(Part 2) Reddit mentions: The best automotive air filters & accessories

The K&N will increase horsepower and acceleration, but not as much as a custom air intake, but much better then the stock air filter.

The filter itself is washable and reusable with a special recharge kit (I recommend the non spray kind, but instead the pourable/squeeze kind. It only needs to be done every 50,000 miles or so, depending on road conditions, but I did mine about every 10 to 15 thousand with prior cars because I'm anal like that.

Plus for a DIY, its simple as opening a few clamps and then replacing.
Product Website for the CRZ Filter


Amazon carries it too

I was checking the specs and that's ultimately why I pulled the trigger. I only halted everything when the box was labeled with '11-'12 Cooper S and Clubman S.

The whole experience of dealing with K&N was weird. I called twice asking very specific questions and neither call seemed to yield much of a result.

Now, I'm happily surprised about your comment regarding a high-flow filter in the OEM airbox. I've already got (what I think is) the best filter for my car in there, which is the other K&N part.

I know it's a dumb question, but where exactly can I see the "type" of engine my car has? I didn't see anything like N18 in the manual or on the web.

My backup plan, which may now change, was to install the intake and remove the airbox cover in place of a mount/casing for said intake. I really am chasing that turbo sound as well as whatever performance increase it'll give me over the airbox. What do you think?

Also, thank you for the well thought-out responses. I'll buy you a beer for your troubles, just DM me your best payment info.

Edit: The new intake I ordered is the K&N RU-1540.

So normally there is a clothfilter bag on top of a shopvac like this but it lets a lot of fine dust trough. A filter cartridge cost about as much as the vac itself. So I put some car filters in a woodbox, these are as good as the cartridge. Hope that helps

I have a 2012 LS and it's not the prettiest with the heritage wheels (although it has a muscular look), but I love it. I know gas mileage isn't a main concern, but I average about 25-26 miles per gallon and I don't drive it all that gingerly. Lacks the torque of a v8 for sure but if you like to rev the hell out of a car from 3k-5k consistently it's a blast.

There's a K & N performance air filter http://www.amazon.com/33-2434-High-Performance-Replacement-Filter/dp/B002EC0R4Q
that I plan on putting in which according to the reviews increases mileage while improving throttle response ever so slightly (2hp increase) if you reset the ECU.

Lastly, the tail lights on the 2010-2013 are the best IMO, even over the 6th gen.

Buy a catch can ASAP. If you're 100% set on buying the SP, order a Billet Technology one now (if you want that brand, fantastic quality) as the delivery time is insane. I ordered mine the day before I took delivery of my SP and it took over ten weeks to get it.

Buy a replacement air filter, I'd suggest the K&N (only because I have it, there are plenty of dry ones you can get as well) just a piece of mind thing. It has a rebate right now so you can pick it up for $34 which is awesome.

I would also suggest to swap out the brake pads if you know how. The stock brembos are great but they are noisy (they squeal before they are heated up) and create a TON of dust. I'd suggest PowerStop Z23/Z26. I personally went with the Z23s, seems silly as your pads will be new but you'll thank me later. The lack of dust is incredible and they stay super touchy.

Are you planning to order your SP? I'd highly suggest the Plus Group and I'd even consider the adaptive suspension. (though I've never used it or experienced it I think it would be neat) The dynamics package isn't really that important unless you're planning to track the car (the 4 piston brembos stop the car on a dime) and you can stick a 275 on the stock rims.

I've got a K&N filter on my 2013 Sonata Hybrid Limited, I get ~4 mpg more and it does give you more acceleration. Getting EBC Redstuff brakes soon with a set of S.Drive tires. Maybe as a small summer project I might make a front strut bar, seems pretty easy just gotta know how to weld.

K&N Filter for your car

EBC Brakes

Tires (I live in cali, so don't recommend these for snowy/rainy areas

Edit: Best oil I have used is probably Mobil 1, with the Mobil 1 oil filter. Though expensive it does work really well together.

Gotcha. There's a few options, but I think the quickest and fastest would be This mini filter

The barb from the elbow will fit into the filter and you just clamp it down. I ran my 06 like that for a long time. I also went to home depot to buy a shop vacuum pre filter bag to put over it to help keep it cleaner

The best you can do is improve ride and handling. Lighter, sportier wheels. A coilover spring kit. Removing unnecessary weight from the trunk or cabin. Install a lightweight battery.

You could consider adding a high flow filter to get some more induction noise which can make the drive more exciting. https://www.amazon.com/Corolla-Matrix-Reusable-Washable-Replacement/dp/B074XLNDC4

Your engine is not tuneable, modern toyotas ECU are locked down.

Congrats man. I own the same model and all I can offer so far is this. Buy a few of those and you're set for a year. Hoping others can contribute some customization suggestions because that's something I'm interested in as well

I'm thinking maybe $30 in labor, not the part.

What I plan on doing in the future is just buying one on amazon (like this, which fits my s80 https://www.amazon.com/CF10435-Fresh-Breeze-Filter-Hammer/dp/B00GYTEA9S/ref=sr_1_3?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1499808116&vehicle=2008-27-147-216--1-6-6-8966--1-1-5003--1-0&sr=1-3&ymm=2008%3Avolvo%3As80&keywords=cabin+air+filter) that I know will fit and then whenever I get an oil change done at a place that will also check / replace the cabin filter (Valvoline, Firestone, etc. will all do this) have one one hand that they can replace it with if it needs replacing. I don't know if Volvos have a standard size cabin air filter that most places on hand, I just know that the engine air filters the oil change places always tell me that they won't have one that fits.

