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K&N vs 3a racing
Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 5:02 pm
by Taz
Have been doing a bit of research on some pod's as im looking to change my HKS SPF one after looking at some pretty shocking results.
Apparently the 3a racing filter was deemed the best by a fair margin for air flow/filtration, however RPW and a few other forums claim that the FTO/mitsubishi specific K&N filter is guaranteed to be 'better' but doesnt give any figures or justification other than that its a specific filter.
My simple question is has anyone here tried both/1 or has done some more indepth research and found out which one or is it a clear cut case as i know jack all about brands and specific filters etc.
Moderators, if this is in the wrong section please move it, i just dont want to be hunting down a long forgotten thread to post a simple question

Re: K&N vs 3a racing
Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 5:15 pm
by Kustom
k&n
Re: K&N vs 3a racing
Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 5:36 pm
by -Nighthawk-
Apparently the K&N is best for filtering however the 3A racing has a lot better airflow, so it depends what you want out of the filter.
Re: K&N vs 3a racing
Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 5:48 pm
by Taz
So the specific K&N is definitely a smarter choice over the BA racing? Justifies the $150 price difference i guess

although its amazing what a $36 filter can stand up to - here i was trusting HKS to do the job and they really fall short!
Not quite sure what im after in regards to airflow vs filter i guess it depends on how much airflow the BA has over K&N.
Depending on whether or not i go ahead with my latest batch of mods (which are setting me back 10 odd thou) i will probably go the BA racing for now and see if i have some spare cash for the K&N. Basically doing everything to the car bar touching the engine itself in prep for the engine swap later on or supercharger if i decide to change my mind yet again, who knows i do it so often im surprised i dont have whiplash.
Re: K&N vs 3a racing
Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 6:59 pm
by Kustom
It's really not gonna make that much of a difference man
K&N vs 3a racing
Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 7:21 pm
by bass_twitch
I have k&n
It's sounds awesome, plus it's obvious it's a k&n and you get a sticker! :p

Re: K&N vs 3a racing
Posted: Sat Oct 08, 2011 7:27 pm
by Taz
I guess K&N it is, who can refuse a free sticker?
Re: K&N vs 3a racing
Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2011 1:53 am
by zuihoujueding
Please note that filtration is still the primary role, power gain.. U need a filter which have the balance of both. Usually, higher/faster flow means less filtration power.
Then, think about shielding the filter from heat, that's when the k&n Apollo fits the criteria.
Re: K&N vs 3a racing
Posted: Sun Oct 09, 2011 8:32 am
by silverGPX
$25 saas filter from autobarn = win.
Probs about my 6th filter now.
Re: K&N vs 3a racing
Posted: Mon Oct 10, 2011 4:12 pm
by Tippin
i got a 3A racing pod, sounds pretty sweet.
but in terms of power gains with pod filters they all make f*** all difference, even more so on na cars
Re: K&N vs 3a racing
Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2011 6:02 pm
by Taz
Just took the car for a spin with the $28 eBay 3a racing pod in over the HKS SPF....
f**k my life, i would of never of guessed it beats a big brand big buck pod
There is little to no power increase, i guess i will be able to tell slight differences the more i drive the next few days but initially there was minimal if there was any, no point in a before and after dyno. What amazed me was the sound coming out of it

, the 3a filter makes the HKS look like a puppy in the corner compared to a massive barking terrier.
I guess time will tell if it truly is better, but initial results are good. Dont feel like spending $180 on a pod that might (but probably wont, as this is looking like this survey was pretty bang on) make a difference, so as for it vs K&N....dont know but it whoops HKS' but - they need to get their sh*t together!
Next on the list is a battery relocation so i free up the right hand side of the engine bay to run a custom intake pipe and heat shield, as the radiator pipe is heating the stock pipe like a bitch!
Re: K&N vs 3a racing
Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2011 5:29 pm
by payaya
Just shove a supercheap auto pod in your original box. That's what I do and just get a new one when I feel like it.
Re: K&N vs 3a racing
Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2011 5:37 pm
by silverGPX
run no pod
As dirt is an abrasive and we all know abrasives are cleaners, everyone in drag racing is doing it now, a clean engine is a good engine.

Re: K&N vs 3a racing
Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2011 6:38 pm
by Bennoz
silverGPX wrote:run no pod
As dirt is an abrasive and we all know abrasives are cleaners, everyone in drag racing is doing it now, a clean engine is a good engine.


Re: K&N vs 3a racing
Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2011 7:41 pm
by Gholdwayne
Oh man
I see what you're doing Matt :lol
Re: K&N vs 3a racing
Posted: Fri Oct 28, 2011 7:58 pm
by Gholdwayne
Oh, i also had the 3a racing pod but i had the whale penis so i needed a bigger inlet'ed pod so i sold the 3" 3a to someone on here. Currently using a 4" autobarn Drift pod - quality looks good..