Thoughts on replacing my stock air filter on my 2020 JLUR 3.6 V/6 with a K&N?

[DonBindas]

I'm looking to replace my factory air filter on my mostly street driven in S/W Florida 2020 3.6 V/6 Rubicon JLU with an automatic transmission.

My first thought was to go for the K&N #33-5076 for $64.99 (https://www.amazon.com/Engine-Air-F...7D9G8CDP/ref=psdc_15719731_t1_B09YM4LWTZ?th=1)

And then I saw the High Flow #PA99455X for $30.89 (https://www.amazon.com/Filter-PA994...Wrangler/dp/B09YM4LWTZ?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1)?

Or, is there a better alternative?

What are your thoughts out there?

I am looking for better gas mileage than the 15 to 16 MPG that I am currently getting with my factory 4:10 gears.

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[Heimkehr]

One data point from one owner: I no longer use K&N filters.

In my experience, they do flow more air, and provide an average 1-2 mpg increase when measured over time. That said, I don't like their observably lower filtering efficiency when compared to pleated paper filters. This was borne out by comments on used oil analysis reports that cross-walked the continued health of my engines being attributable, at least in part, to effective filtration in the form of OEM air filters. There are countless filter efficiency tests available for review online, some professional and some amateur, that reach the same or similar conclusions.

There's also the idea that the engine's electronic management system -- the computer -- will only take in the air it requires, which may dilute the advantage of the K&N's additional flow capability. I don't take as strong a position on this matter, so it's just a talking point for your consideration.

 

[Spank]

Just get a simple cheapo filter. You aren't going to see any MPG gains in a Wrangler buying more expensive ones.

 

[JLRyder]

So I went MOPAR CAI (came with a
K&N style filter) and I can tell you nothing changed MPG or elsewhere for that matter. If you want better MPG, best course of action is to change your driving habits. It’s the only thing that has worked for me.

 

[Fitzz47]

 

[Steel City]

GO DIRECTLY TO THE 15:04 MARK!

 

[AFD]

I changed mine in my 3.6L with a dry K&N panel filter and while initially, the throttle response really seemed to improve for my first trip, any slight performance gains felt like they were readjusted back by the ECU and factory tuning. The fuel economy did seem to improve slightly a tank of so after the install, but the 1 to 2 MPG improvement could have been attributed to several other factors (probably increased tire PSI during the summer months).

I personally like to avoid oiled filters, since the oil can eventually migrate further into the intake and damage sensors on some vehicles. And while I think high-flow intakes can provide slight to decent improvements for some engines in both performance and fuel economy (when tuned for the increase in flow), I think with our 3.6L you're only trading the better filtration of stock filters for re-usability and not much else.

If you're not off-roading in a dusty environment, it's still a small enough price to give one a try and find out for yourself. I might even buy a full intake system at some point, but I'm pretty sure it's mostly just a waste of money for very slight improvements.

 

[DonBindas]

I changed mine in my 3.6L with a dry K&N panel filter and while initially, the throttle response really seemed to improve for my first trip, any slight performance gains felt like they were readjusted back by the ECU and factory tuning. The fuel economy did seem to improve slightly a tank of so after the install, but the 1 to 2 MPG improvement could have been attributed to several other factors (probably increased tire PSI during the summer months).

I personally like to avoid oiled filters, since the oil can eventually migrate further into the intake and damage sensors on some vehicles. And while I think high-flow intakes can provide slight to decent improvements for some engines in both performance and fuel economy (when tuned for the increase in flow), I think with our 3.6L you're only trading the better filtration of stock filters for re-usability and not much else.

If you're not off-roading in a dusty environment, it's still a small enough price to give one a try and find out for yourself. I might even buy a full intake system at some point, but I'm pretty sure it's mostly just a waste of money for very slight improvements.

Thanks for the well thought out advice

 

[DonBindas]

GO DIRECTLY TO THE 15:04 MARK!

Thanks for the great advice! I'm originally from north of Pittsburgh-so I know where you are geographically. Thanks again.

 

[davered00ss]

does nothing without a real tune for it. Just lets more particles into the engine.

 

[Obi Wan]

Unless the total surface area of the aftermarket filter is significantly larger than OEM, more flow=lower filtering=more dirt and dust.

Stick with stock.

 

[Xcoaste]

I do the same thing with my Jeeps as I do with my HVAC. Buy a cheap one and just replace them as needed.

 

[MichaelT333]

Guys these are modern day engines not old time engines with no computer. Any benefits that you think you gain is just a placebo effect. Modern day engines now have a computer that regulates literally everything if you put a high flow air filter on, it will detect that there is more air and will simply compensate by closing the throttlebody a little bit. The only thing that you’re doing is letting more dust get into your engine, decreasing the lifespan. Please stop getting tricked into these stupid upgrades. Look at it like this if you could get an extra 2 to 3 miles per gallon by putting a less restrictive filter in it don’t you think JEEP would do that from the factory and then be able to claim much better, gas, mileage.

 

[2mnycars]

One data point from one owner: I no longer use K&N filters.

In my experience, they do flow more air, and provide an average 1-2 mpg increase when measured over time. That said, I don't like their observably lower filtering efficiency when compared to pleated paper filters. This was borne out by comments on used oil analysis reports that cross-walked the continued health of my engines being attributable, at least in part, to effective filtration in the form of OEM air filters. There are countless filter efficiency tests available for review online, some professional and some amateur, that reach the same or similar conclusions.

There's also the idea that the engine's electronic management system -- the computer -- will only take in the air it requires, which may dilute the advantage of the K&N's additional flow capability. I don't take as strong a position on this matter, so it's just a talking point for your consideration.

Excellent post.

I used to buy K&N. I don't and haven't for years. But YMMV.

Read lots of articles. The only thing I learned was how passionate people are about their air filters. (miata.net--reviews--air intakes.)

 

[DonBindas]

Guys these are modern day engines not old time engines with no computer. Any benefits that you think you gain is just a placebo effect. Modern day engines now have a computer that regulates literally everything if you put a high flow air filter on, it will detect that there is more air and will simply compensate by closing the throttlebody a little bit. The only thing that you’re doing is letting more dust get into your engine, decreasing the lifespan. Please stop getting tricked into these stupid upgrades. Look at it like this if you could get an extra 2 to 3 miles per gallon by putting a less restrictive filter in it don’t you think JEEP would do that from the factory and then be able to claim much better, gas, mileage.

Can't argue with that logic!

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