Air Filter Question

[J. Huber]

Can any of you answer this: would replacing the standard 113 air filter with something like a K&N really have an affect on a car's performance?

I remember in my younger days, that it was the thing to do on "dirt bikes", etc. but curious if and how it would help our cars. I have a pretty new and clean (couple years) filter and things are running great. Would such a filter make a diff? Thanks.

James
63 230SL

[rwmastel]

http://index.php?topic=5712
http://index.php?topic=2931
http://index.php?topic=1046
http://index.php?topic=953


Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[J. Huber]

Oops, I better learn to search before I leap. Moderators have my permission to delete this thread (as long as I get the following answer!   )...

I came away from those threads still wondering. Did anyone ever come up with a definitive part number for the K&N that fits correctly inside the cannister?





James
63 230SL

[Naj ✝︎]

quote:Originally posted by J. Huber

(as long as I get the following answer!   )...

I came away from those threads still wondering. Did anyone ever come up with a definitive part number for the K&N that fits correctly inside the cannister?
James
63 230SL

http://www.knfilters.com/search/product.aspx?Prod=E-2380

68 280SL

[ja17]

Hello James, and Naj,

Try a spin around the block with no filter at all.  If you find little difference, then even a K&N is a waste of time and money.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[J. Huber]

Thanks Naj and Joe. I called around -- all places will need to order the E-2380. I'll try the non-filter test first -- see what happens.

James
63 230SL

[harleydan]

A K&N filter is reusable (that is it can be cleaned, re-oiled and re-used many time over); so even though one might not notice any performance gains, at least it saves some money in the long run.  

When I recently installed the K&N filter in mine, it did seem to add a little bit of performancce (maybe just hopeful/wishful thinking), but I can not quantitatively give you by how much.  

On installation becasue I had to remove the air hose from the manifold throttle body, I noticed that the insides of manifold throttle body, where the throttle butterfly is located at, there was a lot of accumulated black residue/soot.  I tries cleaning it out as thoroughtly as possible (by sticking in my finger with cleaning and de-greasing solution on a small clean cloth and by opening the butterfly) when I had the air hose off.  Maybe I should have had tried taking the manifold throttle body off completely to clean it beeter.  Has anyone tried to clean this part and how did they do it?

Cheers,
Danny
1970 280SL silver Euro 4-speed

[J. Huber]

Well, test #1 (Mann filter vs. No filter) is in. Although it's a lot harder to tell "good to better" than bad to better, I think having no filter made some difference. A little more peppy. Maybe?

Anyway, I am going to try the K&N and will hopefully be back with test #2 (mann vs KN)in a few days!

James
63 230SL

[psmith]

Hi James,

I gleaned this from the web from an owner named Mike Haney who ran a 230SL in Carrera Panamerica as best as I can remember.  

 

quote:K&N Filtercharger
====================
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=868&page=2
Purchased from:
http://store.summitracing.com/
part# KNN-RE-0810
Cost: $46.95
Comments:
VERY impressed with performance increase and smooth installation,
this
particular filter seems like it was made for the 113's... simply
remove your air filter canister, cut a "U" in the neck of the filter,
to allow better airlow through the bend, put some silicone sealant
around the top of it, and slide it into the lid from original
canister. we also took some heater hose, sliced it lengthwise and
wrapped it around the lip of the canister lid, then wrapped that with
a layer of flexible pipe wrap from Home Depot", it fit in there nice
and snug and looked nice. I'll include pictures in the pictures area
of this and everything else I have that related to these items.

Overall, best $50 I spent!!!

Pete S.

[J. Huber]

Thanks Pete. Interesting. I remember Mike and his "rally car." The filter I ordered is a little different: its the E-2380. According to the pics and dimensions, it should just drop in. Supposed to be here today! (or maybe manana) so I'll let you all know.

James
63 230SL

[J. Huber]

The results are in! I received my K&N filter yesterday. It fit perfectly and I am going on record as saying I think it made a difference...

The model is E-2380. Exactly as tall as old one (Mann) -- slightly smaller diameter (which made it easier to install).

Here in CA, it is $43.95 from Kragen Auto. They had to order it (2-3 days).

James
63 230SL

[harleydan]

James,

If you can, can you elaborate on how you thought the K&N filter made a difference in the car's performance?   I too thought I felt a difference but I surely can not quantify.

Danny
1970 280SL silver Euro 4-speed

[J. Huber]

Darn Dan. I ws hoping I could slide that past ya'all...

Well. It is purely a feel thing. My car has been running very well lately -- but when I did the switch I seemed to get a little more of a steady acceleration between say 1800 to 2400. Once above this, the car has always responded strong -- so I sense no real change there. As you said -- it is really hard to quantify short of a dyno test or something. I'd wager on some degree of improvement. It sure hasn't hurt anything!

PS -- mine is an automatic.

James
63 230SL

[hill]

Back in the day we dyno'd a car several times to get a base line. Water temperature was consistent and all tests were done in a 1/2 hr time frame. Stock paper was 252 hp, K+N was 254 freshly oiled and no filter was 257. The process was reversed with the same results. This of course did not factor in any ram air effect since big blowers were not available. The reason I like the washable is cost, my 350 sl has 260M on the clock and has blowby. If I had to change paper filters every month $$$ :evil:  HP gains were negligible in the lower to mid range RPM 1000-6000 RPM and really only came up in the 7000-11000 range (rotary).

Happy Benzing
Darryl, Hill
350 SL4.5 #60
1967 250sl "California"

[psmith]

Hey James, with your K&N filter and black wheels like mine, yours is almost a rally car!  Add some headlight covers and some stickers and you're there!  :mrgreen:




Pete S.

[J. Huber]

Hey Pete, I'm closer than you think....

http://www.sl113.org/forums/uploaded/J.%20Huber/2007410026_rally2.JPG

James
63 230SL

[psmith]

All you need are some rally decals from this guy.

http://stores.ebay.ie/I-Say-Ding-Dong-Decals-Stickers

Pete S.