Oiled vs Dry CAI

[Tempyy]

Sorry if this has been posted before, I haven't seen anything about it. What's the major difference between a dry and oiled cold air intake and which one is recommended? Looking to pick one up soon, also if anyone can beat American muscles prices with just the CAI and no tune that'd be awesome. Thanks

Sponsored

 

[Cobra Jet]

Dry = disposable dry filter elements; paper, mesh or other synthetic fibers.
*Disposable is most common type of "dry" filter, HOWEVER over the years there are some dry filter elements which can be cleaned and reused again.

Oiled = reusable filter element dampened with spray oils; mesh fiberous element. Depending on brands, some offer their own cleaning detergent. Use detergent to clean filter, let dry then re-oil.

The "oiled" is suppose to catch more debris (finer particulate matter). The one concern with oiled filters is if too much oil is used on the filter element, it can leach onto the sensors in some vehicle air intake tracts. The oiled filter media only needs to have a slight coating, it should not be saturated with oil (i.e.: dripping wet). Also depending on region, an oiled filter can become more clogged if operating in a heavy dust/dirt environment. The sole advantage years ago over dry filters was the fact that they can be reused over and over. K&N was the pioneer of this type of filter, then the copy cats came and did their own thing. Usually an oiled filter will cost roughly 2-3x more for the initial purchase over a dry disposable filter.

As far as actual functionality of the CAI - depends on brand, but it's not going to make any real difference if the CAI has an oiled or dry filter. Best type of CAI (subjective) is a closed CAI so that underhood heat is not 1) saturating the exposed filter element + air intake tract and 2) being sucked into the CAI (defeats purpose of COLD air induction).

 

[tj@steeda]

The Steeda CAI uses an oiled, less restrictive air filter for high flow. It can be cleaned & re-oiled regularly vs. a dry filter.

The oiled filter helps to catch dirt and impurities & is less restrictive.

The Steeda unit is top notch & will offer great results!

Best Regards,

TJ

 

[JamesinLittleSilver]

Dry does not have to equal disposable in fact I have a dry filter...seen here.
http://afepower.com/afe-power-31-10255-magnum-flow-pro-dry-s-air-filter
Awesome filter...and I want to say the GT350 CAI has a dry filter but not 100% sure.

 

[bigfoot21075]

People often over oil their oil use air filters - be careful, this can cause oil to be sucked in the intake.

 

[4V Mayhem]

I've used both, oiled and non-oiled. With the dry, I've never had an issue with how it filters. With oiled, I never had an issue with over oiling. But what I do is after I oil mine I let it sit for a few hours or even over night before throwing it back in. Either one of them is fine. Just don't go crazy with the oil.

Sponsored