Which Car Air Filter is Best? Let's find out! Fram, K&N, Wix, Purolator, & AC Delco showdown
Вставка
- Опубліковано 8 бер 2020
- Best car air filter showdown: Fram Extra Guard, K&N Performance, Purolator, Wix, AC Delco, and EP Auto. Performance testing: filtering particles 5 microns and larger, filtering particles 1-5 micons, new filter static pressure and air flow speed, used filter static pressure and air flow speed, and vehicle 0-60 performance with each brand.
Products Tested In This Video (in no particular order):
EPAuto: amzn.to/3lbyw9E
WIX: amzn.to/3aQloBN
Fram: amzn.to/3j1stm0
AC Delco: amzn.to/3j2J5tv
Purolator: amzn.to/2Qc3pwl
K&N: amzn.to/3aJlTh8
K&N Cleaning Kit and Oil: amzn.to/2Qb3Kzk
Videography Equipment:
Sony DSC-RX10 III Cyber-shot Digital Still Camera: amzn.to/2YdXvPw
Canon 70D Camera: amzn.to/31b5Gy0
Azden Microphone: amzn.to/34d3DLE
Go Pro Bundle: amzn.to/31aince
➡ Thank you very much for supporting the channel: / projectfarm
➡ An easy way to find past videos along with products tested: bit.ly/2FCrBpk A big thanks to Jim for putting this together.
➡ Merch: www.Project-Farm.com
➡ Click here if you'd like to subscribe: / @projectfarm
➡ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This video is only for entertainment purposes. If you rely on the information portrayed in this video, you assume the responsibility for the results. Project Farm LLC - Навчання та стиль
Thanks for everyone who requested testing air filters and please let me know which brands you want tested in the next round. Also, here's the list of the ones I tested. Thanks again!
Products Tested In This Video (in no particular order):
EPAuto: amzn.to/3lbyw9E
WIX: amzn.to/3aQloBN
Fram: amzn.to/3j1stm0
AC Delco: amzn.to/3j2J5tv
Purolator: amzn.to/2Qc3pwl
K&N: amzn.to/3aJlTh8
K&N Cleaning Kit and Oil: amzn.to/2Qb3Kzk
Please also compare the K&N oiled filter to an AEM DryFlow. I am really curious to see the differences between an oiled and dry performance filter.
I'd love to see a donaldson powercore added to the premium filter test. big rigs use them as stock OEM equipment
Yeah I don’t know how you would test oil filters but it is good info to know and since you did Oil already.
auto1tech.com/ they seem to have good prices, and the website looks good, but I don't want to be fooled like Fram.
Amsoil and Red Line, all products across the board, please. Oil, oil filter and air filter. GREAT videos !
If UA-cam channels got awards, I would nominate yours for “Most Useful Channel”. 💯
For sure!
How do we highlight this comment
I second that motion, plus many more awards, also if he quits youtube is all but dead to me
I'd second the motion.
Definitely agree. He deserves an award for the amount of time and effort that gets put into his videos
If products had a stamp saying “project farm tested” I’m buying
Thanks!
Likewise.
*SUCESSFULLY PASSED Project Farm test, lol.
Hey he could do that, alot of companys charge corporations for tests on there products vs competition
Honestly though
We've legitimately used this man's videos to change what kind of tools and parts etc that we use on the generators we build at my work, his videos have actually solved some issues we've been dealing with and helped make our products better. Can't give any better praise than that
Wow, thanks so much!
True! Project Farm is AWESOME!!!
VERY IMPRESSIVE!!! 😂😂
I used his car battery recommendation yesterday over Consumer Report's evaluation and recommendation. I like how he shows you how he tests things.
Wow. Talk a bout making a difference.
I just wanted to come back and say thanks for taking the time to do this. There are so many misinformed people and I was one of them before this. I share this video at least once every three months when discussions about air filters and cold air intakes comes up.
Thanks so much!
This guy has more credibility than anyone in our government.
Thank you very much!
I'm voting Project Farm for office
Project Farm I vote for you 2024
That's a low standard tho. I'm pretty sure that he isn't guilty of treason and wants steal from us while trampling on the constitution like today's politicians, from both left AND right.
thats not saying much.... this guy is my go to testing guy
Let’s just respect the fact that he counted all those pleates
Thanks for the feedback.
ALLGAMING404 😂😂
Definitely more patience than I have...
@@timnelson5037.....Farm is a Retired Airman! He was taught patience, and learned quite well!
