Aftermarket Panel Filters - Opinion with Evidence

[mds1256]

Ok

I have had a pipercross panel filter in my Leon FR TDI 170 DE-DPF for a couple of months and thought i would log block 003 on VAG com to check air flow. I have also a 9 month old original filter (which was removed when putting the pipercross filter in).

I have done logs on both filters on the same piece of industrial road in 4th gear and these are my findings (done 3 logs on each, the graphs below are a pick of the 2 best. In all cases the original filter out performed the aftermarket filter):

The Original filter seems to less restrictive in its air flow compared to the newish PiperX panel filter. In my opinion the standard filter seems to perform better thus me now removing the piperx and going back to standard filter.

See graphs below

Done on the same day about 5-10 mins apart (time took to swap back to original filter)

PiperX Filter:

Original Filter:

 

[RobH]

Even though this is on a derv and not a 2.0tfsi it proves that aftermarket panelfilters are piontless, and puts a redface on a few peoples faces that were insisting otherwise

 

[mds1256]

Even though this is on a derv and not a 2.0tfsi it proves that aftermarket panelfilters are piontless, and puts a redface on a few peoples faces that were insisting otherwise

Yup, being naive when i got the DPF removed i ordered a panel filter to get a bit more air, but this not being the case.... would any one like to by my piperx filter lol

 

[kezFR07]

never ive just bought one of these oh well. wish i could afford a intake

 

[makkakm]

Hi.
Looking at the graph i would say the PiperX gives it lots more airflow at minimal revs. Is this not the whole point in installing an upgraded filter to make the car more responsive.

Not an expert just a thought.???

 

[RobH]

Hi.
Looking at the graph i would say the PiperX gives it lots more airflow at minimal revs. Is this not the whole point in installing an upgraded filter to make the car more responsive.

Not an expert just a thought.???

For about 200rpms it gives a tiny bit more, then it looses out to the standard filter for the rest of the rev range.

Which would you want???

 

[dazjb69]

Always thought pipercross to be expensive for a piece of sponge anyhow!!

 

[mds1256]

Hi.
Looking at the graph i would say the PiperX gives it lots more airflow at minimal revs. Is this not the whole point in installing an upgraded filter to make the car more responsive.

Not an expert just a thought.???

To be honest I wouldn't take too much notice under 1900ish rpm due to me not fully accelerating until about then to try and not kill my clutch

 

[makkakm]

Know what you mean about trying not to kill the clutch.
Im running stage 1, however catching the clutch from 1st gear into 2nd feels ace on full throttle.!!. God damn traction control.!!

 

[bmb779]

So does this mean every panel filter is the same? i doubt it.

 

[WeeG]

I put a similair thread up a few years ago concerning my fr tdi ibiza which was remapped, i done a back to back with standard filter and panel filter, green cotton to be exact, and after several runs with both on every run i seem to lose a couple of bhp and a couple of torques wit the panel filter, and the power curve seemed to peak early in the rev range with the panel filter, after my rolling road today again my bhp and torque figure seemed alter with the KnN panel filter and lost a bit of power through the rev range, i have taken out my panel filter and put my standard one back in nd i swear i can tell a positive difference.... possibly all in the head, but why would car manufactures spend multi millions on the design of the paper filters for these specific cars? It is understandable if it is restrictive but on the tdi 170 it is not.

 

[LEE69]

So does this mean every panel filter is the same? i doubt it.

Grab a coffee and have a read http://www.max-boost.co.uk/max-boos...nd Napa Paper air filters for Mazda Miata.htm

 

[RobH]

So 0.14% better airflow from the k & n filter against the paper filter

 

[Hilla LCR]

 

[WeeG]

Looking at my before and after graph in power curve between stock and KnN, the KnN seems to drop off power quicker,

 

[Poverty]

never ive just bought one of these oh well. wish i could afford a intake

Really? Even after everyone said waste of money!?

Cancel/send it back and save for a BSH intake!

 

[cheungy]

Really? Even after everyone said waste of money!?

Cancel/send it back and save for a BSH intake!

LOL indeeeeed ...

 

[ash101]

Well after reading this post and running fr 170 tdi with a k&n panel filter i decided to put my quite dirty paper filter back in today.
To be honest when i installed the k&n i thought then that the car seemed to be a bit more hesitant /restricted when accelerating But just thought it must be in my head.
So i put the old paper filter in today which like i said is quite dirty and im now 100% sure that it seems sharper and more responsive.
So iv just ordered a new paper filter.So in my view dont waste money buying aftermarket panel filters just stick to a good quallity paper one.

 

[mds1256]

yeah im going to buy a new standard filter as mine is 9month old now so due a new standard one

 

[Al]

No surprises there then.....