Does a performance air filter improve fuel economy?
Absolutely. Even more if you buy a cold air intake, one that has extended piping to draw air in from outside the engine bay. Most newer cars all ready do this, but their piping is not efficient, and efficiency is key.
A CAI will allow you engine to breathe colder air, which is more dense, which means it has more potential energy than hot thiner air in the engine bay.
Personally for me, with a cheap CAI and K&N cone filter, a full cat-back exhuast (not just a welded on muffler), and NGK iridium spark plugs I went from making about 22 to 25 MPG. This is in a 180HP rated DOHC V6 motor rated from the factory at 18 city 23 highway. Before my modifications it would never do 23 as I am a more spirited driver... now I can do 25 mpg and thats an average between city and highway.
Total costs was about $50 for the intake, $325 for exhaust, and about $20 for the plugs, so about $400 total. All items were new. I love eBay. =P
Some people will tell you no, but I speak from personal experience. Just don't get addicted to the sound your new intake and exhuast makes while your engine is racing, just drive like normal, you'll do good =)
So, if your going for just a K&N drop in filter, your gains will be little, but it does do some good. Average cars see about 2-7 HP increase and maybe 1-2 extra MPG depending on how your drive and the cars condition. As I said, I gain 3 MPG average (which is even more if I were to measure with only highway driving) and I'm pretty aggressive.
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