dry vs wet intake filter

[kanga80]

Hey all, looking at getting an air raid intake. I just don't know enough about the oiled vs dry filter. the oiled allow higher air flow yet the dry makes more power with less airflow???? That makes no sense to me. what are yawls thoughts on dry vs wet for a daily, or does it not matter?

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[M151A2]

I agree. Nonsense. Im pretty sure that when a dry filter gets damp during rain storms, airflow is reduced. I have a dry filter and the car does not like it when raining. Thinking of going to the K&N.

 

[csmaan12]

Oiled filters incorporate the oil to capture contaminants which is why they allow for more airflow because this allows them to use a less dense filter element (not sure of the word I'm looking for here).

However those filters also may cause some of the oil to make its way down to the MAF and therefore cause it not to function correctly.

Dry filters use more dense element, to capture the same contaminants the oil would normally do, but typically in my experience of having had both types on different cars, I prefer to use the dry filter. I do believe oiled filters are better at keeping the air clean over time though and just need a good clean and oiling, whereas the dry filter will eventually need to be replaced.

As for the power difference, I think it's just the fact that the dry filter simply allows for better airflow and is more consistent. There can be user error when cleaning an oiled filter which can result in power loss from oiling it too much. As far as water goes, I haven't had either types of filters get wet/soaked/damp so I can't comment on that.


There you have it, someone will probably and hopefully have a better explanation than me lol.

 

[kanga80]

Would buying a closed airbox prevent powerloss from a rainstorm?

 

[csmaan12]

Would buying a closed airbox prevent powerloss from a rainstorm?

Really doubt rain would make that big of a difference, unless it's falling so hard you can't see in front of you.

Though so far the best intakes available for our cars are open box not sealed, with a tune of course (PMAS/JLT/etc). No tune intakes are a probably best had with a closed box.

I'm experimenting with my Airaid right now actually after a few weeks closed, I took the plastic lid off it to see if it makes any difference. Will report if rain gives me issues but I doubt it.

It does feel like it has better throttle response being open and does drop IAT while moving by an additional 3 degrees compared to being closed. Though it heat soaks instantly when in stop/go traffic which does go away very fast once you start moving again so I may consider keeping it open permanently.

 

[kanga80]

Really doubt rain would make that big of a difference, unless it's falling so hard you can't see in front of you.

Though so far the best intakes available for our cars are open box not sealed, with a tune of course (PMAS/JLT/etc). No tune intakes are a probably best had with a closed box.

I'm experimenting with my Airaid right now actually after a few weeks closed, I took the plastic lid off it to see if it makes any difference. Will report if rain gives me issues but I doubt it.

It does feel like it has better throttle response being open and does drop IAT while moving by an additional 3 degrees compared to being closed. Though it heat soaks instantly when in stop/go traffic which does go away very fast once you start moving again so I may consider keeping it open permanently.

I'd be interested in your results. Im deployed right now, so I wont be driving it for a few months. But I want the parts waiting for me when I get home. Miny projects to pass the time when i am on leave

 

[csmaan12]

I'd be interested in your results. Im deployed right now, so I wont be driving it for a few months. But I want the parts waiting for me when I get home. Miny projects to pass the time when i am on leave

Not a problem man, it's due to rain in a few days here so I'll see what happens when I drive with intake open on those days.

As for no-rain impressions I like it better even if it heat soaks a lot faster when at standstill.

Do you intend to get a tune?

 

[kanga80]

Not a problem man, it's due to rain in a few days here so I'll see what happens when I drive with intake open on those days.

As for no-rain impressions I like it better even if it heat soaks a lot faster when at standstill.

Do you intend to get a tune?

Yeah. I have one now for my exhaust/headers. Ill get an updated one again through lethal performance/lund.

 

[csmaan12]

Yeah. I have one now for my exhaust/headers. Ill get an updated one again through lethal performance/lund.

Well I'd highly suggest going with the forum favorite as far as intake goes which would be PMAS and re-tuning for it as it will yield best results. However there are other good options, just not sure about sealed ones.

Either way, once the storms roll in, in a day or two I'll post back up here to let you know if I noticed any negatives from water getting through the hood vent.

 

[Bluemustang]

I have had the blue oiled filter on my JLT since I got it. I just ordered and am switching to the dry filter. I didn't want to go through the PITA of cleaning the oil filter and making sure I get just the right amount of oil re-applied. A worry that I don't need at this point.

 

[Draklia]

Cummins stated they would deny any warranty claim on their engines if it was found out that the trucks had an oiled filter like the K&N. They stated that these types of filters let through too many fine particulates like dirt and sand. Not sure how real that is as there are tons of vehicles on the road using oiled filters, just not sure how it affects the life span of the motors.

 

[M151A2]

All valid points. The first time I left the lid off my box. Heavy rain with car parked. Filter got soaked and engine would only run slightly above idle.
Filter soaked and water in intake after the filter along with a very wet MAF.
Cover went back on. Everything fine until driving in heavy rain ( pretty much unavoidable in Florida during the summer ), engine starts surging, more like lurching.
Checked filter again and yes quite damp but no water after the filter.
This is with the Roush dry filter.
I am now monitoring my MAF and am ready for the next storm I get caught in.
I can only surmise that airflow is restricted when the dry filter gets wet/very damp.

 

[csmaan12]

Cummins stated they would deny any warranty claim on their engines if it was found out that the trucks had an oiled filter like the K&N. They stated that these types of filters let through too many fine particulates like dirt and sand. Not sure how real that is as there are tons of vehicles on the road using oiled filters, just not sure how it affects the life span of the motors.

I think it's a valid point. Maybe what they said is specific to it being a diesel engine. I've had a K&N oiled filter on another vehicle after inspecting the intake tube it had a film of oil on it which is what led me to switch to a dry filter. That car didn't have a MAF, so no sensor problems, however the throttle body was dirty as hell and also covered in oily film which leads me to believe was caused by the oil from the filter.

All valid points. The first time I left the lid off my box. Heavy rain with car parked. Filter got soaked and engine would only run slightly above idle.
Filter soaked and water in intake after the filter along with a very wet MAF.
Cover went back on. Everything fine until driving in heavy rain ( pretty much unavoidable in Florida during the summer ), engine starts surging, more like lurching.
Checked filter again and yes quite damp but no water after the filter.
This is with the Roush dry filter.
I am now monitoring my MAF and am ready for the next storm I get caught in.
I can only surmise that airflow is restricted when the dry filter gets wet/very damp.

Thanks for sharing this, have you tried one of those prefilters sock thingies that goes over the cone? Those are supposed to repel water from rain and whatnot. Though they don't look very visually appealing.

 

[kanga80]

Looks like I'll be going the dry filter route and just keeping it dry and preventing excessive moisture, doesnt rain hard too much in NC. Atleast where I live. Thanks all.

 

[Chameleon]

Dry. Less hassle.

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