94StewFord
Member
OK, I'll qualify my statement: "Unless you're building a race-only car and/or an engine requiring airflow volume which exceeds the factory system's capability and have no other option... the "cold-air intakes" that put the filter in the engine bay are garbage because they typically come with substandard filters *and* suck hot air which decreases performance and in some cases can affect drivability."
Yes, they look cool, and just like intake spacers, huge throttle bodies, and big MAF's, they're advertised to add a bazillion horsepower, so people will continue to buy and install them, reality be damned.
As for the filter being in the fenderwell being a "nightmare," if you lie on your back and reach up in there, the location is pretty easy to access, especially for the once a year or so it may need to be cleaned. (Do it when you change the oil, Daryl.)
I'll use the "g" word one last time to describe just about any aftermarket oiled filter that comes with those "performance" intakes as well (even K&N, which I used to use in many vehicles and still do on my '95, since a cone filter is the only option for my setup and I drive the car about 2,500 miles each year if I'm lucky.) Watch this video, and pay particular attention to the graph shown at 15:33:
How do you feel about that cheap gauze filter, now?
EDIT: Here's the comparison graph for those who don't want to watch/search the video.
View attachment 14119
That test while no where near "real world" will at least give you a baseline. Like you, I drive my car about 1,500 miles a year only on clear sunny days, so not too worried about the contaminants. Keeping the stock intake and installing a K&N filter. Thanks for all the reply's!!