Hi all,

I recently purchased a 2008 Mazda 3 s GT. Yesterday, I received as a gift a K&N replacement air filter with the advice to use it as it would improve my HP, MPG, and engine life (aside from being reusable). However, my stock paper filter only has about 300 miles on it, so it is basically brand new. I know there is a lot of controversy surrounding paper vs. K&N oiled filters, but does anyone have any personal experience or actual data to suggest one way vs. the other? The K&N is non-returnable, so that's not an option.

Both filters are new. Anyone with info to suggest that one or the other is better from the standpoint of MPG, power/torque, or engine longevity? Use the paper for the first 10K and then use the K&N? Swap it out now?

Thanks

 

From what I've heard there's not in increase of any torque or hp from any filter, but the world i get from many forums would be that the stock air filter has restrictions that don't let the engine work to its maximum potential. With a K and N filter I've heard that it gets rid of those restrictions and is better for engine longevity too.

 

I've used K&N filters on every vehicle I've owned since 1993. I highly recommend them. Make sure to not over-oil it as it will foul up your MAF sensor.