So a 6 in. In-Line Fan - 400 CFM and [Phresh Filter 6in x 16in 400CFM] (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00283GVI2/ref=gno_cart_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1TQQ4ZHI2444B) should do nicely then. I have heard that Phresh is a really good brand filter, but does a cheaper brand work just as good or should I stick w/ Phresh?

I meant somehow fit a filter on the intake grate, so the air if filtered on its way to the furnace. Is that a thing? I Googled it and found a product listed on Amazon that is a cut-to-fit filter to put on intake grates, but I didn't know if they were good enough on their own.

Something like this : https://www.amazon.com/True-Blue-Return-Filter-10x30/dp/B00EZN1JCG

Those filters are still only good for ~70 gallons. This one by comparison costs 30 bucks and can filter thousands of gallons. Not saying that is the right one for you, do some research - it is just an example.

I'm not saying the Brita won't work, but it's really only at its best for a couple of gallons a day for a couple of months.

DETAILS

• Ballast - 1000W
  
• Hood - 6 inch Enclosed/Air Cooled
  
• Tent - 4x4x6.5
  
• Fan - 6 inch Inline 400 CFM
  
• Carbon Filter - 6x18 inch
  
• Nutes - Fox Farm full line, CalMag+, Silica Blast
  
• Medium/Pot - 75% FFOF, 20% perlite, 5% Lime / 5 Gal. Smart Pot
  
• Training - Super Crop, LST, Topping
  
• Seeds - Goji OG, Critical+, LA Snowcap

It’s behind the glove box, which drops out to give you access. It’s super easy. YouTube video shows how here:
https://youtu.be/9VXpG4Cslr0

Got the new filters on amazon.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0010ECUL2/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_c_api_bd6HAbSM03AB4

Grille looks good with the Takeda, man. I'm running this filter instead of a shield. Ended up fitting perfectly https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01NCJI7V2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Thank you for your answer!

Found this guy on Amazon that should work for my car.


This will save me some money!

If you want the best replacement available, find the MANN Frecious Plus filter that fits your car. Been through the wildfire seasons here in CA and terrible general air quality in the Bay Area, and these filters are awesome.

The MK7 is Mann-Filter FP 26 009.

https://www.amazon.com/Mann-Filter-FP-26-009-Filter/dp/B00URDQ27A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1489972547&sr=8-1&keywords=Mann-Filter+FP+26+009

The MK6 is FP2939

https://www.amazon.com/Mann-Filter-FP-2939-FreciousPlus/dp/B00URDQ630/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=FP2939&qid=1562085004&s=gateway&sr=8-2

For sparkplugs, engine air filter, and cabin filter you can DIY for much less if you're inclined, need a torque wrench and the bmw spark plug socket

total: ~130 + tax/shipping if any (amazon prime?)

Takes about an hour to do, maybe 2 if you're not mechanically inclined. These are all done at the same time in the same steps (you have to to remove the cabin air filter housing anyway to get to the spark plugs)

You need a socket wrench and socket for removing the cabin air filter and the torque wrench and the spark plug socket and thats it. Plenty of DIYs online you can just follow

plugs ~34

socket tool ~10

torque wrench ~$30

cabin air filter ~$27

air filter ~28

Rear brakes 277 seems okay, maybe a tiny bit high by a few dollars

Spark plugs diy: https://youtu.be/-SelzJ5YUTA

Cabin and Air filter diy: https://youtu.be/saf1K5_ne18

Cabin filter you need ($8) :
EPAuto CPJ6X (KD45-61-J6X) Replacement for Mazda Premium Cabin Air Filter includes Activated Carbon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01LWV2W5M/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_D5qhDbW5XVH0V

Air filter you need ($15):
ECOGARD XA6280 Premium Engine Air Filter Fits Mazda 3, CX-5, 6, 3 Sport https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I8IP28G/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_M6qhDbKWRM26A

Spark plugs you need ($40):
NGK 94124 ILKAR7L11 Laser Iridium Spark Plug, Pack of 4 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01DMFGYRC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_F7qhDbM7RD9W0

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I8IP28G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

They are not the same but if you punch your car details into Amazon it will always tell you if the part fits or not

This is the 2.0

I found this MANN one on Amazon. Its compatible with my car. I just wanted to verify that Microfilter = Cabin Filter.

Here's also a list of the mods, how much, and where I got them.


Visual

Black rims $192.25x4 = $769
Window tint $180
Spoiler $100
Side Stripes $30

Tail light blackout $20

Sidemarker $15

Rear Decal: $50

345/Hemi Emblems black $34

Plasti-dip for Decals $6.00

Rock Guard $60

Engine

Air Filter+Recharge $63

Oil Catch Can $150

Other

Tazer+Bypass $300
Atturo Az850 275/40R20 $127.55x4 = $510

Mid-Muffler Delete $163

Also I will be replacing the cabin filter with this : https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B001DRHMMS/?coliid=I146T5958EFWPE&colid=232N8YJJCNYCJ&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Not to mention the diff fluid has not been changed in 100k km (bought it less than 15k ago)