Yes lol
As others have mentioned, would love to see something similar done with cabin air filters. Keep up the great work!
Thanks, will do! Thanks for the suggestion.
Need this ❤
@@ProjectFarmI agree!
This would be great! Thanks for all of your testing!!
So glad I watched this. Used to swear by K&N, had no idea the potential damage it was causing.
Thanks for watching!
I’m at 15,000 mile oil change intervals on my Toyota Corolla and I’ve had a oiled K@N filter for over 100,000 of those miles. I have seen nothing atrocious in all the oil samples that I have sent off so I would not worry too much.
@Green Monkey that's not really a good metric considering ingested air never comes in contact with motor oil. Biggest place you'll see the difference is in the intake track. Fine grit wearing on valve seats and guides. In other words, that yota will last maybe 200k? Where others might last 4-500k
Well ya it is pretty much free air flow to get more power.
I used to hang out on the TJ Wrangler forums often and the more experienced guys there would always talk trash about K&N filters being overpriced and not working well. That was before this video was uploaded. Looks like they were right.
Let’s just appreciate this guy helping answer these age old questions
For sure. This is literally one of only two channels to which I subscribe that I never miss a video. Really useful and valuable info.
Thanks for sharing.
No kidding on the age old questions.
Make sure you show your support by donating to his Patreon account. This guy buys a bunch of products to test.
It's amazing how many products are out there with false claims.
This guy has a gift. And he doesn't bother us with too much talking. He just gets to the point and tells you what you need to know. I've come to this channel a few times and I haven't wasted anytime with his videos. Very nice and informative. I am grateful!
Appreciate that!
That's why I'm here.
Maybe my gift is to appreciate others and encourage them in their tasks toward greatness. Huzzah. I found something that I'm good at!
If you notice when you install a filter, there is guides made from glue sometimes (guess it keeps the pleats together). Put that side towards the intake pipe
I have put it the other way and ran less efficiently because of turbulence (more noticeable with bigger air box or pipes) but they are less restrictive.
God gives each one of us gifts to use, this guy was given the whole bushels full!
I’ve used OEM or Wix for years in a variety of vehicles, so I am very glad the Wix did well. Really appreciate the passion and thoroughness you put into your videos. Looking forward to what’s next, take care!
Thank you!
Wix vs Denso would be good to know
As a mechanic/ owner operator of a small shop, and a youtuber myself, I love this channel, always very through and well planned out! Stay awesome 😊
Thanks and you are welcome!
Cant wait till "Project Farm approved" stickers
Thank you!
@@BruceLortzHI yes!! This is how he can stay neutral and still make cash. Check into this dude.
Certainly would be nice to see a ‘verified by recognised consumer tester’ or something a kin to it. It’s how Thatcham in UK 🇬🇧 stated out, a group of car enthusiasts with their own money bought a bunch of steering locks and tested them for legitimacy against claims, they moved onto car alarms, immobilisers and then really took off. google Thatcham or check out the link
ua-cam.com/users/ThatchamMIRRC001
Take my money
Great idea! I could use some stickers for more horsepower.
After all his hard work, he still makes time to respond to every comment. Best UA-camr ever! Thank you sir!!
I try! Thanks for watching!
BJ G I don’t know how he does it. Seems like a good guy and looks like he had one heck of a farm.
@@ProjectFarm i like the way you do the tests! Great content!
I thought the same thing when I posted. Definitely didn’t think I’d get a response. But love these videos!
For real!!!
Thank you. I have been saying it for decades that K&N is great for flow but terrible on filtration. I have seen many diesels with K&Ns come in with dusted turbo wheels (saw blading) with no obvious pre turbo air leaks. I avoid them on all my vehicles.
You are welcome! Thanks for the feedback.
Good for airflow but bad for dust filtration , why even put filter when you can let entire gush of air in for best of performance .
@@vikasshelke5544because you don’t want to risk your engine ingesting sand, rocks, leaves, potato chip bags, etc.
You want a filter to prevent that but you want one with low restriction. Ideally a racetrack won’t be super dusty so fine filtration isn’t really needed.
Lol K&N filters are good at nothing.
If someone has a diesel pickup for sale and states its had a K&N filter all its life I would RUN!
Legitimately changed up everything I use based on your videos, now I have all the tools and equipment I need and trust. Thank you.
Nice! You are welcome!
