How safe are these filters for our cars? Know they use some form of oil based treatment on them, but I've heard over time they mess with the engine. Second, do these even help with anything besides, not buying filters? I have a 2014 RA, was thinking of getting one just to see, but not wanting to spend 50 bucks if they don't do jack.
I've read they help, then I've read they don't help, and so on and so on.

 

Based on past experiences in other cars I have owned, there is no notable increase in power with a K&N panel. My main reason for a K&N is I can get away with not changing the filter for 80k miles. As far as oiling the MAF sensors, this has been a debate in the car world for a long time. My own personal conclusion is that from the factory, the oil impregnated filters won't do that. It is when the owner cleans and re-oils, is where many people make the mistake of over oiling the filter. I personally never had an issue in my past cars (VW's, Audi, Honda's and a Toyota). The OEM filters go for $30 and you should change them every 20k. The K&N is $50, depending on your driving conditions, you can just leave the thing in there for 80k miles then you can clean it. Well worth the $50.

 

In my experience I saw a MPG increase and that was about it 2009 2.4L Lancer GTS and 2010 Ralliart (saw a bit of a power increase via DYNO Graph). I'm temped to see if this is the fact with the RVR. Here's hopin!

with an MPG increase this filter should pay for itself.

 

I went ahead and put one in just to see. I though had some issues getting it in, seems its a tight fit. I did rip some of the rubber on the filter(didn't realize I did it), from top of rubber to where filter is, so I hope this isn't going to cause any issues down the road?? I figure it won't since it's just dealing with air(could be wrong). I haven't seen any codes/error icons flash on the dash readout(keeping my OEM filter in trunk just incase).
Seems a little more responsive, but maybe that's just the placebo affect. I mainly want to see if it affects my mpg positively or negatively.

 

I also noticed better response. It felt peppy. I also did a negative battery terminal unplug and plug to start a NEW TEACH IN for the increase flow in the filter for the ECU. I'd like people to post their findings on performance (i dont mean like 100hp gains) and MPG's