bought myself a new air filter...too big to do any good?

[1337jeeper]

this isn't F body stuff, but you guys should still be able to help me out

i finally bought myself a new air filter. i'm worried that there is a such thing as too big of an air filter. well, is it?

my current setup is 3 inch PVC pipe to a POS APC cone filter (was just a temporary thing).i just got my UNI foam filter and here are the measurements...

Inlet- 3.5 inches (this is fine)
Base outer diam. - 6.50 inches
Top OD- 5.25 inches
Length 11inches.

the vehicle in question is a 4.7 V8 Grand Cherokee, stock except for my intake.

[GP99GT]

ummm...if it fits, bigger is better. more surface area for air to come in = less restriction

[skorpion317]

Originally Posted by GP99GT

ummm...if it fits, bigger is better. more surface area for air to come in = less restriction

except that the engine can only take in so much air by itself. too big of an air filter won't help you out, it'll actually create another restriction.

[GP99GT]

Originally Posted by skorpion317

except that the engine can only take in so much air by itself. too big of an air filter won't help you out, it'll actually create another restriction.

how would be be a restriction if theres more air available? if you put a giant air filter on it, it would be almost like running with no filter at all...are you going to tell me that thats a restriction too?

all of the air the engine needs is there - and then some more. how would that hurt at all?

[skorpion317]

Originally Posted by GP99GT

how would be be a restriction if theres more air available? if you put a giant air filter on it, it would be almost like running with no filter at all...are you going to tell me that thats a restriction too?

all of the air the engine needs is there - and then some more. how would that hurt at all?

You don't need a 5-foot long filter to get more air. the engine will only take as much as it can handle on its own, unless you're using forced induction. the only people i see with HUGE filters are ricers who don't know any better. A larger filter does not always mean it will flow more air. You only need a certain size, any larger and you're just wasting money.

[Savage_Messiah]

but better to have more air available to the engine than not enoguh, surely you agree there?

if we dont have enough air to breathe in we choke and die, but with the whole sky around us as a supply we can breathe as much as we want to/can. Same principle.

[skorpion317]

Originally Posted by Savage_Messiah

but better to have more air available to the engine than not enoguh, surely you agree there?

if we dont have enough air to breathe in we choke and die, but with the whole sky around us as a supply we can breathe as much as we want to/can. Same principle.

my point is not that there's not enough available air. my point is that you only need a certain filter size before it becomes a waste of money to go any bigger. you don't need a ginormous filter. it won't make the car run any better than a "right-sized" smaller one.

[Savage_Messiah]

yea but it's better to err on the side of caution.... tell us then what is the formula to figure out the "right-sized" filter for each application??

[GP99GT]

so if youre saying that now its just a waste of money to have a bigger filter, why did you first say its a restriction? your knowledge of automobiles never ceases to impress me.

he's already got the new filter, and its better than a piece of crap APC one that he had, so putting it on wont hurt. end of thread

[Savage_Messiah]

Originally Posted by GP99GT

so if youre saying that now its just a waste of money to have a bigger filter, why did you first say its a restriction? your knowledge of automobiles never ceases to impress me.

he's already got the new filter, and its better than a piece of crap APC one that he had, so putting it on wont hurt. end of thread

[12secondv6]

http://www.knfilters.com/faq.htm#7


9. Should I install the largest K&N filter that will fit in my race vehicle?

If an existing K&N filter is large enough to provide negligible restriction, a larger than required filter will not affect the amount of air an engine can take in, however, it will lengthen the filter’s service interval. A longer service interval can be an important factor when racing in dusty, dirty environments.

Installing a "too big" air filter will not cause another restriction...... money could be spent more effeciently in other area's but it does not create another restriction.

Matt is correct.

BTW, good luck w/ the new intake set up

[1337jeeper]

i'm surprised i got this many replies considering this is a non-GM application.

upon getting home to NJ from college in FL, i took the jeep out for a spin first with the APC filter, then i put the UNI on it. the difference was noticeable. filter works awesome, and is a perfect fit.

UNI > all

[Savage_Messiah]

Yea some of us love many cars, not just 2 :P good to hear it's working out well for

[bokey]

Originally Posted by Savage_Messiah

but better to have more air available to the engine than not enoguh, surely you agree there?

if we dont have enough air to breathe in we choke and die, but with the whole sky around us as a supply we can breathe as much as we want to/can. Same principle.

This is true but...

Don't have enough air = if the filter is wrapped in plastic.
Whole sky... = if the filter placed in a spot where there is running/forced air into it the filter

Sure, if you have a tiny ass filter, the engine will have some trouble sucking in air. I've yet to see anybody "Upgrade" to a smaller filter lol

The engine will only suck in as much air as it can. Besides too much air will f up the fuel air mixture. One of the only things that will jack up the intake is the incorrect tubing used to connect the filter to the manifold. For example, if air dryer ducting is used, it will cause for air turbulence because of all the ridges on it. However if CAI tubing is used, the flow of air will be smooth (which equals good) The filter, a cone filter (which you have?) will suck in more air then a flat one. The only suggestions I could give you would be to make sure you use tubing that is smooth, a cone filter, locate the filter by a place where there is plenty of COLD air, the filter is away from heat, and if the tubing is metal, wrap it w/ heat resistant wrap (keeps the cold air cold).

Glad to see you see some results. Now get a camaro!
Bokey

[Koll]

First a tranny that holds 900 RWHP and 1000 TQ is not enough. Now a big air filter somehow restricts the air comming in more than a smaller one.

[Savage_Messiah]

Koll is too big to do any good.

[1337jeeper]

Originally Posted by Savage_Messiah

Koll is too big to do any good.

FACT

[12secondv6]

Originally Posted by 1337jeeper

i'm surprised i got this many replies considering this is a non-GM application.

We are all gear heads.... doesn't matter what kinda vehicle in my mind

[Koll]

Originally Posted by 1337jeeper

FACT

"The More You Know"

[Savage_Messiah]

Originally Posted by 12secondv6

We are all gear heads.... doesn't matter what kinda vehicle in my mind

yea, except for neons. neons = crap.

[Brando56894]

why is this thread still going on?

[12secondv6]

Originally Posted by Brando56894

why is this thread still going on?

Probably because people keep on posting in it?

[Savage_Messiah]

duhh

[BigAls87Z28]

But what do you do if you have VTEC?

[Savage_Messiah]

add NAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