Going from HKS foam intake to K&N, quick question?

[EdwardNorth]

Hey guys,

I have an HKS intake on my 97 TSi AWD that uses the replaceable foam element, which you are supposed to change every oil change. I was thinking of just going with a K&N filter because it's annoying to buy and replace the elements and I've heard negative things about the foam before, but had a couple questions first --

1) Would it be a good decision to swap them or would sticking with the HKS intake be preferrable from a performance standpoint?

2) If I swap them, should I get the full K&N FIPK or can I just buy a universal K&N cone filter that would fit properly on the HKS adapter coming off the MAS? Would there be a performance difference or any other consideration?

Thanks guys!

 

[Red97Eclipseboy]

If the adapter for the HKS is a cirlce, measure it and I bet K&N will have a cone for it.

 

[gofer]

The HKS filter actually hurts performance, it screws up the MAF's air metering and makes it very inconsistant. I know everyone wants hard evidence but looking at DSMLink logs it makes it hard to tune because of the inconsistant airflow readings it creates and when changed to a cone style (K&N) filter it goes away.

Just measure the adapter size and order the K&N you need, you also don't have to replace it just "recharge" it with one of their kits. ---> EXTREME PSI : Your #1 Source for In Stock Performance Parts

 

[daren_p]

I wouldn't run the HKS just because of how poorly their supposed to filter. Ditch it & go with a K&N or AEM dry filter. Just a universal cone will do, the K&N FIPK is a waste of money & depending on the intake tube you run/want to run, it can cause fitment issues.

Its been awhile but believe our typical MAF to cone filter adapter is 4.5". If the HKS setup uses some strange size you can buy just these adapters by themselves for cheap, something like $20.

 

[EdwardNorth]

Awesome, thanks guys. I always wondered why my datalogging runs produced such inconsistent results.

I'll measure and check out the K&N cones.

 

[TSiAWD666]

The HKS foam filters were measured for filtering and performance many many years ago against other popular aftermarket filters in I think Option magazine (a japanese car magazine). I actually own the magazine (had to have a friend translate heh) but don't remember where I stored it... HKS was at really poor at filtering if I recall correctly, and wasn't really good for performance either. I want to say the apex-i filters were rated best in that test but my memory is so fuzzy...

Maybe someone has a link to a scan of the article for ya.

 

[EdwardNorth]

Thanks for the info. Hmmm....

Would you guys say that the A'Pexi Power Intake offers a slight performance edge over the K&N? Or is the general consensus that they're exactly the same?

I could be persuaded to spend the extra coin on an A'Pexi if there is a clear and real performance advantage.

Oh, and while we're on it.... as modified as my DSM is, I still have the stock accordian-rubber intake pipe going from the MAS to the turbo inlet... would there be a real/noticable performance gain by replacing that with a hard pipe like the Dejon or Injen?

Thanks!

 

[Zdrummer15]

Here's exactly what I purchased.

EXTREME PSI : Your #1 Source for In Stock Performance Parts

It's about the best price you'll find on the adapter and filter.

As far as keeping the stock snorkel; It won't make a huge difference on the stock t25. I would either wait until you upgrade your turbo to find a proper fitting pipe or just get a cheap $50 Injen knockoff off of eBay in the mean time.

 

[EdwardNorth]

Here's exactly what I purchased.

EXTREME PSI : Your #1 Source for In Stock Performance Parts

It's about the best price you'll find on the adapter and filter.

As far as keeping the stock snorkel; It won't make a huge difference on the stock t25. I would either wait until you upgrade your turbo to find a proper fitting pipe or just get a cheap $50 Injen knockoff off of eBay in the mean time.

Thanks. Check out my car's mod list though, I'm running an EVOIII 16G setup with most of the trimmings. Would replacing the snorkel be worth it in that case?

 

[94_TSi]

Your not going to see much gain replacing the stock rubber intake with a aftermarket one. On "stockish" turbo setups you see these changed mostly because the rubber ones tend to rot with time and people like to waste money on a flashy red or polished/chrome ones.

 

[TSIMonsteR]

Its been awhile but believe our typical MAF to cone filter adapter is 4.5". If the HKS setup uses some strange size you can buy just these adapters by themselves for cheap, something like $20.

Autozone has them for $5!!