• Mustang Forums
  • 2005 - 2014 S-197 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • 2005 - 2014 Specific V6 Tech

K&N Filter or CAI??

  • Thread starter Thread starter 09Stang
  • Start date Start date May 27, 2009
0

09Stang

New Member
May 4, 2009
12
0
0
NJ
May 27, 2009
#1
  • May 27, 2009
  • #1
hey guys, I have a stock 09 V6 Stang and was considering adding either a K&N filter or a CAI. I have been researching them and see that a lot of the filters require oil.
My first question is what would be better, a filter or a CAI?

My other question is since these filters have to be oiled, does this oil contaminate the MAF sensor in any way or cause any other issues?

Thanks.
 

dhthomas40

New Member
Feb 13, 2006
81
0
0
May 28, 2009
#2
  • May 28, 2009
  • #2
I installed a Green Filter (similar to K&N). I clean it every 15K and oil it lightly. It works great. No issues.
 
T

TheVat

New Member
Feb 12, 2009
98
0
0
So California
May 30, 2009
#3
  • May 30, 2009
  • #3
A fellow stangnet member dynoed his car w/ a K&N drop in and with the stock paper filter. No gain. A CAI will flow better with the increased tube diameter and larger MAF to allow more air to enter. If you do go with a CAI, a tune is strongly recommended. The stock MAF only allows so much air. With a CAI/no tune, you might throw a CEL or get some pinging at higher RPM. As for the oil contaminating the MAF, just don't oil it from the inside and it shouldn't clog the MAF. I may be alone on this but if the cotton high flow filters are superior, why aren't they OEM equipment? I guess the average stang owner might somehow mess up the cleaning/re-oiling process. GT500 and bullits have a paper open element, must be a reason.
 
J

Justin01

Founding Member
Apr 22, 2002
546
0
0
Texas
May 30, 2009
#4
  • May 30, 2009
  • #4
A lot of issues with oiled filters occur because people over oil them. I've used K&N for over 10 years now in all my cars, I wash them, re-oil them, and never have any problems. Saying that, the green filter mentioned is also a great filter.

If you shop for a CAI, which I'd recommend, find one that has a tuner specifically made for it and you will be fine. Don't settle for one without a retune. A steeda package is a no guess approach and is what I'm eventually going to do.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

D
Is this a fuel filter?
  • Dutch74
  • Oct 2, 2025
  • 1974 - 1978 Mustang II Talk & Tech
Replies
7
Views
303
1974 - 1978 Mustang II Talk & Tech Oct 21, 2025
welder4956
0
'04 V6 running rich excessively on both banks
  • 04DSGVert
  • Oct 26, 2025
  • SN95 V6 Mustang Tech
Replies
2
Views
349
SN95 V6 Mustang Tech Oct 27, 2025
04DSGVert
0
T
First Car, what should I do for power??
  • tunedV6
  • Apr 13, 2026
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
Replies
7
Views
242
1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk- May 4, 2026
580HP*428Cj
5
1
Engine Motor swap from a 2003 Explorer
  • 1996mustang new
  • Oct 9, 2025
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Replies
7
Views
589
SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech Oct 16, 2025
squeak93
S
Fuel ‘88 GT Runs Rich Cold — Fixes Itself When I Unplug Sensors (ECT, MAF, O2, etc.)
  • Sufarry
  • Nov 6, 2025
  • Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech
Replies
12
Views
841
Fox 5.0 Mustang Tech Nov 9, 2025
Mustang5L5
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 2005 - 2014 S-197 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • 2005 - 2014 Specific V6 Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?