Opening the AirBox under the filter?

[klebinek]

I've heard that rather than buying the whole K&N filter assembly, you can simply drill a larger hole under the air filter itself or cut out portion of the air box assembly so the engine can pull more air compared to the tiny hose/hole it currently has. Sure you can even install a K&N or any other reusable flat filter that lets it breathe better.

Has anyone done anything similar?

Similar to what this guys is doing:

 

[Raza Waqif]

I've recently put in a KN Drop-In filter and it has noticeably improved my MPG and overall sound of my S, I'd definitely recommend it to any rolla owner. The only issue that I could see happening with making larger holes is that you'd have a huge risk of getting water into the air filter, plus I'd wager that it would make the filter wear out quicker. Plus you can say goodbye to any warranty you have!

 

[klebinek]

Hi Raza,

Good to know that a drop in filter does the job, would you be able to provide a link of the exact model you purchased? As far as the warranty, you're right it would probably void it, water on the other hand, this filter is so far back I don't see a risk of flooding the engine via air filter box, but anyway I might be wrong. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[FadeKing91]

Hi Raza,

Good to know that a drop in filter does the job, would you be able to provide a link of the exact model you purchased? As far as the warranty, you're right it would probably void it, water on the other hand, this filter is so far back I don't see a risk of flooding the engine via air filter box, but anyway I might be wrong. Thanks for the suggestion!

you also dont want the engine sucking up hot air because it carries way less oxygen so you will lose power as well, i tried it with disconecting the intake resonator and it was louder but slower.

 

[Raza Waqif]

Hi Raza,

Good to know that a drop in filter does the job, would you be able to provide a link of the exact model you purchased? As far as the warranty, you're right it would probably void it, water on the other hand, this filter is so far back I don't see a risk of flooding the engine via air filter box, but anyway I might be wrong. Thanks for the suggestion!

https://www.amazon.com/33-2360-High-Performance-Replacement-Filter/dp/B000NKCIXE

This is the exact model that I purchased. Easy to install and fits exactly like the stock air filter. Took about 5-7 minutes to switch.

 

[klebinek]

Thank you. I actually went ahead and ordered it off Amazon that very same day and just received a text it's been delivered. I'm looking forward to installing it tonight. One question though, does it come pre-oiled and good to go or do you have to prep it prior to installation? Thx.

 

[Raza Waqif]

Thank you. I actually went ahead and ordered it off Amazon that very same day and just received a text it's been delivered. I'm looking forward to installing it tonight. One question though, does it come pre-oiled and good to go or do you have to prep it prior to installation? Thx.

It does come pre-oiled, quite generously as a matter of fact. Insert and go... But, rev your engine a bit before and after, just for sound. You absolutely will not regret it, especially with the kinda sound you'll hear after switching, hahah! Cleaning and re-oiling is done every 50k miles or so, just keep an eye out for that when the time comes (and be sure to have the appropriate oils purchased for it).

 

[Scott Lakin]

I dud a Injen CAI. I LOVE IT!! Sounds Amazing!!

 

[klebinek]

Installed it yesterday, as you said it came in pre-oiled and it seemed to be a bit quicker, may have been placebo though, not sure. Another thing I neglected to ask, do those things void your warranty if dealer checks and blames something on the filter? Would it be wiser to keep the original and just swap it before oil change/maintenance visits?

 

[Raza Waqif]

Installed it yesterday, as you said it came in pre-oiled and it seemed to be a bit quicker, may have been placebo though, not sure. Another thing I neglected to ask, do those things void your warranty if dealer checks and blames something on the filter? Would it be wiser to keep the original and just swap it before oil change/maintenance visits?

By technicality, a new air filter in no way should void warranty. However, knowing how dealers can be, I'd keep the original and swap it before visits. I know almost for a fact that mine would absolutely blame almost any problem the car had on an extra part installed... Last year they tried to link my dads non-OEM Prius tires to the reason why one set of fuses kept blowing out. I'm not even joking.
Basically, yeah, keep the original.