I recently bought a stock 280 air filter (priced 10 dollars or so) - vs. buying the high performance K&N filter ($45.00)

Does anyone recommend K&N over stock? For a 45 dollar air filter do you really get more performance? I know they tend to let more air flow through, but I was wondering if this is true; or just a gimmick on selling an expensive air filter.

Thanks!

edit: Stock filter cost ($5.22)

Btw - I'll do searches on subjects in the future...I typed K&N into the search box, and came across at least 3 posts regarding K&N air filtration

I will be giving the filter a try.

From what I've found is K&N filters will allow additional air into your engine. It can also be cleaned and re-used.

However, since it modifies the air-to-fuel ratio, you'll need to adjust your mixture settings and give the car a tune up. Just putting a K&N on your engine without adjusting the carbs can affect your performance.

It's not as big of a problem on newer engines because the computer controls the mixture.

As far as re-use... I'm not too excited about making a huge mess when changing filters. I think it's much easier to pop out the old filter and install a new one in less than 10 minutes.

One thing I considered was a cold air intake modification to my early 71. I installed triple Mikuni's and I have 3 filters. This can get rather expensive to change filters, so, the K&N option was a good idea. Soon I'm going to install a cold air box and put a single filter out through the front near the radiator.

In conclusion: I think the K&N's are worth it. Just be sure to give yourself some time to adjust the carbs. The initial investment is higher, but, you'll save money by cleaning them yourself (of course you'd have to wash them 4-5 times before you'll recoop the cost).

-- Mike

I have three spare K&N filters since the 810 and my 78 Z use the same filter so I always have one ready to go when it's time to change it. One I paid full price for and the other three came from the junkyard for a couple of bucks apiece. Since I have a CAI on the Z now with a cone K&N, I guess all the drop ins are for the 810. In my case, I'd say it's worth it but I wouldn't have bought 4 of them at full price.