Have previously 1.9 and 2.0 TDI engined Octavias. Used the Pipercross replacement panel filters. Swear by them. Does anyone know whether a panel filter is available for the new 1.6 TDI Common Rail engines?

Have previously 1.9 and 2.0 TDI engined Octavias. Used the Pipercross replacement panel filters. Swear by them. Does anyone know whether a panel filter is available for the new 1.6 TDI Common Rail engines?

K&N do one mate, 33-2865. I think its the same number across the board to be honest. I would definately recommend K&N stuff over pretty much anything else - I used to deal in performance car parts and the quality of K&N stuff is much better than the likes of Pipercross

Just change the paper ones more often?

Just change the paper ones more often?

Cotton gauze has a much better flow rate though and essential if you do any tuning work

Cotton gauze has a much better flow rate though and essential if you do any tuning work

Cotton gauze has a better flow rate than dirty paper for sure, however it also lets through the fine dust that the paper filter traps.

Hence my comment on a clean paper filter (eg frequent changes)

Having run a K&N I'd far rather just change the paper one every 5k-10k because this costs not much more than the washing/oiling kit and you don't have to buy a £50 filter.

10 filter changes before I've paid for the washable filter means I can do 100k before it even looks at breaking even.

I also don't buy the extra flow theory for a panel filter as other factors affect it more. Without the air box then you're just sucking in warm air.

All IMHO of course.

All diesels operate on excess air in that there is an excess of oxygen in the air drawn into the engine to burn all of the fuel. The only advantage you would see by using a performance air filter on a standard engine is that the filter may be finer allowing less microscopic particles into the engine and the filter may last longer. There would be no added engine power . Of course petrol engines would benefit from performance filters as they do not have excess air.