You can literally see the sun moving, hours ticking off by the effort this man is putting from 7:27-8:40
Thanks for the feedback.
And that's not including building the test fixtures. Call it days.
You really think 12 ten second pulls took hours?
This channel is more valuable than consumer reports. Seriously.
Also, my two brands coming out on top was awesome
Thank you very much!
Consumer report sucks dude.
Agree
K&N takes bronze... I can live with that!
You can never go wrong with Purolator or WIX products.
2 years ago I watched this but watching again because I need to replace the filter on my truck. So glad this channel is here
This video is super easy to follow and understand. You are very thorough thru the process and aren’t boring at all. Thank you for helping me understand how this filters work and even answer questions I didn’t know I had!
Thanks and you are welcome!
I now consider YOUR tests more authoritative than ad's, testimonials, or endorsements. Thanks!
I was an air filter engineer for many years a long time ago at one of the brands you tested. You do a great job, as always and I applaud your very logical and thoughtful approach. However, I'd like to make a few comments about this report. 1. Flour or powder do not make good test mediums. They tend to agglomerate, and in any case do not compare well with industry standard contaminants. 2. During testing, an even distribution of contamination introduction is critical. Thus, semi-random placement of the test medium can drastically affect the test outcome. A typical test set-up involves an aspirated cloud of contaminant for more consistent and even dispersal to assure a more realistic particle size distribution. 3. Industry standard contaminant particle size is inversely proportional to particle count. In fact, the number of particles increases dramatically (exponentially) as size goes down. 4. Engine wear potential is attributable to particle make-up, i.e. Is it silica or organics, etc., and quantity. Thus, engine wear risk drops dramatically with particle size. Internally moving engine parts, especially rings & valves, are not usually affected by very small particles in small quantities. Five microns is about 1/100000 inches. Concern for wear begins around 10,000 microns or below .005". 5. Flow is generally concentrated in any filter, despite shape and flow diverting techniques used. Placement of contaminant on the filter media by hand is less realistic. 6. Contamination which agglomerates will increase pressure drop and increase contamination removal efficiency giving erroneous results. As a function of actual wear potential, the K&N, though inefficient according to your test, may actually be the best protector because of its affinity for the larger silica particles seen in real life. Still, your test report is very persuasive! Thank you for reading!
Thanks for the feedback.
Smear some petroleum jelly on the clean side of your air cleaner, run a paper filter for a week, see how much it lets through, then do the same with a K&N...the petroleum jelly will be full of gritty crap...I will never use a K&N filter again.
@@mebe2k I would say your petroleum jelly test is brilliant! We used a Coulter Counter wafer downstream of the filter to catch what passed through and this was very effective, especially in measuring particle size distribution. The really small stuff was impossible to filter without serious pressure/flow loss. But, K&N elements were never tested, way back then. Great suggestion you made!
Hey Chip D - What brand would you buy for your own vehicle?
@@baconmunchers629 My best recollection is Fram and Purelator were always top performers but I really have no idea how they compare today. When you take the physics into consideration of what is happening, it is generally true a greater pressure drop is indicative of contamination buildup, thus further suggesting your engine is being protected. Also, the number of pleats in the filter media reduces pressure drop from the outset by lowering the cfm of air per square inch, assuming no major differences in the media itself. I would elect to use the filter with the most pleats (most media) and significant pressure drop with increasing contamination. I don't believe the engine's output is noticeably compromised with one inch of water pressure increase and, in any case, I'd rather know I was protected. Cars can run without oil filters for years, as long as the oil is changed regularly. But, contamination entering the engine through a poor filter directly affects the combustion area! Air filtering is much more important than oil filtering!
Once again I'm impressed with the high quality comparison and easy to decipher results that you deliver. Thank you for offering the best and most dependable comparisons available on the internet today.
Thanks and you are welcome!
Switching from Fran to Wix. 😁
I have watched this channel explode! you are a very smart person for all of these tests
I sell parts and recommend products based off your results with a recommendation that customers watch your videos. Thank you for what you do Sir.
Thanks for sharing!
Particle counter! Dude!!
When I first started watching you ..you were like: Lets see how long this lawn mower engine runs on human pee!
You are now outdoing Consumer Reports!
God, I hope you are getting paid for this.
Obviously...awesome job as usual!
Thanks!
He gets paid
If
The impatient mafakas don't skip the ads.
@@amsb4dafunk406 he gets paid whether you press skip ad or not, just like he gets paid even though I have premium and don't see any ads, but he still gets revenue off the view.
