K&N filters and smooth tubes

[artsrt10]

I have an '01 RT-10 with 4500 miles on it. I have a set of K&N filters in my trunk waiting to be installed. Should I do it now (and get the smooth tubes), should I wait until my stock air filters get old and then do it (since they're already partially used (4500 miles); does it make a difference?), or jsut forget about it?

Is there a noticable difference with the K&Ns and tubes and is there any greater risk or wear and tear to the car with them? Also r they hard/a pain the ass to clean/maintain?

Finally would u do it or not?
THX!!!

 

[Buckeye Viper]

Do it.

 

[SapphireGTS]

wear and tear? Probably not much difference. (remember 10 HP is not noticable in a 450 HP car) I did them because they look cool and you never have to buy another set of filters.

 

[joe117]

I have them. They are easy to put on. If you have never changed an air filter, take it to a mechanic. He won't charge you much.
Put them on, they look cool.
You will not feel any improvement due to the tubes. Your filters would have to be really dirty to notice an improvement when you change them for new.

Tubes and filters will give you something but nothing you can feel.

 

[2001 Sapphire Blue]

If your gonna put the filters in...put the tubes in also. The engine loves to breath a lot of fresh air!! Supposedly there's an increase in hp with tubes and filters. The filters are good for many miles.I don't remember what the mileage is, but I'm sure someone here will clarify that. Try a search for tubes and filters..there's been a lot of discussion here on the subject. Several guys buy a filter cleaning kit, but when mine need a change..I'm just going to buy new ones. Good luck!!

 

[Mike_W]

I think it is a million mile warrenty with K&N.

Mike

 

[Achilles99]

I believe the million mile warranty is only good if you clean it with their kit when necessary, right?

I've cleaned a K&N before (on the Supra). Not hard at all... I'd rather pay $10 for the cleaning kit than $80 for a new set. More importantly than that is the fact that the cleaning kit can be bought locally just about anywhere...

 

[ROCKET62]

I can't comment on feeling more horsepower, but to me there certainly was a different tone to the engine and exhaust. 30 minute project tops - including taking a break for your favorite beverage!

 

[Jerry Dobson]

It's funny that a new guys asks about "Wear and Tear" with K&Ns. This doesn't get mentioned much here but it sure does across the internet on other forums.

I have heard many real gear heads say "My car is a driver, not a race car, too much dirt with KNs"

Lots of KN competitors have articles about how bad KNs let dirt in. They also show that a cleaned KN filter does not have the same flow rate as a new unit.

HP costs money. I always think that if tubes and KNs really make a noticeable difference, why didnt the factory put them on all Vipers?

Do I run KNs? Yes.

Did I notice much difference in Power? No. But it does sound much different. Sucking sound from the intake is very noticeable.

 

[Ron]

Many that do used oil analysis will see higher silicon (dirt) readings while running K&N's. Significant engine life issue? Don't know.

I dyno'd +10HP with K&N vs. stock filters, same day, no other changes. Feel the differance? No.

I do not use K&N's myself, and prefer Fram. Cheaper than OEM plus a thinner foam prefilter, so perhaps better flowing than OEM. K&N's now used at track and dyno only.

 

[Detlef]

RE: HP costs money. I always think that if tubes and KNs really make a noticeable difference, why didnt the factory put them on all Vipers?

Doesn't the ACR come with K&N's and smooth tubes from the factory, or am I misinformed?

 

[NatRT10]

I love the way they changed the sound when you get on it. The car almost hisses now, just like a Viper should.

 

[V10 MOJO]

easy to install, dont need to clean em, and better for the car. overall, a nice lil upgrade.

IMO, the Dodge Viper should have come STOCK with K&N filters, smooth tubes, springs one inch lower, 3:55 gears, and a corsa catback exhaust

 

[pdmracing]

You must make sure to use grease around the seals, that is where the dirt gets in. & dont cleen the filters too often, per k& n the dirt actually acts as a filter.

 

[LETHAL GTS]

Put them in!
Yes I can feel the differance with S&B (same but better than K&N). Less fitment issues with Gen 1 Snakes and S&B's.
Yes the ACR comes standard with K&N's and smooth tubes.
I've raced cars and motocross always used K&N's, even in my daily drive.I have never wore a K&N filter out. LOL
Put them in. I have measured on average a 10% increase in milage on all my daily drivers for the last 8 years in 8 differant trucks.
Don't buy Mopar smooth tubes, they **** you on the price. Even though they fit better than anyone elses, because they have a slight bend in them.

 

[Randy]

I put my K&N's into my '95 RT/10 while it was actually strapped to the dyno. Horsepower went up 11 hp across the whole horsepower curve. Among the 15 Vipers we had at the dyno that day, we decided that I had the highest horsepower-increase-per-dollar there However, as someone else said, is really not noticable - its only a 3% increase (1st gen typical rear-wheel horsepower is in the mid-300s; mine went from 357 to 368hp).

 

[Pat_L_96GTS]

Bigfoot, being I'm a newbie, who's tubes do your recommend?