Does the size or shape of the air intake filter matter?

deletedelete · 12-09-2009, 07:59 PM

Im making a custom air snorkel/intake/heat shield/quick release filter/cold air extension system thats close to completion.

The problem I have is with the filter. I need a flat one but smaller then the bmw stock filter. So does it matter if I buy any k&n filter to use regardless of size or shape? Thanks

Kelvin1000 · 12-09-2009, 08:17 PM

I asked the wife and she assured me that the size or shape doesn't matter.

Sorry, I couldn't resist...

TMR · 12-09-2009, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kelvin1000

I asked the wife and she assured me that the size or shape doesn't matter.

Sorry, I couldn't resist...

LOL

deletedelete · 12-09-2009, 10:29 PM

haha, yeah well at least your wife doesnt say "its too big"

marconi118 · 12-10-2009, 04:47 AM

for the filter as for the rest, the bigger the better

FLA 335 · 12-10-2009, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kelvin1000

I asked the wife and she assured me that the size or shape doesn't matter.

Sorry, I couldn't resist...

......

.............

cstavaru · 12-10-2009, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prowess Symphony

Im making a custom air snorkel/intake/heat shield/quick release filter/cold air extension system thats close to completion.

The problem I have is with the filter. I need a flat one but smaller then the bmw stock filter. So does it matter if I buy any k&n filter to use regardless of size or shape? Thanks

It doesn't matter, if you add airflow to the existing intake. Post some pictures ! I'm am also interested in cutting the airbox lid and adding a snorkel and a supplemental air filter.

Kelvin1000 · 12-10-2009, 07:45 AM

Another lie they always tell me is that it's not the size but how you use it...

jhershorin · 12-10-2009, 07:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marconi118

for the filter as for the rest, the bigger the better

Absolutely incorrect. Bigger is not always better. Properly sized and matched for what the car actually will run is best.

Prowess - swing by and I will take a look. We have a bunch of filters we manufactured. I am sure I can find something for you.

deletedelete · 12-10-2009, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jhershorin

Absolutely incorrect. Bigger is not always better. Properly sized and matched for what the car actually will run is best.

Prowess - swing by and I will take a look. We have a bunch of filters we manufactured. I am sure I can find something for you.

Cool.

marconi118 · 12-10-2009, 11:20 AM

for FMIC bigger is not always better! but for the filter???

Bigger filter means more surface = less restriction = better

Of course the shape and the airbox count: better a smaller filter with a good shape (no turbulence) than a bigger with bad shape.

But bigger with the same shape is better! the aim is to minimize the restriction caused by the filter! No filter at all is the best!

If you talk about the intake manifold on N/A engines then yes it has to be the right section/length to ensure resonance and optimal filling of cylinders in the usable RPM range.

12-09-2009, 07:59 PM	#1
deletedelete Major General 361 Rep 5,873 Posts Drives: m Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: usa iTrader: (14) Garage List 2013 e92 M3 [0.00] 2011 e93 M3 (sold) [0.00] 2009 335xi (sold) [0.00]	Does the size or shape of the air intake filter matter? Im making a custom air snorkel/intake/heat shield/quick release filter/cold air extension system thats close to completion. The problem I have is with the filter. I need a flat one but smaller then the bmw stock filter. So does it matter if I buy any k&n filter to use regardless of size or shape? Thanks __________________ ---> Click For xi/xDrive Suspension Compatibility List <---
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12-09-2009, 08:17 PM	#2
Kelvin1000 Major 253 Rep 1,297 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW M2 Competition MT Hoc Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (4)	I asked the wife and she assured me that the size or shape doesn't matter. Sorry, I couldn't resist...
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12-09-2009, 10:29 PM	#4
deletedelete Major General 361 Rep 5,873 Posts Drives: m Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: usa iTrader: (14) Garage List 2013 e92 M3 [0.00] 2011 e93 M3 (sold) [0.00] 2009 335xi (sold) [0.00]	haha, yeah well at least your wife doesnt say "its too big" __________________ ---> Click For xi/xDrive Suspension Compatibility List <---
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12-10-2009, 04:47 AM	#5
marconi118 Major 94 Rep 1,184 Posts Drives: 06/07 e93 335i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: europe iTrader: (0)	for the filter as for the rest, the bigger the better
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12-10-2009, 07:45 AM	#8
Kelvin1000 Major 253 Rep 1,297 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW M2 Competition MT Hoc Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (4)	Another lie they always tell me is that it's not the size but how you use it...
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12-10-2009, 11:20 AM	#11
marconi118 Major 94 Rep 1,184 Posts Drives: 06/07 e93 335i Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: europe iTrader: (0)	for FMIC bigger is not always better! but for the filter??? Bigger filter means more surface = less restriction = better Of course the shape and the airbox count: better a smaller filter with a good shape (no turbulence) than a bigger with bad shape. But bigger with the same shape is better! the aim is to minimize the restriction caused by the filter! No filter at all is the best! If you talk about the intake manifold on N/A engines then yes it has to be the right section/length to ensure resonance and optimal filling of cylinders in the usable RPM range.
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