I would still enjoy seeing what all an engine can run on as well lol
But can a mower run on human pee? Now I need to know
Perfect timing for my finding this video. I am just about ready to change the filters in my car and now I know the best ones to get. Thanks for doing the testing!
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks a lot for your experiment I’m actually getting a new filter for my car this weekend and now I know which brands to look for.
I’m like a neurotic raccoon when it comes air filters, oil filters and wiper blades always wondering who cleans the best. Super interesting.
Paul Stan same that’s hilarious. Already started shopping purolator so I can get the k&n out. Also Toyota oem blades on my wife’s Highlander are the best.... just took my rain-x off. You’re welcome
lol. Nice!
@@stephenwilson9883 Same, but Wix for me. Elite filtration and second best 0-60.
Nothing worse than cheap wipers!!
Ooo wiper blades is a great idea!
Sure is nice to have a friend who’s an energetic, resourceful, imaginative genius
Thanks!
These tests you run are simply amazing. Thank you.
Thanks and you are welcome!
This channel has no equal. It is the best at comparing products out there. Respect
Thanks!
Just a suggestion, but maybe add something on your graphs that just clarifies if "lower is better" or "higher is better"
Great suggestion! Thank you
@You Wish Thanks for the clarification
Airflow vs filtration , which do you want ?
There's going to be a trade-off either way.
About the only way to "gain" a little bit in both departments is to increase the size of the filter.
Like an old v8, stack as many round air filter elements as you can.
You'll maintain decent airflow with decent filtration for a longer period.
@@MrTheHillfolk To an extent. But, as some other tests have shown, design and material differences can be an improvement on both, compared to stock.
I've always had a suspicion he has an oil filter test in the works. But I cant be sure of course. You have to imagine running multiple brands of oil filters through the same vehicle for 3500 miles minimum takes time.
I trust this guy so much that now I just hit "like" on the videos when they start. He's helped me narrow down age old questions.
Thanks for sharing!
Hah, I do the same exact thing man.
@robert retka same
@robert retka yep! That would be a test to find the most intimidating blades. 😁
I appreciate you did this. I researched filters online and decided on the WIX. I am glad to see the Purolator is also just as good.
You are literally the best at consumer reports!!!
Thanks!
The amount of effort and detail that goes into your experiments is top-notch
Thanks!
I have to agree 100% Thank you, Project Farm! I love all of your videos!
@@ProjectFarm nasa could take notes from your testing methods!
By far, the best UA-cam channel I've ever seen. As a head of household, father and handyman, your videos have benefited me the most and helps me to make better decisions with the products I buy. Can't thank you enough for that!
Also makes your family confident in your knowledge... just don't let them know ya got the knowledge from the "farm"... lol
Yeah. Informed consumer is the feared consumer. Make the companies fear us!
Great job as usual! Your results echo what most of us already know. The "secret" to K&N's great breathing capability is its extremely poor filtration performance.
Well, said!
I won't pretend that oiled filters are great at filtration. However, I had just used one in my V8 pickup for around 50,000 miles with no cleaning and no issues. Mostly road driving without much dust, but not always. Some offroading, but not much. As far as I can tell, it ran the same or better until I totalled it a month ago. It was 21 years old, and very reliable. I mean no malice; I'm just wondering what your thoughts are about this. I'm beginning to think fine filtration isn't as important and coarse filtration.
@@Mannyjv The logic is undeniable. You can flow air or trap particles you can't do both
This is so true lol
@@rtflone you can get a little of both. K&N must be enough filtration for all my vehicles.
Excellent video as usual and thank you so much for going out of your way and always replying to all the comments. You have a great day and always look forward to your videos! Thank you once again
Thanks and you are welcome!
This channel is killing me. Like this dude does the most thorough testing on youtube imo well him and gamer nexus if you're into computers. He has the tools for freaking everything and the few things he doesn't have he creates himself. Then his scientific method is damn near flawless. I'm like this guy needs a lab coat and some googles at least that's what I keep expecting.
Some Bill Nye equipment!
For computer madness and facts it’s JayzTwoCents
Tech Jesus still needs to move out of his mom's basement 😂
This channel is honestly the most useful and fundamental source for everyday applications.
Thanks so much!
Saw this video and bought a Wix air filter for my new to me 4Runner the next day. Excellent review and an easy video to watch!
Thanks!
