Charcoal Filter Removal - Step-by-Step (w/Pictures) - Page 4

6speed · 2nd February 2006, 19:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by LJM5

for the life of me, I can't gety the filters off. I am at step 9, trying to pull, trying to pry, no luck. Mine is IN there!

Any suggestions?

I'm with you Bro.

LJM5 · 2nd February 2006, 19:37

Just finished my test drive after removing the filters:

This may be perceived, but it's what I "think" I noticed.

No noticeable difference in sound, either intake or exhaust. Seemed to have a much more sensitive throttle response. At acceleration from a stop, seemed to have a little more "pep" and snappiness to it.

Hard acceleration from 0-90 MPH, the car felt noticeablely quicker, and did seem to have a cleaner exhaust note.

I reset my MPG meter and seemed to notice a slight increase in mileage. I ran about 27 miles in all.

So, to sound like a K&N air filter ad: More hp, more MPG, more breathability.

Overall the engine just seemed to breathe easier.

Recommended? YES!

Now, I have a question for the experts: If even a tiny piece of plastic shaving got sucked into the engine, will that cause any damage? I cleaned the inside of the housing as thouroughly as I could and tried to make sure there were no plastic shavings (that scrape off when removing the clips), and even used my air compressor to get anything else remaining in there. That has been my only concern is that something, however small, might get sucked into the engine. Please advise. THANKS!

AbruzziBoy · 2nd February 2006, 20:47

I just got back from my test drive. The car does seem to breath a bit easier and the revs pop up faster. Whether of not it has more power or "pep" may be just be a placebo effect. MPG will have to be determined over a tank or two.

Quote:

Originally Posted by LJM5

Just finished my test drive after removing the filters:

This may be perceived, but it's what I "think" I noticed.

No noticeable difference in sound, either intake or exhaust. Seemed to have a much more sensitive throttle response. At acceleration from a stop, seemed to have a little more "pep" and snappiness to it.

Hard acceleration from 0-90 MPH, the car felt noticeablely quicker, and did seem to have a cleaner exhaust note.

I reset my MPG meter and seemed to notice a slight increase in mileage. I ran about 27 miles in all.

So, to sound like a K&N air filter ad: More hp, more MPG, more breathability.

Overall the engine just seemed to breathe easier.

Recommended? YES!

Now, I have a question for the experts: If even a tiny piece of plastic shaving got sucked into the engine, will that cause any damage? I cleaned the inside of the housing as thouroughly as I could and tried to make sure there were no plastic shavings (that scrape off when removing the clips), and even used my air compressor to get anything else remaining in there. That has been my only concern is that something, however small, might get sucked into the engine. Please advise. THANKS!

MEnthusiast · 2nd February 2006, 21:15

The ECU will also take several miles to readjust for the more air so the effect may get better with time. I forget how many miles/ time is needed.

What crossed my mind was reports of cars in Europe being Dynoed at around 530bhp. If these filters take about 5% performance away you get close to the rated 507bhp. (its about 4.3% difference). Is it possible that the engine is stronger from the factory knowing the US cars should meet their rated power output? The flip side of this is- can you feel a 5 or even 10% difference in power? I think it would be subtle as many here have described. Still this is interesting.

martinngan · 2nd February 2006, 21:24

would you put the filter back on the next time you service your car?

paule · 2nd February 2006, 21:31

Yes, very nicely done. The best part though is the 'DO NOT REMOVE' in large letters on the charcoal filter frame

LJM5 · 2nd February 2006, 22:40

I can't even if I want to. They are toast. Very hard to pry out. I am not worried about it. My guess is that the service technician wouldn't pay much attention. If he said anything, I would just plead ignorance and say it must have come from the factory like that.

And unless they are servicing your filters, there is no reason they would be opening the housing anyway.

Quote:

Originally Posted by martinngan

would you put the filter back on the next time you service your car?

limitup · 2nd February 2006, 22:49

I find it interesting that it doesn't change the intake sound at all. If it doesn't, I don't think they can be very restrictive ...

jfenley · 2nd February 2006, 23:59

I did a fair amount of driving today and it is definitely not a "placebo effect." There is a noticable and substantial difference. The engine can breathe now. I think this is the best way to get a performance gain without spending a dime.

MEnthusiast · 3rd February 2006, 00:06

How much intake sound will you hear from the interior of a fairly isolated sedan?