K&N tests have revealed that for most two- and four-barrel carburettors, the airflow is greater when the diameter of the air cleaner is larger compared to the height. An element 10 inches in diameter by two inches in height will generally flow better than an element five inches in diameter and four inches in height. One of the advantages of a high flow air filter is that unlike regular filters, it doesn't need to be changed every year. All you have to do is clean it approximately every two years.
This is because they don't clog as quickly or as easily, but they offer better airflow and better filtration of the air entering the engine. And if your engine gets more air, then it can perform better. In fact, a high flow air filter can increase your horsepower by about 3 to 5 HP and also increase your torque. At the same time, this can lead to higher fuel efficiency. How does this work? In some of the more expensive units, the filter comes with a cold air intake unit.
It is installed to extract air from the outside of the car instead of the hot air used inside the engine compartment. Going back to science class, cold air is denser and therefore will burn better, thus improving your engine performance. Thicker air filters may automatically seem like the best option. Thicker means more filtration, right? In most situations, that's true. Thicker air filters tend to last longer because they have more square feet to capture and retain air particles.
To put it into perspective, a 1-inch air filter may need to be changed every month, while a 4-inch air filter can last up to six months. Whether you want to increase power, fuel efficiency, or simply reduce the hassle of regularly changing your air filter, a high flow filter can be a good option. The 4-inch thick air filter has a definite advantage over filter 1 in terms of longevity, airflow and maximum filtration potential. We learned that paying attention to the design of the air cleaner, and especially how air enters the carburetor, can bring enormous power benefits as the power figures continue to increase. Ovens come in a variety of sizes and configurations, which means there's no one-size-fits-all filter. So, if it fits your oven, then a 4-inch air cleaner is better than a 1-inch air cleaner when it comes to improving air quality. When performing routine maintenance on your vehicle, one of the most overlooked aspects is the air filter.
That said, the 1-inch filter may be too shallow, causing a loose fit that allows unfiltered air to enter the ductwork. Some air conditioning specialists have also observed that thicker filters provide a snug fit that does not allow unfiltered air to pass through. If you try to use a 4-inch thick air filter for a system that is made for a 1-inch thick filter, the efficiency will be worse. If you are considering a thicker air filter to improve air quality, it may be better to focus on the MERV rating. It's similar to a vacuum cleaner; when you notice a decrease in power; a dirty filter can be the cause because the air is literally pushed at the price of your vehicle's energy. A 1-inch filter with less surface space will clog up fairly quickly and will need to be replaced much sooner than a coarser filter.
But what if your oven's air cleaner compartment is only 3 inches thick? In that case, the 1-inch oven filter is still better than the 4-inch filter; however, a 3-inch thick air filter is still preferable.