Wow thank you so much, this test has changed my perspective on k and n filters. I have these filters in all of my vehicles, that will now change. God bless and be safe
You are welcome!
Straight to the point, no wasted 2 minute intro or fluff. Outstanding!
Thanks so much!
This explains much. When I crashed my Suburban through a bakery with my K&N filter, performance was notably worse. However I was able to make biscuits from the exhaust.
lol Thanks for watching.
wisenber I was using K&N air filters when Mt Saint Helen’s erupted and ash was blowing thru the air everywhere! I knew a lot of people that weren’t able to keep their vehicles running with all the ash clogging up their filters. But my K&N never gave me one bit of problems keeping the ash out of my engine nor ever clogged either! Same goes for all my ATV’s and dirt bikes using K&N air filters in the sand or dirt/mud. Never once have I gotten any sand or dirt in my carbs or engine. But ridding in heavy blowing sand and dirt you do have to clean your filters more often!
@@galejenness7615 I've been using K&N in my Suburbans for over 20 years. No complaints.
Just threw a k&N in my burban. Very happy with the response and sound improvement
You’re just outstanding. These videos and tools you build are Incredible
Thanks!
I usually look for comparison videos till i see yours. Very comprehensive comparisons, thank you good job.
Thanks!
I second the oil filter test, we need to know!
Great suggestion! Thank you
Amsoil is rated the number ONE oil filter.
It's rated at 98.7% at 20 microns.
All ratings are presumed false until tried by project farm in his garage by a group of his lawnmowers
Not to take money out of P/F's pocket but, look up "oil filter test" by CarsNToys… He has a few shockingly thorough and very entertaining oil filter tests.
I agree that this test should occur
Not only would it be good to see what oil filter is best, but also what oil filters actually do
I have nothing to add other than - I am SO grateful for the time and effort you put into these videos.
I appreciate that!
I love your video as always. You showed us real world test results thoroughly by performing some very well designed tests, which are very informative. Many other "Best Engine Air Filters" videos only showed summarized product highlights from manufacturers, which are pretty useless.
Thanks!
A big thanks for this viideo, Iv been a Wix fan for the last decade or so for my daily drivvers and im glad you conferming my thought!
You are welcome! Thanks for sharing.
This by far has been the best channel I've ever found. I remember when it was all seafoam and epoxy and a couple thousand subs. You sir deserve an award for all your hard work and dedication. Best content from any testing channel.
Wow, thank you!
Yes agreed. Almost of his contents are similiar with my thoughts and what if
Project Farm That mower should be in a Museum.
Same here, and when he was testing all those lawnmower engines and all that, it was amazing how help he's been to us all these years
I work at an auto parts store and I usually recommend customers buying WIX, over any of the other filters, watching this makes me feel better about my recommendations that I give out.
Thanks for sharing.
@@ronb6182 It’s not about having a customer pay more money the most expensive filter is a K & N depending on the car make it usually is about 50 bucks, Well mycrogard is the cheapest it doesn’t last long, for five bucks difference on a wix and for better quality you can’t go wrong.
😂
K&N are referred to rock catchers on a well known oil website, so I'm not surprised. Not surprised to know that Wix came out on top, but would have thought Fram would have done better. Their orange cans are low end, but the Ultra is a contender with some of the highest rated filters out there.
“Sizing up” is generally speaking not a good idea. There’s more that goes into a filter being “the right one” than the thread and the gasket.
Sunt de parere ca faci o treaba avansata si detaliata a produaelor. Bravo, sunt foarte impresi0nat!
Always appreciated the quality of testing. Thank you!
Thanks and you are welcome!
From my 8yo son: “He should test cheap and expensive tires”
Great video idea! Please say "thank you" to your son for me!
Smart kid
I would give patreon support for that, given the number of tires i go through.
Tyre Reviews is a great channel for that.
@@tobasb2 I prefer Project Farm. He keeps it simple and honest. I am by no means saying the channel you mention doesn't, by the way.
One of the best review channels on UA-cam. Don't ever sell out man! Thank you!
I appreciate that!
@@ProjectFarm You are very welcome buddy!
I love coming back to this video because thanks to you i discovered the best overall engine and cabin filters...WIX 💪💯
Thanks for sharing.
Another cool project might be to test the integrity of wiper fluids at really cold temperatures. Right now the weather in my area is about -4°F and I have wiper fluid that’s supposedly good to -25 and that is not the case. I think a test like that would be cool with some name brands and some generic ones.
