k&n filter help
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I have a question that is just boggling my head... I recently purchased a K&N air filter for my '05 G6. When I installed the filter I took my car for a test run and noticed that the car would jerk shifting into different gears. I also noticed my "check engine light" came on. I was wondering if anyone else had this same problem, if it is a common problem (or even a problem at all) and what I can do to eliminate this problem?
Anyone know exactly how much HP is gained by adding a K&N? Because even if its only 3-5 HP, the $58 price tag seems worth it to me to have a superior air filter, I mean how much is a top of the life Fram? $20, $25? Might as well spend a bit more and get a MUCH better filter.
I think getting a real HP increase from one brand to another brand of filter element is:bs:. K & N s are okay because they are reuseable, but think about the physics here- More airflow by definition means a less-restriction (Read: not as good at filtering). Significant HP can be gained by changing the airbox design (eg. a CAI). Cold air is denser, and the design usually allows more air to be sucked in without a loss in filtration. But one brand's air filter vs another brands' in the same airbox assembly should not make much of a difference. More airflow = less filtration in that case. I wouldn't buy a K & N filter element just to put it in the stock airbox, especially since the original air filter is good for 40 or 50 K according to the owner's manual (unless you use your G6 for dirt-track racing...) I upgraded to a CAI on my V6 Probe, and I did notice a slight jump in HP.
But the biggest, cheapest HP gain I got bang for buck-wise was buying an aftermarket underdrive crankshaft pulley on eBay ($75) vs $350 for the stock replacement from the Ford stealer when mine needed replacement. I swear, that got me 10-15 HP easily, and I saved $275. The car had 100K on it when I did that mod, and it was stupid fast compared even to when the car was new.
Question: can an underdrive crankshaft pulley work on the OHV 3.9L, or does using an underdrive crankshaft pulley only work with OHC engines like on my Probe GT and the new 3.6L in the G6? I can't remember. The theory is that less mass/resistence on the smaller-diameter, lighter pulley allows the engine to rev with less resistence. The downside can be undercharging of the battery by the alternator and underperformance of other belt-driven components, although I didn't have any problems. Anyone know more about this?
But the biggest, cheapest HP gain I got bang for buck-wise was buying an aftermarket underdrive crankshaft pulley on eBay ($75) vs $350 for the stock replacement from the Ford stealer when mine needed replacement. I swear, that got me 10-15 HP easily, and I saved $275. The car had 100K on it when I did that mod, and it was stupid fast compared even to when the car was new.
Question: can an underdrive crankshaft pulley work on the OHV 3.9L, or does using an underdrive crankshaft pulley only work with OHC engines like on my Probe GT and the new 3.6L in the G6? I can't remember. The theory is that less mass/resistence on the smaller-diameter, lighter pulley allows the engine to rev with less resistence. The downside can be undercharging of the battery by the alternator and underperformance of other belt-driven components, although I didn't have any problems. Anyone know more about this?
an underdrive pulley will work on any engine. it doesn't really "create" horsepower so to speak, it just frees up more of the power the engine is already producing. i put a 2 piece pulley set on my jimmy and noticed a little difference without any of the charging problems you are talking about. all in all i was pretty happy with it.
and it doesn't have anything to do with the mass/resistance of the pulley. it's the simple fact that the smaller pulley will spin at a different speed than the larger pulley. same idea as swapping a s/c pulley.
and it doesn't have anything to do with the mass/resistance of the pulley. it's the simple fact that the smaller pulley will spin at a different speed than the larger pulley. same idea as swapping a s/c pulley.
OK so if im installing a new K&N filter (33-2315) do i have to disconnect the batt to reset the cars computer? Also im hearing that the oil from K&N filters can damage some sensor...HELP! Want the facts before i drop $50 on this filter. I HATE seeing the check engine light! 
My advice really is to stick with a regular (cheap & durable) filter element unless changing the intake box entirely. And I have heard that people who overoil the K & N filters have reported lots of emissions problems, but if you follow the instructions, shouldn't be a problem. And don't get me wrong- I put a K & N element in the stock airbox of my '75 Porsche 914. It works fine, but I noticed no performance improvement. If I had it to do over, I'd just put a good quality (Purolator) air filter in (less than $10) and change it when it gets dirty with another $10 filter.
Re the underdrive pulley, I used one of bilett aluminum and it weighed half of what the stock one did, and spun faster because of the smaller diameter. Maybe I wasn't clear. Very much like unsprung weight on wheels, and how smaller-diameter, lighter wheels/tires result in an increase in quickness and a reduced top speed.
Re the underdrive pulley, I used one of bilett aluminum and it weighed half of what the stock one did, and spun faster because of the smaller diameter. Maybe I wasn't clear. Very much like unsprung weight on wheels, and how smaller-diameter, lighter wheels/tires result in an increase in quickness and a reduced top speed.
I would watch the DIC for errors. If there is a big enough increase in airflow, I guess the emissions system could throw a code. Interfire suggested disconnecting the neg terminal on the battery if a malfunction presents, allowing the computer to recalibrate itself to the new, increased airflow which it will use to adjust the fuel delivery.
Well I called K&N and they told me that if your only installing a drop in filter and not a new air intake you shouldnt need to reset the cars computer. She also said that after extensive testing there is no proof whatsoever that the oil used in K&N filters (which is only about 1 oz) messes up the cars air flow sensor. That being said I think ill take the plunge, drop the $50 and maybe get 3-5 HP more.
Well I bought mine today, well ordered it anyway, it should be in this comming Wed. I just couldnt resist, I paid $43 at Kragen using thier price matching policy AND they had a coupon for a free cleaner/recharge kit with the purchase of any K&N filter. Couldnt say no.
Yeah we'll see what happens, worst comes to worst I take it out and pop the old one back in. I have talked to several people with GM cars/trucks who have been nothing but happy with them. Not one of them had a situation with the check engine light comming on except one person i talked to who installed an air intake and not just the drop in filter. And even if that were to happen im hoping disconnecting the cars batt for a few hours will reset it and take care of it.
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