Is a K&N RU-3530 + heatshield really better than a dropin K&N filter + SVT heatshield

[beyondloadedSE]

I know we all like to jump on the bandwagon and rip out the stock intake and throw the K&N RU-3530 on our cars along with a custom heatshield. Most of these custom heatshields generally have an open top and require the hood to create a good seal. Hot air can still be bypassed near the fender since these heatshields do not directly attach to the fender snorkel for "cold" air (less hot air is probably more accurate). Is this really better than a SVT K&N drop in that retains the stock heatshield which is enclosed on ALL sides and attaches directly to the fender snorkel. Only cold air is drawn into the filter with this setup. I would assume an SVT drop-in K&N filter has a CFM rating on par with the RU-3530. Unless it doesn't, I'm not seeing the benefits over the stock intake setup + K&N drop in.

Discuss!

[Dyoel182]

I'm obligated to chime in and say ditch the K&N regardless and get a dry performance filter that does a better job of filtering. I've never seen the benefit of putting an open cone filter on the SVT when it already has a closed cone filter setup from the factory.

[enduro]

Been wondering the same thing myself. In my case I replaced the stock GL square filter with the K + N and Pud HS. I would have gladly just used the SVT System had it still been on the car that I got the SVT UIM/LIM/TB from.

It would be nice if someone other than BAT or ShoShop had actual flowrates and dyno #'s.

And I'm probably in the minority here, but all that induction noise gets old really quick.

[Dyoel182]

Replacing the square filter and box with a cone filter I can understand a little better. The cone will have a better flow rate than the square filter regardless even though the square filter probably outflows the engine requirements anyway.

[Pudmunkie]

I noticed a difference in the car - I enjoyed it more. its splittng hairs on such a mild powered motor really. I do think that the open filter will draw in more air...

[99Mystique ATX]

Sure it'll pull in more air, but if the air its getting is warmer does it really buy you anything?

Colder air as i'm sure you know is more dense and therefore gives better performance. Ideally, we'd run a slightly more open setup utilizing a similar to stock heatshield and still draw all the air from the fender. If the inlet was opened up a bit on the SVT intake and was still able to draw air in from the fender, this would be our ideal setup IMO...

[Pudmunkie]

Sure it'll pull in more air, but if the air its getting is warmer does it really buy you anything?

Colder air as i'm sure you know is more dense and therefore gives better performance. Ideally, we'd run a slightly more open setup utilizing a similar to stock heatshield and still draw all the air from the fender. If the inlet was opened up a bit on the SVT intake and was still able to draw air in from the fender, this would be our ideal setup IMO...

It pulls in the same air the stock SVT does w/ the snorkel... at least my boxes do.

[99Mystique ATX]

It pulls in the same air the stock SVT does w/ the snorkel... at least my boxes do.

Ah, I thought you meant just an open element filter. I misunderstood what you said... Sorry about that!

[tigerpwr]

I'm going with the drop in K&N for CA smog reasons and random nights when the police check under hoods...plus its much cheaper when you look at cost/performance gain.

[Harrry]

I noticed a difference in the car - I enjoyed it more. its splittng hairs on such a mild powered motor really. I do think that the open filter will draw in more air...

And it does, seeing that the stock svt air box is a restriction after 5k. It's only then that the engine is getting held back a slight bit.

But i agree with pud, your really looking at a few hp 1-2 in comparison.