Engine air filter OEM vs replacement

My Mahle air filter arrived today.

Similar in dimensions and construction to the Napa (supposedly Wix) filter I was replacing. Weight was similar between the two.

The Mahle does have a thinner pre-filter. To my untrained eye, it looked like the Mahle may have more pleats than the Napa filter but I didn't count because I'm lazy and @GrizzlyPro already said he was going to put in the hard yards, so I will leave that up to him.

It's made in China, just like most of them. They probably make all the brands in the same factory to whatever spec they're told to and then slap a different name on it.

 

See the filter box advertises "no hassle lifetime warranty". When the engine blows up, I can transfer the filter to the next engine

 

Years ago, this guy from work would buy those Fram Air Hog filters wholesaler closeout from Rock Auto. He has a big collection of vehicles.

 

It doesn’t count as reusing it if it stays stuck on for 10 years of oil changes. Now if it falls off and then I put it back on, then yes, that counts as reusing it, which is an abomination.

Speaking of abominations!!!! A knock-off K&N filter?

 

^Not a knock-off. K&N owns several brands, among them Airaid and AEM (maker of TRD intake).

 

Reminds me of this video
https://youtu.be/RdbFAG5xbyY?si=8S5W85-C_FwCT-kl

 

^It's like comparing Goodyear tires with Cooper or Mickey Thompson. The tires are not the same and perform differently on the trail, but they're from the same company.

 

The K&N dyno power result corroborates the dyno and acceleration tests Engineer Explained did with his Crosstrek:

https://youtu.be/GS69owXpGdY?si=AnrpE3NRG39Fh9Fb

 

Well crap! Received my Mahle LX3003 and was very happy with how it felt and how good the seal looked. Did some measurements but will not share those yet since I have to return it. It is a 1/4” shorter and doesn’t fit the air box at all. So I might be missing a few pleats.

 

Interesting.

Mine was slightly shorter as well.

It fit in the air box but I'm now questioning the integrity of the seal.

Having this new info, I don't think you're going to get another one that's longer. Sounds like they're cut a little short.

 

That is frustrating. Well when they send the next one I will measure and the call and report the same issue. Then will probably check out the Baldwin next

 

"High bypass ratio" air filter

 

That’s how they are able to keep flow rate up with such a high filtration ratio