Replacement Air Filters

The simplest modification requiring next to no skill and with minimal cost is to replace the air filter element with a performance air filter. K&N (from the US) are by far the biggest name in the performance air filter market both worldwide and in the UK, whilst Pipercross (from the UK) are the second largest to them in the UK market. The difference between the two is that the K&N filter element is a cotton gauze material whilst the Pipercross filter element is foam. Both are sprayed with oil to attract and trap dust and the benefit of both is that air flows more easily through them than through a standard paper OE filter, thus releasing up to 2-3bhp. 

We also sell cotton gauze filters from Green Filters of France, BMC Filters from Italy (not so well known but presently supplying the Ferrari F1 team) and Jetex Filters from Sweden. All claim different advantages in using their brand, we leave it up to you..... 

On the foam filters front we also sell filters from Ramair and ITG. Ramair are presently supplying the Vauxhall team in the BTCC (2004) and ITG have numerous links with F1.

Replacement air filter elements cost £30-£40 whether they are cotton gauze or foam.

An additional benefit of performance filters is that they can be cleaned, re-oiled and used again, so you never have to buy a replacement element again! 

Technical Footnote

All air filter manufacturers make statements about their filters producing more air flow etc. but what really happens is that the performance filter produces a smaller pressure drop at a given engine speed than a standard filter. This means the engine sucks in air more efficiently and therefore the engine is more efficient. More efficient = more power.