I was looking at installing a decent induction kit to my mk1 octavia vrs but after reading some threads I noticed that some mentioned that a new element would be better. Was wondering on peoples thoughts and experiences please

Quality replacement panel filters such as K&N, Green Cotton are good. There are tails of them oiling up MAF's, but I believe that's down to people over oiling when servicing the filter. Never had a problem with a K&N on any of my cars.

Ebay CAI with a quality cone as above seems to work well. A cone filter in the engine bay is a no no though. Heat shield or not, sucking hot air is not a good idea. I've seen the results of that on a dyno with a stage 1 mkiv Golf before. OEM panel filter gave 6bhp more than a new K&N cone with heat shield

Thanks

So basically I'm better of with a quality replacement filter?

Panel filter with the 3" piping mod to the air box if you want it quiet. I've personally ran that 3 years with no issue. I then tried a cone filter on the MAF as I wanted the tsssh noise from the dump valve. It was on all for a day as the lose in power and torque was hideous!

Recently won a brand new CAI kit off eBay for £32 delivered. Keeps the power but adds the noise Deffo put a good filter on the end though.

Thanks

So basically I'm better of with a quality replacement filter?

 

This is a subject everyone will give various answers to buddy

 

The std airbox generally works well with a regular std replacement filter. So nothing wrong with that.

As stated a cone stuck on end of MAF is a no no

A CAI kit is good for looks and noise and does work well if you are running modified maps and bolt on goodies, but don't expect major performance increase from them. I have a well know CAI kit and it work well on my set up.

 

Never heard of any VAG group car owner having issue with replacement panel filters( oily MAF etc) in std air box like K&N, green filters etc. 

 

it all comes down to personal choice really