Panel Filter Advice

[r_penny23]

Hi all

I know this topic is debated almost weekly but has anyone fitted a K&N Panel filter to their 6N2 1.4 16v (75bhp)? Sorry to restart the this off again but I gather induction for the 8v and GTI have been discussed but no one seems to have changed their 16v 75bhp.

I gather induction is the favoured route but I dont want to start messing around with removing parts from my engine bay, and quite sadly, I quite like the look of the standard bay Im looking for a better sound track as I doubt think I'll gain much with the standard exhaust......am I on the right lines or should I just stick with the standard filter and focus my efforts elsewhere?

cheers

[inder]

Sorry no advice, but a bump as id like to know about this too

[r_penny23]

after speaking to a mate I dont think there would be any gain aside from the filter lasting longer

[inder]

darn, I think this seems like the case

[MisterMinty]

Hello All!

It's my first post on the forum, as I've got some nouse as regards upgrading your filter.

Yes, by all means fit a K & N panel filter in your air filter box. It's an easy job and you get a smart sticker too!

BUT - it's not going to give you any great improvement in performance. I fitted one on my 16V 6N2 (which already had a fair bit of zip), and though it does improve the engine's response, it ain't a big performance lift - and sorry to say, your engine will sound no different...and due to the crap design of VW's breather line, your panel filter will get a nasty engine oil coloured mark on it quite quickly.

I know you said you quite liked the look of your engine bay in stock form..but DO DO DO consider getting the K & N 57i induction kit. Any number of reasons, but here are a few to ponder...
1 - it looks GREAT! (shiny chrome pancake, remind anyone of their Mini Coopers?
2 - it makes a VERY NOTICEABLE improvement in tug. Esp if you're putting it onto a 16V engine (either 75 or 100 BHP) you'll notice a load extra torque and zip through the power band.
3 - it sounds EXCELLENT. Good and raspy higher up, and (dare I say it?) that throaty rumble like a Scooby STi in the 2000-3000 range.

Finally, it ain't tricky to fit. Give yourself a couple of hours and presto!

I shall post some pictures soon for the "here's one we made earlier" thing!

Hope this helps?

[inder]

Hi MisterMinty, thanks for that post

Those pics sound good

[r_penny23]

cheers MisterMinty, thats sounds like the results Im after to a t, look forward to seeing the pics and possibly a 'how to....'?

[MisterMinty]

Well, I'm sure I can do both of those things for you all. I would be posting pictures this evening only by the time I got home from work dusk was here and the light was rotten for photos. Damn these early evenings! (still, more time for pub i suppose! )
So....I'll get some snaps done tomorrow and show y'all why I chose my name...sure you'll work it out...and also get some pictures of where things are at under the bonnet. As for a "how-to" guide, I'm delighted to say its straightforward...with me it NEEDS to be.
BTW, don't expect masses of bodywork styling or things like that...the work on my car is all done to help squeeze a bit more performance.
See what you thinnk tomorrow. Until then, sleep well y'all.

Matt

[inder]

Sounds great Matt - cheers!

[MisterMinty]

Here's a picture of the finished installed filter.



Looks OK, doesn't it? Well you don't need to be a genius mechanic to fit it. Those good people at K and K give you a far better "how to" guide than I could ever write...and you can download it here:

http://www.knfilterchargers.com/search/ ... od=57-0236

Note that for the GTi you'd need the appropriate GTi kit but the fitting procedure is IDENTICAL. Useful tools include -
allen keys for removing the engine cover and airbox
screwdrivers and spanners for removing the intake air hoses and hot air fittings
an electric drill
a circular router for cutting a nice neat hole in your undertray( sounds horrible...couldn't be EASIER. Trust me!)
nylon cable ties for making the job neat and tidy
[/img]http://img439.imageshack.us/my.php?image=img03511yq.jpg][/URL]

[MisterMinty]

Idiot here didn't put in the right URL...here's a better picture of the installed filter. Notice the black hose just to the right. This goes down under the engine and allows air at ambient temperature to flow up to the filter. It's an important thing to fit, because without it, you will be breathing hot air, which does not allow anywhere near top performance from the engine.

[r_penny23]

Mate Im totally diggin the stealth approach and the touches under the bonnet .

I think just by the look of you setup (filter anyway) its time to get my car sorted. I'm still a little unsure about using a circular router for cutting a hole in your undertray, mainly because I havnt got one, but will have a closer look tomorrow to see if I can use anything else.

Aside from that what are you using to prop the intact hose towards the filter base?

Also the demon question, how much and where from?

Again go to say it, the cars looking fantastic

[MisterMinty]

Cheers for the positive words. IMHO, stealth is THE way to go. To use an old phrase from jazz music, "Less Is More". I'm only interested in mods for the sake of performance improvements, not looks...I reckon Volkswagen have much better ideas than we do.

Listen, don't fret on the router, They can be bought from Homebase, no probs. You fit them in the drill chuck, line up, run the drill and they do the rest...most of the time they get used for fitting those little round halogen lights into your ceiling!

Costs.... I found these guys to be as good as anybody.
www.motorsportworld.co.uk

As for supporting the hose, its a flexi hose so its pretty tough and rigid...some nylon cable ties will do the trick for you. Just be sure that you DO fit the cold air hose, as without it you'll sound great, but won't get the full benefit of the filter (boring bit of science....you'll be inducting hot air - less dense than cold air, therefore less oxygen....therefore not as good a burn on combustion).