Thanks for the suggestion.
-60F is available in Canada
This is gold. Let us all know when the sore loser companies start coming after you, we got your back.
Thank you very much! I greatly appreciate the support!
@@ProjectFarm You are the only UA-camr i trust when it comes to producttesting.
I would bet money that you wouldnt trick us!
Also i love the the unbiased conclusions.
Btw. Could you please make your graphs easier to read or nicer to look at. I mean i understand them but they are unpleasant to look at.
ALSO can you please make a rating home many times which brand won in the testings??
Don't the k&n filters need oiling before use? I used them in my bikes for years. I've never used them on cars.
@@Adrianyoutubing it comes pre oiled
@@Adrianyoutubing yeah after the initial use... they can be cleaned and then re-oiled.... kind of a pain actually.
i knew my performance felt sluggish when i drove through that bakery with my k&n air filter
lol Thanks for watching.
Stay away from the "DONUTS"..... they clog everything!!!
Stay away from those oiled filters. It oils your mass air flow sensor and makes your hair too oily. You may find you have to wash your hair more. It is bad if you are on a date and not giving your date attention but make it all about your hair...lol
@@CJ-wc6lf The MAF is fine if you oil it good.
@@MauriceNL1 indeed
Another OUTSTANDING demonstration of what we buy ! Thank you !
Thanks and you are welcome!
Other channels have already covered this, but I'd love your take on testing oil filters. Great videos!
Thanks! Thanks for the suggestion.
Lesson learned- don’t dump flour into the intake!
Thanks for the feedback.
Project Farm love your videos! I watch them all as soon as the notification comes in
That is true. Bad thing is over time small particles similar in size do make their way to the filter. Really not worth it for the minimal power gains. I'll be going back to Wix filters.
Chris C lol
I admire your dedication to your videos! Keep up the hard work. I appreciate all the work you put in!
Thank you very much!
Just bought a Purolator before I watched this video this makes me more confident in my decision. Thank you!!!
You are welcome!
Your testing setups are AMAZING! Please test cold air intake air filters vs regular air filters
Thanks for the suggestion.
Oil filter comparison would be a good “spin off” of this video
Thanks for the video idea.
Yes, please! I just finished watching your engine oil comparison video (Kirkland, Amazon, Super Tech) and this was my next interest.
@@ProjectFarm Be sure to try Motorcraft oil filters
Like to see comparisons with a Mann filters also.
I'd like to see that too! Always been told Bosche oil filters were very good. It will be good to see an actual test of filters to see which oil filters are the best! Good to keep cars going for a long time!
100% most useful channel on UA-cam, you deserve an award sir!
Thanks for the nice comment!
At least he already has a Gold Play button! Time to get that Diamond!
Another great job. This is why I look forward to your videos. Awesome information.
Thanks and you are welcome!
This guy is the youtube standard. I love this channel!
Thanks!
I love Project Farm for it's high moral compass and not being paid off for results, too bad our politicians can't live up to his level of integrity.
Project Farm for President,
no offence President Biden.
@@johncollins5552 a potato would be better than Beijing Biden.
Next election, we need project farm to compare all the options...
Facts! Team :VLAD!!! ®
MAKE YARD ORNAMENTS GREAT AGAIN!!!
Politician: I can't be bought
Project Farm: We're gonna test that
I always bought Fram, now changed to Wix. Thank you
Thanks for sharing.
And if the store is sold out of wix, you can get a Napa gold. Napa gold is made by wix
Old saying in regards to Fram:
Red is Dead. (As in a dead engine)
Especially don't use Fram Oil Filters.
I was very excited when I saw he had a video on air filters, my truck is due for a new one. I thought I better look to see which ones filter out the most and of course this channel always comes through!
Thanks for sharing.
Why couldn't I have had this guy for a science teacher in high school?! Excellent content!
I'm not from usa. I don't even own a car. But I still watched your video without skipping once. That's how good your video was.
Thanks so much!
I'm a filtration test engineer for a living and, I have to say, nice job for a DIY style setup. We use pretty stringent guidelines on contamination and particle testing, but your setup was a good idea for a general idea of how the filters perform.
The only thing I'd recommend on this one is to think about the fact that a lot of filters are designed for the rated flow-rate of the engine inside the O.E. air box. Air dynamics across a plate mounted filter can do funny things to the measured restriction and cause it to spike or fall compared to when it's installed in a vehicle. You might be surprised how different the pressure loss can be in those situations.
