver.com/orde...l=RX-8&tmonly=

That is the link.

For the people that are saying if it works then why dont auto manufactures use them, well K&N gives better performance and they do not use those.

 

Unfortunately, you just proved the point about "if it works why don't auto manufacturers use them?" - K&N filters don't give better performance. Given a filter of the same size, like a OEM panel filter, the K&N panel filter might allow greater flow, but it also does not filter as well. That's a fact. Now, in many cars, with the stock intake system and airbox the air filter is not the most restrictive element of the intake - you can run the car with NO air filter and you won't make any more power. So, in such a case, a K&N can't make more power and doesn't filter as well. What's the point?

Yes, with aftermarket intakes you can make more power, but that's because of the intake changes, not the filter by itself. With aftermarket intakes that use a cone filter, you could still use a paper cone filter (like some Hondas use, eg Prelude and S2000) of the same size as a K&N cone filter, and make the same power. K&N has it's benefits, but it's in fact a mass market hype.

Oh, Tornado - again, it's pure crap. I call BS on any claims that it makes more power or better mileage. Show us a legitimate before and after dyno charts!

Regards,
Gordon

 

The point is that the filter usually does make better gas mileage. The filter does not void the warranty.

I do know that the manufacture parts are designed mostly by their engineers. Why would you buy some one elses part? "keep it in the family" type deal thats the reasoning. Most of the time manufacturers use stock type of components to keep everything in government regulations.

A lot of things come down to meeting certain regulations (the ECU in the RX-8) I know they could change the design of the exhaust to get better mileage, but whatever is most cost effective and good quality for the life of the vehicle (not just looks)rules.

 

No, they don't. If they can't increase the efficiency of the engine (power or specific fuel consumption), they can't increase gas mileage. I'm talking replacing an OEM panel filter with a K&N panel filter. It's just like the phony claims for Splitfire spark plugs - sure, you replace an old worn-out set of plugs with a new set of Splitfires, and you'll see an improvement, but compare a new set of OEM plugs to a new set of Splitfires and there is no difference. Replace an old clogged dirty panel filter with a K&N, you'll see an improvement - compare a new panel filter with a new K&N panel filter, and there will be no difference.

Quote:

but whatever is most cost effective and good quality for the life of the vehicle (not just looks)rules.

"Good quality for the life of the vehicle" - excellent point. Paper filters do a better filtering job, and let in less dirt over the life of the vehicle. If the power is the same, then why ever use a K&N? Replacing a paper filter every 30K or 40K miles is NOT that expensive!

Regards,
Gordon

 

Yes you are right about the filtering. I am not for them to install in the manufacture I am just stating facts. I have been in the Auto industry for 5 years now. I am ASE certified. I am not saying I am the sharpest knife in the box. You hit it right on the nose about the filtering, but they do usually give better gas mileage.
Iridium Spark Plugs for example in most cases provide better MPG and also cleaner burn, but they are expensive. Why would a manufacture spend the extra money when you can after you buy the car. Its all about the $$ bottom line

 

I got this from http://www.rx8.co.nz/Rotary/renesis.aspx

The RX-8s do get iridium for factory, and I bet it is because they were forced to meet the EURO standard for 2005. However (dakedo) you do not see everyone using this type of plug...why you ask $$$$$

Technology For Fuel Economy


Micro-Electrode Spark Plugs: The last technology employed in aid of fuel economy for the Renesis engine is the micro-electrode spark plug. This spark plug uses a small side electrode and thick gauge central electrode with an extremely fine tip that promotes stable ignition of lean air-fuel mixtures. Also, by maintaining a lower temperature for side and central electrodes, the plug achieves high heat-resistance. The tip of the central electrode, which was previously of platinum, is now made of longer-lasting iridium.