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Dear Sir,
My 996 is currently running a K&N induction system, however after reading a few forums and watching an episode of Wheeler Dealers it seems that although this setup generates a nicer induction sound, it may actually be losing me some horsepower. I’m told this is due to the fact that it will be pulling less dense, warm air from the engine bay rather than pure, cool air from the outside of the car, as with the standard air box. Would I therefore be better off changing back to the standard air box with a quality filter? I’d be interested in your thoughts. Colin Lowdon
While I’m certainly no professional when it comes to aftermarket induction kits or filters, from my days of modifying my own cars my opinion is that the standard air box with a performance panel filter or even a standard air filter is the best overall option. I have read many forums and theories that performance filters can in fact reduce airflow and thus do not allow the engine to breathe as freely as it should, and some have gone to the extent of carrying out rolling road tests to see if there are any gains to be made. However, in reality will you really notice an extra 3bhp on the roads? I have seen failed air mass/flow sensors from aftermarket filters either restricting air flow or from filter contamination. Some do look great and also sound great but in reality the performance gain or loss will likely not be noticeable on the roads, so it’s very much down to your individual preference. Whatever you choose for your car, make sure your filter is changed regularly or cleaned if it’s an aftermarket variant.