Honda Car Forum

It depends on how you drive. For most people, the MPG gain with a K & N filter is very minimal. For just as many people, the gain IS NOT MEASURABLE! A better tactic would be to shift to a higher gear and lighten up on the gas pedal.

if its stick just drive in 4th and u get better mileage.

Yes, but will also take more dust and particles into engine. Which means it will also shorten the life of the engine. So you should always look at over all cost. Normally, if well taken care of, these cars should last over 200K. if you install K&N filter, it will save gas (only few mpg), but engine goes at 150K, is this really saving you money?You have to clean and re-oil the filter every 14K. And if you over-oil it, extra oil may hit the HAL sensor and fry it. This will cost you $300 to replace. If you don't clean every 14K miles, it can actually hurt the performance of the car and get you less miles. Installing one will also increase engine noise. In case of Cold air intake system, you would have to rip out the bumper or wheel guard to clean the filter. If you don't know how to do this on your own, then I think it will cost you more money.

forget the filter just spend a few more bucks on a CAI ( cold air intake) they improve mpg,hp and they look badass!

I'm pretty sure the K&N catches as many particles as a stock paper filter. Also, where do you get 14k miles? I never read anywhere a particular recharge/cleaning interval for the K&N filters. If you can see light looking through it, supposedly it's fine. Should only need to be oiled the one time after cleaning it too, the theory that the oil captures the particles and they accumulate and aid i nthe collection of more particles, so as the percentage of oil on the filters decreases it's compensated by the restriction created by the garbage capture in the media.

I just recently got a '07 Civic LX with 60k and was considering whether it's a good idea to get the K&N for it, as I have for my last 3 vehicles. I doubt I'll see much performance or efficiency gains, but not having to buy a new $10-$20 filter a couple times a year will payback over the course of owning the car. That's easy math IMO.