 |
| Performance Basics - Air Filters |
| The Sportage is equipped with a flat cotton type corrugated filter contained in a large black box just in front of the battery. The actual air intake is situated just above headlight level with air drawn in from underneath the filter pad and up toward the large black air intake pipe. This is a reasonably good design that minimises the chance of water being ingested into the engine by drawing air upward through the filter. Air filters these days are a sound design but require periodic replacement. These are generally either corrugated paper or a cotton pad which is better than paper as it filters the air more efficiently and allows better airflow. However there are further improvements available which are simple and will improve the engines' breathing. More airflow means more fuel in the intake charge which means more power. The simplest way of going about this is to change filter pads from the factory type. I've chosen a re-usable oiled gauze filter by K&N which is probably the best filtration system you can buy. How did I reach this conclusion ? I asked every auto accessory and 4x4 specialist shop in the area and every single one recommended K&N without hesitation. To top that off the vast majority of competition 4x4 vehicles and even mining and military vehicles have K&N filters fitted. These things aren't cheap; I bought from a local auto accessory store for about $110 AUD which is about twice the price of a factory filter. The savings are made further down the track as they are reusable with an amazing 'Million Mile Warranty'. A special cleaning fluid and oil is used periodically to clean and re-oil the filter pad. Its easy and not particularly messy and will only need doing when visibly dirty which will vary from car to car. I'd make a point to do it every major service which is 40,000km or when visibly dirty, whichever occurs sooner. The other benefit other than providing improved airflow (ie performance) is that the oiled cotton K&N filter traps smaller particles within the element than factory filters which can only be good news for your engine. |
 |
 |
| Above : The first picture shows the factory filter (white) and the K&N oiled filter (red) side by side and are exactly the same in dimensions to ensure a good tight seal inside the factory airbox. Its a very simple job to install. Simply remove the six hex head bolts with a screwdriver or socket and gently move the airbox cover toward the front of the car. There is no need to undo the intake pipe and airflow meter (just out of view at the top of the second picture). Pull out the factory filter (keep it and store in the K&N filter packaging !) and simply drop in the K&N filter. Ensure it is sitting properly with the rubber seal positioned squarely in the filter box. Gently fit the airbox lid back in place and replace the six bolts. Do not overtighten them ! |
| Interested in getting a K&N filter ? The K&N Part Number (Australia) is 33-2168. Most auto accessory stockists will be able to order one in for you within a couple of days. I bought mine through 'Autobarn' for about $110. The Autobarn Part Number is KN332168. They also stock the special filter cleaning fluid (don't use ordinary detergents !) as well as the filter oil to re-oil after periodic cleaning. Mine gets cleaned about once per year; K&N actually recommend that you let a little dirt build up on the filter suface as it actually helps the filter work better. Strange but true. The cleaning kit consists of a special cleaning fluid and a pressure pack of filter oil that has a red dye in it to help check that you've properly re-oiled the filter after cleaning. The kit costs about $25 (Super Cheap Auto) and lasts about four cleaning cycles so its cheap in the long run. |
 |
| If you prefer there is one step further you can go with replacing the air cleaner. The entire air filter box can be removed and a conical type K&N filter fitted immediately before the airflow meter on the flexible intake tube. This will provide slightly more power gain though I'd strongly recommend making some sort of metal heat shield due to the relative proximity to the exhaust manifold. Hot air beng sucked into the intake will only cancel out any power gains as the colder the intake air temperature the more power you will gain. If you're into heavy duty off-roading with a lot of deep water crossings involved stick with the first option and retain the filter box as it better protects the filter from mud and water. However if its more top-end on-road performance and you really like to hear a bit of an induction 'roar' from under the bonnet then a conical filter is the way to go ! Having said that I have to say the combined sound of my stainless steel 2 1/2" exhaust and K&N filter .... sensational ... ! |
| Web Site Link (International) www.knfilters.com |
 |
| Left : Example of conical type performance air filter system with heat shield to keep intake temperature as cool as possible. Good for power higher up in the rpm range where maximum airflow is needed. They sound pretty good too. However for reasons of simplicity, practicality and cost I'd recommend that you stick with a replacement K&N filter fitted to the factory airbox. |
 |