Is it worth it to get the K&N filter for the stock airbox? I could swear I've read somewhere that the K&N doesn't really do much for you.

Any idea how much the stock element costs from the Mazda dealer?

 

I had the box K&N without the inlet "snorkel" and just recently installed a PFS alike twin filters with custom heat shield and by my pants dyno ; there was only a minimal increase in power and a sooner spool up; maybe because all the hissing sounds that came out. But I think that "snorkel" coming out of the air box is a bottle neck in the intake system, more than anything else.

 

There might be a slight increase in flow. I've had one for years.

The best part is you can clean and reuse it forever, instead of buying Mazduh OEM's every year. The K&N is about $50.00 and I will take a wild guess the Mazda OEM is at least $20.00, maybe more.

 

R1owner,

I did notice a slight difference in spool times and HP when switching to the K&N. The real gains came from modifying my air box with the K&N installed.

If you’re interested, I'll sell you my stock air box with the K&N (cleaned approx 3K miles ago). The box was modified for free flow. In addition, I purchased the Pettit intake system and noticed no difference between setups. The price is $6 plus shipping from 15238.

Thanks,
Tom

 

I had a similar experience as Tom. I noticed a slight increase. I bought my K&N at Kragen for $54.

Later, I fabricated an aluminum shield to bring additional cold air to the stock air box. Then, I cut a hole in the bottom of the box. It's a nice setup. It's cheap, and not visible. The stock intake stays as is. The smog guys won't know if it is there.

I felt a significant increase in power. Probably similar to the high priced intakes.

I could make one for you. If you are interested, PM me.

Adam

 

The Stock MAZDA OEM filter runs close to $40 from a dealer - I got a used K&N for $25 and when used in a modified airbox makes a noticable improvement in spool up and throttle response.
Check my Website for photos of my mod. http://home.earthlink.net/~maxpesce/index.html
I don't think it would make as much diff is an unmodified airbox as the air ducting to the stock airbox is very restrictive.

 

I like the K&N drop-in. I've used K&N for years in other applications and think they are a quality item that DO provide a better flow.