Intake Filters TESTED: More Dough = More Flow?

Summary

This video delves into a fun and informative backyard science experiment comparing various air filters and intake systems for the Nissan 370Z. The host explores the differences in airflow, using shop vacs and different filters like OEM, Fram, KN&N, Denso, Bosch, and more. The goal is to test how each filter impacts performance, from stock filters to aftermarket cold air intakes. The experiment is conducted with a humorous, relatable approach, highlighting the impact of filter choice on engine airflow and emphasizing how data can challenge assumptions in car performance tuning.

Takeaways

• 😀 A backyard science experiment is set up to compare various air filters and their performance in a Nissan 370Z.
• 😀 The goal of the experiment is to measure air flow (CFM) through different filters, including OEM, aftermarket, and cheap options.
• 😀 The stock airbox on the 370Z flows 193 CFM with the OEM filter, and 238 CFM with no filter installed.
• 😀 An OEM Nissan filter costs $30 each, and the experiment tests the flow rate of filters like Fram, Bosch, Denso, and others to compare performance.
• 😀 Aftermarket filters, like the K&N high-flow filter, improve flow rates to 204 CFM (408 CFM total for dual intake).
• 😀 Budget filters like the Fram Extra Guard perform poorly, averaging 171 CFM, which is only 89% of the OEM filter's flow.
• 😀 A Denso filter costs $13.50, delivering 185 CFM on average, equating to 96% of the OEM filter's performance.
• 😀 eBay intakes, like cold air kits, show improvements over stock setups, with the average CFM reaching 212, which is below the 238 CFM of the stock setup with no filter.
• 😀 Premium filters like the Porsche BMC filter, which cost $300, show a significant increase in flow, reaching 591 CFM for a turbocharged engine.
• 😀 The comparison suggests that while aftermarket and premium filters can improve flow, OEM filters still offer good performance and reliability, often at a lower price.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the script?

The script focuses on testing the performance differences between various air filters and intake systems in a Nissan 370Z, as well as the impact on airflow (CFM) and engine performance.

What was the initial test setup used to measure airflow?

The test used a ShopVac as a vacuum source to simulate engine vacuum and measure airflow (CFM) with various filters in place. Different filters were tested for their impact on the airflow in the intake system.

What were the results when the stock Nissan 370Z airbox was tested with the OEM filter?

The OEM filter for the Nissan 370Z flowed an average of 193 CFM, which was close to the expected 196 CFM based on the engine's displacement and other parameters.

How did the Fram Extra Guard filter perform in comparison to the OEM filter?

The Fram Extra Guard filter showed an average airflow of 171 CFM, which is 89% of the OEM filter's performance, indicating it provided less airflow than the stock filter.

What did the KN&N high-flow performance filter contribute to airflow?

The KN&N high-flow performance filter achieved an average of 204 CFM, which is about 106% of the OEM filter's performance, suggesting a modest improvement in airflow.

How did the Bosch filter perform compared to the others?

The Bosch filter, priced at $7, provided an average airflow of 173 CFM, which is only slightly better than the Fram Extra Guard filter, but at a much lower price point (90% of OEM performance).

How did the Denso filter perform and what is its price?

The Denso filter, priced at $13.50, flowed an average of 185 CFM, or 96% of the OEM filter’s performance, making it a cost-effective option for maintaining near-OEM airflow.

What was the performance of the aftermarket cold air intake system compared to the stock intake?

The aftermarket cold air intake from eBay achieved an average of 212 CFM, which is below the 238 CFM achievable by the stock intake with no filter, indicating that the eBay system had some restrictions but still performed decently.

What was the impact of the KN&N Typhoon intake on airflow?

The KN&N Typhoon intake, priced at $480 for a two-intake kit, achieved an average airflow of 224 CFM, or 116% of the OEM performance, showing a moderate improvement compared to the stock airbox.

What was the performance of the Porsche 911 Carrera aftermarket filter, and how does it compare to others?

The Porsche 911 Carrera aftermarket BMC filter, costing $300, provided an average of 591 CFM for the twin-turbocharged engine, significantly outperforming the stock filters and showing a 17% improvement over the OEM system.