Other than that, nice job.
How would you say the idea of dumping contaminant directly onto the media works? Not sure that gives a real-world, or even valid hypothetical standard for testing...
@shankle farm respectfully, disagree. it's like when mythbusters shot frozen chickens out of an air canon to see if it would destroy a cessna.... Now in their example they found that both the frozen and thawed chicken did equal damage. But then they realized they were not using airplane grade windshield glass....
You have to test the practical application.
Thanks for the feedback.
@@radiomantodd To be honest, the direct contaminant injection method has never been my favorite, but it can provide consistent results. However, this is only when using a proven contaminant standard.
The capacities that are achieved in a lab are typically less than what you would see in the field. Dirt loading over a longer period allows for pathways to develop in the media and prolong the life of the filter.
@shankle farm Your point is half on target. They were all treated the same, which is good methodology, but it doesn't mean they will react the same on a flat plate compared to the OE air box. The airflow dynamics are completely different between the two and though one filter may stink on the flat plate it may excel in the OE air box and vice versa.
As for the flow rate, it makes a big difference on how air is directed into and through the filter media. If the flow rate is too low it can actually cause turbulence around the pleats. If designed properly, the filter can act as a sort of air straightener and actually help with MAF noise.
Thank you 🙏 Brother. Switching out all my K&N air filters for WIX. God Bless you for your Honesty
You are welcome!
These comparisons are very informative keep them coming
Thanks, will do!
Would love to see an air filter test of “Performance” air filters like AEM, Air RAID, Spectra,etc. Love the channel, keep up the good work!
Same!
Why? They would allow about the same amount of contaminants through them as the K&N. Most are derivatives of the K&N. Why buy junk? Little gains in horsepower is no reason to trash an engine.
Working Guy I would be interested to see if some of the non oiled versions would be any better. I’m sure the increased air flow they advertise comes at a cost of filtering efficiency. I would be curious to see as how much more debris they allow through vs oiled filter.
Some companies like S&B make a supposedly high performance paper filter that you can get instead of the oiled alternative too, I’d love to see one in the test
Great suggestion!
You should test “cabin” air filters next!
agree Plz do the cabin air filters test!! 3m and bosch
Agree. If especially like to see a comparison of the activated carbon cabin air filters with regular paper cabin air filters.
Fram has a nice one I've been using with Arm&Hammer and carbon. Very good, neutral smell.
Agreed. I cringed when I asked how much mine was at the Honda dealership. It was still really expensive from online OEM dealers.
You guys have cabin air filters 😱
Thanks for doing these tests!! This was really insightful.
You are welcome! Glad to hear!
Another great video! I have made many informed purchases thanks to your channel!
Thanks! Glad to hear!
Test cabin air filter (regular and carbon filter)
Great recommendation!
@@ProjectFarm Perhaps you could incorporate a smoke test for cabin filters to simulate heavy traffic?
@@ProjectFarm Does the Toyota genuine carbon cabin air filter do a better job (at 10 x the cost) then the carbon air filter I can buy online? Does the Toyota genuine non-carbon fiber cabin air filter do a better job (at 5 x the cost) than the fiber cabin air filter I can buy online? I find that the genuine Toyota carbon cabin air filter comes with that new car leather smell embedded in it, but after a while it absorbs all the bad smells, particularly in damp weather with the cabin air on recycle in the city, so it ends up smelling pretty bad if you put the heater or air-conditioning on. Great at first, but needs changing after about 12,000 miles to get rid of the smell, even if it isn't clogged. The fiber filter has no embedded smell, and tends to absorb less smell.
Great idea especially for allergy prone people like myself. I found that many companies manufacture them but the fit into the filter bracket was terrible.
That I'd like to see and also do tiny carbon activated filters for cabin filtration actually outperform non activated carbon filters?
Fixing cars for 20years, and I have always believed that Fram was quality untill i saw this and the oilfilter test. Will never buy Fram again.
Buy the cheapest version you can then condemn the entire brand name.
Right on.
Chevy's are shit cars.
My uncle had a lemon in 1995 they're all junk
@@hotrodray6802 you sound like a cry baby, is that true?
Fram is garbage, always has been. Known that since I was 16, cut apart some oil filters and realized how terrible there products are.
I have avoided Fram wherever possible. I have heard too many horror stories, especially in relation to their oil filters.
