Question for those using K&N air filters....

vamike23 · 01-06-2009, 1:08 AM

Did anyone not use the cotter pins with the screws?
My bike is stock, do I have to use the "foam air flow restrictors" that go inside the actual filter? The paper says if your bike is stock and you dont put them in then you have to recaliberate your fuel system or something. Thanks

SubSailor · 01-06-2009, 11:04 PM

Yes, please DO use the cotter pins.
They're there to prevent accidental loosening and ingestion of the bolts into the intake.
K&N says you only need to bend the short end enough to hold the cotter.
I might add they are a pain in the a$$ due to the cramped space in the airbox.
The foam airflow restrictors are there mainly to damp intake noise.
Mine's not stock (I use a Power Commander) so I can't say if any fuel recalibration is needed.

vamike23 · 01-07-2009, 12:55 PM

what about using some locktite on the screws? i ve messed with those cotter pins and it's just not working for me. Plus, I'm more afraid of the pins coming loose and getting sucked in than the actual screw.

rc30sp1 · 01-07-2009, 1:55 PM

try lock wire.

SubSailor · 01-07-2009, 5:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vamike23

what about using some locktite on the screws? i ve messed with those cotter pins and it's just not working for me. Plus, I'm more afraid of the pins coming loose and getting sucked in than the actual screw.

I wouldn't worry about the cotters being ingested if only the short end is slightly bent to prevent the cotter from falling out.

The long end is supposed to rotate and hit the airbox and prevent further loosening of the bolt.

I agree that lock-tite might be a valid alternative. But there was just that minute element of uncertainty that made me decide on the cotters.
Because those bolts are so close to the intakes, I erred on the side of caution.

I even considered hairpin cotters as a reusable alternative, but again that uncertainty with engine vibration made me reconsider.
I just wasn't willing to take the chance.

lanbrown · 01-07-2009, 8:56 PM

You know you will lose HP with the K&N filters. So why install them?

vamike23 · 01-08-2009, 12:02 AM

i'm a little worried about using the locktite, but I ve messed with those pins and i cannot get them in. i use k and n filters because i ve used them in every car and bike I ve ever owned. So it's just what Ive always gone with.

lanbrown · 01-08-2009, 12:06 AM

K&N marketing at their best; make people think there are gains when there are none.

macca9540 · 01-08-2009, 2:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lanbrown

K&N marketing at their best; make people think there are gains when there are none.

And their quality of fitment is sh!t as well, compared to all other aftermarket filters.

lanbrown · 01-08-2009, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macca9540

And their quality of fitment is sh!t as well, compared to all other aftermarket filters.

It only took them 4 or 5 revisions for the 1000RR versions to fit; still didn't perform. The first revision they were too long and wouldn't fit. This just proves that they don't test the products, let alone care if there are any performance gains.

vamike23 · 01-09-2009, 12:03 AM

what do you use, bmc?

lanbrown · 01-09-2009, 1:02 AM

BMC or DNA. The BMC is similar to the stock and the BMC Race will provide a few HP. The DNA will also provide a few HP.

vamike23 · 01-21-2009, 4:22 PM

so BMC filters do not use the cotter pins to hold the screw in? please someone who uses them help me out.....

Twincam · 01-21-2009, 5:42 PM

Sorry I can't help with your problems, but I run stock on all of my bikes. Compared to K&N they flow better, and they also fit better too.

On my MGB and (my ex VR6) Golf on the other hand I have two K&N pankcake filters and also had an induction kit (made my K&N) on the Golf.

They haven't hit the spot for bikes yet.

vamike23 · 01-21-2009, 11:52 PM

i dont have a power commander (....yet) , can i still use the BMC race filters?

Twincam · 01-22-2009, 7:33 AM

I believe the bike will adjust to small changes made so I'm sure you probably could, but getting a Power Commander (+ custom map) would make the bike run 100% with the filter and any other changes made - would also increase power slightly if a PC is added.

vamike23 · 01-22-2009, 3:52 PM

def. am going to get a power commander, just am waiting until I catch a deal or can break down and pay the $300 for one.

Twincam · 01-22-2009, 4:19 PM

There was a recent discussion about it - I think someone could get one for under $200 - do a search - its bound to be somewhere

Twincam · 01-22-2009, 4:21 PM

Quote:

58 Cycle has PC3r for $160 and ToBeFast.com has PC3 usb for $265

Taken from Jumped in head first with my 929! by Honda4ever

vamike23 · 01-23-2009, 8:27 PM

ok, i ll check those out. thanks a lot.....

Mikeo · 01-24-2009, 4:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vamike23

ok, i ll check those out. thanks a lot.....

Make sure you get the USB model, not the pc3r. Makes upgrades a lot easier, and you cant get a quickshifter with the 3r.

Stick · 01-24-2009, 5:14 PM

The real question to those that use K&N filters is WHY?

Twincam · 01-24-2009, 6:43 PM

The USB PC3 does make things easier, but the serial PC3 would do the same (you would just have to get a serial to usb converter - cheap on eBay)

The quickshifter would be for those looking for a bit more speed (in changing gears) but if your not looking to race etc, its not really worth it (unless you have money to waste)

Some people like K&Ns as they are washable and they trust that company from past experiences/similar

Mikeo · 01-24-2009, 6:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twincam

The quickshifter would be for those looking for a bit more speed (in changing gears) but if your not looking to race etc, its not really worth it (unless you have money to waste)

I havent ridden on the street in at least 6 years, so I wouldnt know anything but track use. As far as a waste of money, the same argument could be made for all these liter bikes on the street.

vamike23 · 01-24-2009, 7:33 PM

to put everyone at ease( actually myself at ease, forget you guys

) i found a BMC filter for cheap so once i receive it next week the k and n will be out the door. Anyone want to buy a k and n thats been used only once?

lanbrown · 01-24-2009, 7:37 PM

There is another person on here selling one; not many takers. Why lose power? I suggest you toss it on eBay; they are plenty of suckers there.

vamike23 · 01-24-2009, 9:39 PM

suckers like me who didnt do their research before buying right? lol. how $160 for a used pcIIIr? what the diff. between pcIII and pcIIIr?

lanbrown · 01-24-2009, 10:42 PM

The PCIII USB uses USB rather than serial that the r has. You can alos do more with the USB, like the Ignition Module, quick shifter, etc. The USB is the one to get.

vamike23 · 01-24-2009, 11:28 PM

ok, i thought the pcIIIr also has usb, guess i was mis-informed. you dont think its worth it for the price?thanks

Mikeo · 01-25-2009, 12:25 AM

You can do ignition adjustments on the 3r also, but I think it is discontinued now. It is not bad for the price, if it is new. You just cant add all the trick toys that you can to the USB.