Hello all,

I know there is much debate over panel filters and if they produce any discernible power difference over the standard paper filter. I've never bothered with a panel filter on my previous cars, however this one came with a Green Cotton Panel filter which is a couple of years old and in good nick, so far ive been keeping it clean and properly oiled without any issue.

Given the fact im not remaped and probably dont need higher than standard airflow, and the higher filtration which will presumably provide increased protection for the turbo from foreign objects, i have considered just going back to a paper filter, what are peoples thoughts?

I was recently chatting with someone who also alleged that panel filters can cause the car to run lean, and cited this as another reason to go back to the OEM filter. I was wondering if anyone else had heard of this, as its a new one to me?!

As a sidenote, the Miltek exhaust on the car is plenty loud even at idle as SWMBO whines at me every time i fire it up in the early hours for the journey to work, would going back to the Paper filter reduce this noise any (obviously i like the noise at high revs, but it can be a bit much at idle sometimes)?

Cheers

Well, this is a new one.

1) A Panel filter might give you a couple of bhp, but that's about all.

2) As a result of (1), you might find the engine spins easier "light", so you can change gears faster.

3) I've no experience of cotton gauze filters, but filter foam is/was OEM for some mass market manufacturers. Do you still think paper gives higher filtration?

4) Note (3); filter foam panels do not increase induction noise.

5) Your airbox may be "definned"; there's no way of telling this except by looking in the base to see if there are fins or not. A definned airbox gives more induction whoosh than a standard one.

6) High flow filters will cause non-EMS octane cars to run lean. There's no such issue with an EMS car though, because the MAF (or MAP) detects the higher flow and increases fuelling. Citane cars are in lean burn at all times except full throttle low revs anyway.

7) Most or all of your zorst noise is exactly that!

I changed my tatty old paper filter for a PiperX foam type, I couldn't notice any difference tbh!

Cheers guys, all questions answered. The panel filter appears in good nick and ive got enough oil for it to last me the forseeable, so will hang onto it for now. When i do run out of oil for it though, will probably go back to OEM as they cost more or less the same.