Fram is capable of making a good filter. Their orange ones (PH part numbers) are garbage. Their higher tiers are much better, but the build quality and filtering performance of their cheapies always gives me pause.
As always, thank you for your review. You are a real life saver.
You are welcome!
Thank you. Very thorough. Very impressive. Keep up the good work.
Thanks, will do!
I enjoyed listening to the 0 to 60 runs, gotta love that V8 sound.
Python don Dodd When the local PD gets complaints of speeders on his road, they don’t even go out..”Project Farm must be up to something...”
Agreed!
Maybe he can borrow my 454 Suburban for the next round.
I formerly worked for an automotive parts manufacturer that was represented in this testing. I find PF's testing approach to be VERY credible and findings very interesting. One thing to note, any engine air filter is actually MORE effective at filtering particulate with a bit of age/usage as the previously captured foreign material in the filter media increases the filter's own filtering capacity. That made sense to me during product training years ago, but would have never occurred to me beforehand. There's definitely an argument for NOT changing this filter prematurely as some of us enthusiasts are prone to do with "over maintaining" our vehicles. Just wanted to add this interesting factoid. Nice job PF, love your content!
Thanks and you are welcome! Thanks for sharing.
I build just for fun an air cleaner for home uses and i used an car air filter. Do they reduce also pollen in the air?
I guess that’s why Subaru recommends you change the engine air filter every 30,000 miles on the Ascents. I was about to change I at every oil change before I noticed the manufacturers instructions.
The filtration gets better as the filter gets saturated, but it also gets harder for the air to pass through.
same thing for pool filters, in fact they had a special dust you dump into the filter that coats it so it filters better
Just got asked to rate your channel. Gave a full smiley face, and said your channel was informative and useful.
Thank you very much!
Another grand slam test!! Great job, and it was very helpful and informative.
Thanks and you are welcome!
And this is why I buy Wix filters for everything.
and their oil filters are good looking inside
Wix website has the absolute best application and cross reference lookup anywhere, with specs for every filter listed
Wix has always been a known quantity for me. My daily drivers usually get wix filters.
Isaak Welch Purolator for me. It’s more local in my automotive shop and don’t have problems with them even in my older 97 Camry.
@@venividivici4253 The closest auto shop to me is NAPA, and their branded filters are made by wix.
The amount of work and effort that goes into these videos, we really appreciate it, thank you
I appreciate that!
Your work is fantastic! Thanks very much for your service. Great channel!
Thanks and you are welcome!
Awesome video, would love to see your testing on all the different performance filters such as S&B, AFE etc.
Thanks for all the great videos
Thanks! Thanks for the suggestion.
A few years ago, a friend with a 3/4ton diesel changed over to K&N from OEM. He had had oil analysis done several times prior to changing over, so he had a baseline for comparison. After installing the K&N the next oil analysis flagged "silica contamination" (dirt), and they suggested a leak in the air intake system (check hoses, clamps, etc.). No leaks or loose clamps were found. So he removed the K&N and reinstalled the OEM. The next analysis showed a reduced, but still high, silica contamination, he kept the OEM system in place. With each oil change and each analysis, the silica content went down. It took 4 or 5 oil changes to get back to the baseline he had before he installed the K&N.
Thanks for sharing.
that doesn't make any sense, since all the silica content would be removed with the oil change...
@@michaelcohen9363 It is impossible to get 100% of the oil & contaminants out in one oil change. As I said it took 4 or 5 changes to get it back to normal. I'm pretty sure he used Blackstone Labs. Indications of contamination go up a lot faster than they come down.
@@glenatgoogle4393 "showed a reduced, but still high, silica contamination"
That wouldn't happen after the first one or two oil changes.
@@michaelcohen9363 Yet it did. BTW the guy I was referring to -- 20+ years as a mechanic, ASE certified in all categories.
As the comments have shown, you've helped out so many people out by doing these tests. i hope you've never doubted yourself. thank you for saving me a lot of time, worry, frustration and hard earned money. You're a hero in my book. You and ChrisFix are definitely the most important Auto-Based UA-camrs. So many of us rely on your experience. You're doing an amazing job.
Thanks!
no Scotty Kilmer?
@@menadionnassertamtama379 Scotty kilmer used to be great but He's turned into a shill and just makes click bait now.
Thank you for a very good review. I was ready for an air filter change and thought I would look to UA-cam for a little information. There was your video. This helped me make the right decision based on information based on facts. Thanks again. Great job
Glad I could help!