So what are the differences of a oiled drop in air filter and a dry ? Which yields better performance? Which requires less maintainance?

 

Oiled is more maintenance but removes more particles. Has to be cleaned at least once a year (I'm **** retentive and do it very oil change),

 

As Jasoob said, oiled removes more particulates so as the function of a filter, oiled is higher performance. As for car performance in power terms, you honestly wont notice the difference between the various high flow filters. Maintaince wise, dry is SOOOOO much easier.

 

aem makes an awesome dry filter

 

at least for evo 8-9 just realized your's is a X

 

Be careful of over cleaning your filter as the cleanest filter doesn't always mean the most protection ;-)

 

Also be careful of over-oiling. This is the number one reason why many choose the dry filter route, so as to not have to worry about excess oil leaving the filter and gumming up the MAF

 

I was reluctant after reading reviews about cleaning/re-oiling but I went ahead and bought a Works oiled filter anyways.

Honestly, you have to be a pretty big dufus to over oil it or not clean it properly. I like knowing a little bit of labour is helping remove some extra particulates.