[Rob Lafleur]

Hi there, anyone know if there's a K&N air filter available for the V6 Atlas? It's typically the first thing I add to any new vehicle I get, but I can't find it listed?

 

[Gus]

I 2nd that, any info on air intake?? Would sure love the extra Hp and gas Milage bump..

 

[Rob Lafleur]

K&N rep said they are in the works but no ETA yet..

 

[Gus]

Awesome !! Thanks for the info..

 

[WorldAtlas]

How effective are air filters? I've never modded a car before aside from the small things like tinting, but something like the Atlas deserves more.

 

[Rob Lafleur]

It can depend on the vehicle, but you can typically see a small increase in power output and gas mileage. I also like the fact that the K&N is washable / reusable, so you never have to buy another one or replace it.

 

[zag]

K&N rep said they are in the works but no ETA yet..

I looked today and they are finally listed for sale. Been waiting 6 months for them to come out! My friends swear by these, but it will be interesting to compare gas mileage. I've tracked mine with Fuelly since mile #3.

Not sure if link will work on forum:
https://www.knfilters.com/search/product.aspx?prod=33-5071

 

[Simeon]

More noticeable results would be found from a full system, but I don't know if we'll see that kind of support for the Atlas. The most important difference with an aftermarket filter is that they can last forever with proper maintenance.

 

[zag]

More noticeable results would be found from a full system, but I don't know if we'll see that kind of support for the Atlas. The most important difference with an aftermarket filter is that they can last forever with proper maintenance.

I just installed the K&N in my Atlas, and I was shocked at what I saw on the stock filter. For some reason, in addition to the std paper filter, there was a large air-porous foam layer added on top of the paper part of the intake. I'll post the photo shortly, but it looked like batting/padding that you would find inside a couch pillow.

My friend and I had the same thought - it looked like the factory had left packing material on the filter when it was installed.

 

[zag]

Although I don't have my air filter handy, I found a similar VW picture online. Looks like the foam is added to keep the paper dry during wet intake?

Also had another post about not recommended to use oil based filters (which would include K&N) on VWs due to MAF issues, which I think someone else posted here or on a similar site.

Air filter box or filter replacement-mk5+ | VW TDI forum, Audi, Porsche, and Chevy Cruze diesel forum

Image upload didn't work, unknown why

 

[KarstGeo]

I put the drop in mine about a month ago when it was available. Run these in all my vehicles. Gives a little more engine noise through the intake and you can wash/re-use it...I do mine every 50K miles. The oil filter MAF issue is complete BS/urban legend. Been running them for years with not a single issue. Look at the testing videos K&N has on youtube...that oil isn't coming off. The slight drop in filtering efficiency vs. paper isn't enough to worry about.

 

[KarstGeo]

That foam bit on the OEM filter is a "pre-filter" to keep large bugs, leaves, etc. out of the pleats of the filter.

 

[Gus]

Wow!!! I guarantee that foam restricts a huge amount of air. I’m defiantly buying a k&n filter

 

[KarstGeo]

^^^Sarcasm? Unlikely to restrict it at all...

 

[Gus]

^^^Sarcasm? Unlikely to restrict it at all...

No not at all. I guarantee it restricts air. Standard common physics. As simple as trying the breath through a pillow Vs breathing through a shirt, which one would I choose in order to keep free flowing air volume, the shirt.

This topper foam is nothing more than a filter wrapped with a pillow, or one would say, a sleeping bag.

Less obstructions = more air volume

 

[KarstGeo]

There is no doubt that K&N are less restrictive (at the expense of a *little* filtration) but the issue is that that your engine is getting all the air it needs through the stock filter so allowing it to have more doesn't really do much b/c it doesn't need it. I mainly like K&N due to the lifetime aspect and the fact you get a little more sound.

 

[Atlas-Kev]

I just installed the K&N in my Atlas, and I was shocked at what I saw on the stock filter. For some reason, in addition to the std paper filter, there was a large air-porous foam layer added on top of the paper part of the intake. I'll post the photo shortly, but it looked like batting/padding that you would find inside a couch pillow.

My friend and I had the same thought - it looked like the factory had left packing material on the filter when it was installed.

I've used these on other vehicles. Did you notice better performance and/or better gas mileage after installing on your Atlas?

 

[KarstGeo]

I've used these on other vehicles. Did you notice better performance and/or better gas mileage after installing on your Atlas?

No. A little more noise at WOT acceleration is about all plus I have one filter for life. Any performance gains are v. small and would only be noticed/measured on a dyno if they are even there. MPG increase, no way and certainly not measurable if there.

 

[Atlas-Kev]

No. A little more noise at WOT acceleration is about all plus I have one filter for life. Any performance gains are v. small and would only be noticed/measured on a dyno if they are even there. MPG increase, no way and certainly not measurable if there.

Thanks for the info. I may end up going this route down the road. Definitely post back if you start noticing mpg increases etc.

 

[Chuck_IV]

So what is consensus on the K&N filter in the Atlas? Is it working well for people who have had it in for a while and has anyone seen any issues?

I ran one for 60k miles on my older Durango back about 15 yrs ago but haven't run one in anything for a while.