Hi all,

Do you guys think there is any point replacing the air filter element on an otherwise standard VRS? I don't want to do anything else to it as I don't want to risk invalidating the warranty.

Which do you think is best- Green, K&N or pipercross?

Thanks for your help:thumbup:

Imho, there is very little (if any) difference between a clean paper element and an aftermarket performance panel filter. I opted for a performance filter because with the mileage I'm doing, it worked out more cost effective than replacing the paper element every 10k miles.

Chris

Just like ScoobyChris above I changed to a Pipercross for cost effectiveness (on 1.4 Tdi). The 40K recommendation is way too long and a dirty filter does make a difference. After feeling the difference at the first 40K, I changed the paper one at every 10K until a couple of months ago. After a thread in which a poster had found grit on top of the filter, I checked and cleaned it after 1K and found nothing at the top. Then did the same after another 2K. No apparent problems. I'll keep checking until it shows no problems up to 10K then continue, but I feel that it should be OK - if it did leak, I'd have expected to see signs by now.

V

It seems that manufacturers claim the same kind of figures for BHP/MPG that are claimed for using "premium" diesel.

Are the makes of filter much the same? there seems to be a bit of difference in price.

Ive just changed the std filter for a pipercross after 31k on the original. Its made a massive difference but some of this must be down to the old filter being clogged as hell. MPG went up by about 5 on one of my normal journeys as well - it'll pay for itself in a few weeks if it continues

I went for pipercross after checking the results for a rolling road at awesome, the vrs with just a pipercross had more bhp than others on there with the same mods - a good enough reason for me.

The question I have is would changing to one of the panel filters be a declared mod on to the insurance, given that they make little difference without other mods?

Almost tempted for the money saving over the long term but if it increases insurance it's probably not worth it for me, given that the car will only do about 5k miles per year now I've got the missus fixed up with a cheaper car to run than the old 4X4 she had.

I can't imagine fiting a different make of filter can be described as a mod, it's no different to putting on different tyres is it:confused: I've ordered a Pipercross now and will be interested to see if it gives me over the usual 47 mpg. Going by the claims made the filter and "premium" diesel should get me over 50 mpg:rolleyes:

given that the car will only do about 5k miles per year

Whats the point then? It'll take you 8 years to break even, even if you replace the standard one every 10k miles.

I was thinking slightly better MPG/BHP (yes I know I probably won't notice any dfference) reduced servicing cost and maybe even a bit less smoke.

If there was no point to them surely nobody would make them and nobody would buy them, or have I just fallen hook line and sinker for some false marketing ploy? Oh well- wouldn't be the first time!

If there was no point to them surely nobody would make them and nobody would buy them, or have I just fallen hook line and sinker for some false marketing ploy? Oh well- wouldn't be the first time!

Why do people buy BP Ultimate? Why do people use nitrogen instead of air in their tyres? It's all about the marketing Just think if aftermarket panel filters were that good, surely all manufacturers would fit them as standard, especially on the performance models?

Chris

I reckon the reason they dont recommend them is because they need cleaning vs replacing, and paper is cheaper too as a one-off cost (read: to use as standard) and when clean works well. Also a paper filter doesnt need oiling so it wont mess anything up

Hi Guys, my first post here!!

Panel Filters : JFDI.

I have fitted a K&N of some description to every car I have owned, some just panels, some full 57i kits, and even classic Cone filter & stubstacks on my classic mini..

Every application has made some difference. Nothing miraculous from a panel filter, just a noticable difference to the driving expierence - a bit whizzier is the best way I can describe it.

There is a massive difference between the paper ones and performance ones provided you get a decent make such as K&N or pipercross.

From my Mini & Moggy days i remember reading 'Tuning the A-series' by David Vizard, in there they tested flow rates of different air filters & atmospheric conditions.

A standard paper element filter had the same flow rate as a K&N with 7 cm of dust on top of it.

I am yet to do this to a Performance Diesel tho, and they run on full air all the time so I would expect a more noticable difference.

When I finally get my VRs i'll let you know!

I can speak from a bit of experiance here.

A decent panel filter will make next to no difference on an untuned pd130. When you remap it will assist greatly in the battle against the black smog.

indeed - especially combined with a PD160 air intake.

BTW, anything happened with the Forge replacement version ?