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

 

Well it is still a 1/4” short. Will be calling my contact at Mahle about this production issue. Even on Rock Auto it says the length is 12.6” and I was measuring 12.25”. Definitely a manufacturing discrepancy. Got a credit from Rock Auto and will get the Baldwin next. Hoping Mahle sends me a sample in the future after they make any changes.

 

Dude. Just go to Walmart and buy a cheap Fram filter, install it and forget about it. Repeat every year or two. Your engine will love you.

 

I think you are finally understanding the level of OCD I have

 

You know it would sell if they market it like that! Lol

 

Here's the one I use

https://a.co/d/0oghkjM

 

Back from vacation and saw my Baldwin PA4435 filter came in.

Dimensions:

12.5" x 9.25" so this will fit the airbox correctly.

Filter area:

- Pleat count: 109
- Pleat depth: 1.8125"
- Pleat width: 8.65625"

- Total filtration area: 3,420.3 in^2

Filter efficiency that was stated a while back is 99.6%


Still waiting on a response from Mahle. I also purchased the YZZ filter from Toyota to see if the dimensions were any different for the gasket area. It ended up being the same dimensions as the previous YZZ, Japanese Denso and the Baldwin. So Mahle definitely dropped the ball on tolerancing. Also to note the YZZ filter that I just got has even worse pitting on the gasket than the previous one I had.

I know people have said why worry about this so much. I just want to say again this is for research and to give better knowledge out there, not to sway anyone away from what they choose for their vehicle!

 

Here I thought you were gonna leave us all hangin'.

 

I switched over to a Wix 49350.

99.5% efficiency rating.

We don't know for sure, but I'm assuming the efficiency rating on the Wix is similar to the stock Denso filter that came with the 4Runner (now the Lexus GX filter). I'm also assuming it has a better efficiency rating than the YZZ filters.

 

After seeing how the gasket is messed up I will never use the YZZ. Build quality is definitely economy style.

 

Wix fan here. I change once or twice a year. Cheap insurance.......

 

Some Beck/Arnley air filter porn. You're welcome.

 

Wow that is a large pre filter pad. Definitely would make others blush!

 

For those who like 'em thicc.

 

I’m going to install a $4 Purolator filter this weekend. I’ll probably reduce the life of the engine to 499K miles instead of 500K miles.

 

I used to change them a couple times a year but I think it's actually better to let them get a little dirty.

Dirt attracts dirt which allows the dirt to become part of the filtration process and less of it to make it through.