Greyfax

I wanted to double check something since I'm still a total newb.

Everywhere I read, I see "anytime you do anything that affects the performance of the car except a catback, get a tune."

Does this include drop-in air filters? Not intake, just the drop-in variety? I got a Works after looking at some comparisons and seeing that its the cheapest 18hp I'll ever get and just wondered if it's something I should save to do with other bolt-ons so I don't have to keep re-tuning or if I can stick that baby in tomorrow.

Napalm_Enema

Just a drop in Cosworth is fine and doesn't require oil. I felt a difference with just that, a positive one. Subarus are more sensitive to a drop in or change to the intake, EVO's a bit more resilient.

Greyfax

I got Works, not Cosworth. Works gave the biggest increase in hp. But you answered my question - thanks.

BlueBlurSTi

The engines filtration is more important than even 50 hp IMO. Anything that let's in dirt... oil type filters will kill your engine

Greyfax

I was told that it didn't really matter because any particles that did get in just got combusted into nothing. It's not like the stuff ends up going through your fuel injectors....

Is Cosworth the highest hp increase out of the non-oil drop-ins?

20redfire03

iTrader: (1)

All drop in filter will basically do the same thing. Since you have a works filter use that. I bought a used cosworth so that's what I use. Besides a little more noise, maybe,I don't see a large difference. I highly doubt a drop in filter will give 18 hp but companies gotta sell a product.

Greyfax

It wasn't the manufacturer that claimed the 18hp increase. These were dyno test results. And if people are saying oil based filters are bad for the engine, I'm certainly not going to use one until I verify the truth of that statement. In fact I already ordered a Cosworth. The Works can stay in the package until I determine whether or not the other statement about it being harmful to the engine is true or not.

EVL4B11MR

I did the Cobb oiled drop-in and have no issues and did notice a difference in sound and performance. The reason people don't like the oiled filters or say they are bad is because of the oil soak on the MAF. TBH just don't soak the damn filter with oil, it takes very little oil to work the way it was intended.

Mr. Mojo

I feel like this isn't true. If tiny stuff gets in your intake, and the air is compressed, mixed with fuel, combusted then expelled, I'd think that tiny thing that get through your filter would build up in the cylinder.

Idk tho, correct if wrong.

Greyfax

The good thing about these forums is that there is no shortage of opinions on anything you could think to ask about. The bad thing about these forums is that there is no shortage of opinions on anything you could think to ask about.

Conflicting answers are the norm and clear-cut consensus is a rare bird indeed - this is what I am figuring out here. But as I said before, until and unless I come to determine that drop-ins that use oil aren't a problem, I'm going to stick with the Cosworth. Besides, from the dyno results I have seen, the Works is only 2.5hp ahead of the Cosworth, so I'd definitely rather play it safe than risk it over less than 3hp.

So far no one has said that I should get a tune if I change the drop-in... but I figure I'll call a shop next week and ask a professional before I actually decide to put it in.

Mr. Mojo

I agree with u 100%. Just wanted to throw my 2 cents in there lol. If anythung, your last statement should be agreed on by anyone else posting in the forums. A professional's opinion will hold WAY more weight.

Napalm_Enema

I think the main problem I have with the oil filters is it's difficult to know how much oil to add to them. That's where the issue lies. That excess oil if there can coat your MAF and just make a mess imo.

So I like to keep it simple. Cosworth non oiled filter = car felt better when stock.

It is 100000% ok to run a drop in filter without a tune. The only time you need to worry about a tune is with a very aggressive full cold air intake.

Mr. Mojo

Napalm,

An aggressive cold air intake would be considered as one that replaces factory piping with metal, correct? I'd imagine the benefit would be greater than a drop in one. Any cons in your opinion (minus the tune)?

Napalm_Enema

I think the gains minimal over a drop in until you get a lot more power like an upgraded turbo. With more power, sure a full intake should net more than a drop in but basic bolt on's I'm not sure how much more would we be talking.

Anyone have any input on basic bolt ons with a CAI vs drop in?