K&N Air Filter

[Tizzo]

I've tried searching this topic but couldn't find anything, so apologies if it's already been discussed. Anyone tried the K&N air filter in the 2.4? Is it worth the $100?

[gwagensteve]

No. They are terrible for filtration. They only approach the filtration efficiency of paper when they are completely caked in dirt.
Labour intensive
Operator dependent (incorrectly service and filtration is even more compromised)
The airbox doesn't work properly once one is installed.

Maybe they add some power. Considering the negatives it isnt worth it.

[Tizzo]

Thanks Steve,
I just finished reading the 4 pages of replies to your air filter post on Auszookers forum. I'm well convinced to stick with the paper.

Cheers, Tizzo.

[christover1]

I prefer running a pre filter and leaving the rest as is.
But that usually needs a snorkel.

[gwagensteve]

Ah, the old air filter rant thread. Glad you found it.

Unfortunately suzuki scrimp on air filtration. The last 4wd they sold with decent air filtration (in theory) was the 1.3 Sierra, but sadly that suffered from a poorly sealed airbox housing.

Since then, their air boxes are really only suitable for on road use. This isn't easy to rectify in a modern engine bay.

Small panel filters mean cheaper production costs but more frequent service for the end user if you're in a dusty environment.

I agree that a Donaldson pre cleaner on a snorkel is a good way of taking some load off the top-small factory filter in dusty conditions.

Inadequate filtration for off road use isn't just a problem for Suzuki. Many manufacturers have abandoned properly designed centrifugal filters due to space and cost. I'm not even a fan of the filter in my current Defender. (Although it's always been hard to package a good filter in the front of a defender)