Exhausts
We have compiled this guide to give you an introduction into both choosing and buying the correct performance Air filter upgrade package for your car. Hopefully we will try and answer all your questions, but if you require any further information, then please feel free to call one of our experienced staff, who will be able to give you the best advice.
Here at speedbox.co.uk we offer a wide selection of parts to suit every budget and requirement from all the market leading filter manufacturers, ranging from the basic replacement panel filters up to full on race style air induction kits. You will be able to find more detailed information on each of the manufacturer’s products by clicking on the logos below.
Why Change your car's air filter?
Well, we first need to identify the reasons for changing the air filter on your car. Your cars breathing system is a vital part for your car and can offer big performance gains as well as cost effective replacement part. There are a wide range of different manufacturers offering different products, but most share the same purpose which is to make your car breath easier and more efficiently. This is really an essential upgrade if you are looking to increase your cars performance and work extremely well when used in conjunction with a free flowing performance exhaust system.
What is best for me?
The next area we need to look at is which air filter parts we can offer and a brief description of their benefits to your car. There are 3 main types of products available:
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Performance air filter replacement element – This type of filter is designed for people who are looking for a more subtle upgrade, as they are a direct replacement for your cars original air filter and fits into the OE air box. These offer a modest performance increase, as they are more free-flowing the standard paper filter normally used, it has the benefit of being cleanable too, so the can work out very cost effective because there is no need to replace them when your car is serviced. Most manufacturers offer this type of product and they are available for virtually any car, the most popular kits are made by K&N and Pipercross, expect to pay around £30-£40.
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Performance induction kits – The next step up to consider when upgrading the cars air filter, is removing the original air box altogether and replacing it with an induction kit, this has the benefit of giving a much greater airflow into your cars engine. These kits normally contain some form or cone type filter made of a cotton gauze or foam material and all the necessary fixtures and fittings required to fit them. They are designed for DIY fitting and come with full fitting instructions, by far the most informative fitting instructions come with the K&N filters and take you through the fitting procedure step by step and usually include photos. For best performance it is best to fit this type of kit and can offer good performance gains when used in conjunction with other modifications like aftermarket exhaust systems. As well as increasing the cars performance they are also popular because of the sound they can produce, on acceleration they produce quite a distinctive ‘roar’ sound.
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Specialist filters – For people after the ultimate performance, whether it be for road or track use, the best solution would be a more specialist filter, there a few different types available, mainly these are an enclosed type filter, where the cone filter is enclosed within a casing. This has all the benefits of and induction kit with the added advantage of not drawing in the hot air from around the engine, as cold air is best for power they get this from a cold air feed pipe which is normally located in or below the front bumper. The best example of this type of filter is the Pipercross Viper kit, although not cheap, they really can give significant power gains. Pipercross also manufacture a few replacement air boxes made entirely from carbon fibre and their ‘VIS’ range of long ram cold air intake kits, also made from carbon fibre, these have the benefit of relocating the air filter well away from the heat of the cars engine bay. A similar idea as used by K&N and Powertec in their Typhoon and SL1000 kits.
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