JLT vs K&N

[ledzilla]

So, I've been pondering getting a cold air intake, and the two main players are JLT and K&N. From what I've seen, K&N boasts a larger HP increase than JLT, but JLT is $100 cheaper and comes in neat colors.

Is there anything objective to suggest which is the better option? Such as... Does one fit better? Is their difference in HP increase not significant enough to justify the price gap? Is one clearly nicer looking than the other? Ok, so maybe that last one isn't all that objective. But hopefully I got the idea across.

[Gerry24]

I use the K&N on my MM, you notice some difference. It will be louder and I think recommended cleaning is every oil change or every other oil change for the air filter.

[ledzilla]

Sounds quite a bit more frequent on the filter cleaning/changing than the regular K&N filter. Still have 10K miles to go before the K&N in my air box needs cleaning.

[slickster]

Go with JLT and with the extra cash get Ss break lines:beer:

[ctrlraven]

K&N - more of a show piece, good fitment, short/wide air filter, semi sealed heat shield, smaller diameter air tube
JLT - more function over form, good fitment besides possible slight coupling rubbing on the hood, abs plastic head shield, long/skinny air filter, larger diameter air tube

I've had both, ran a JLT for like 6 years until I got a K&N setup for cheap and then put that on. Personally I like the JLT more, only really took it off because it was a first gen design that I got used without a heat shield and the air tube slightly disformed over time from the heat most likely. The issue with the air tube was corrected after the flaw was discovered. Whenever my new motor gets installed I will be running a new JLT setup, increased power, more intake sound and cheaper.

[jmsa540]

K&N for life

[1Marauder]

JLT all the way. Can also get custom color tubes to match car if you want. Filter is BIGGER by far.

I went all black--cause it looked more stock.

K&N is CA (and mostall other states) CARB numbered, so it is favored almost everywhere... But I own two JLTs !!! Plus the JLT customers service is 1000 times better if/when needed.

[ctrlraven]

JLT all the way. Can also get custom color tubes to match car if you want. Filter is BIGGER by far.

I went all black--cause it looked more stock.

K&N is CA (and mostall other states) CARB numbered, so it is favored almost everywhere... But I own two JLTs !!! Plus the JLT customers service is 1000 times better if/when needed.
JLT is a small business (well it's grown a lot in the years) compared to K&N which is a corporate company. Support the little guys!

Jay Tucker (the owner) is also a member here as well, not really active since his business keeps him so busy but don't see K&N reps floating around the site.

[Gerry24]

Sounds quite a bit more frequent on the filter cleaning/changing than the regular K&N filter. Still have 10K miles to go before the K&N in my air box needs cleaning.

You have the OEM air box, so it's factory, all you changed was the air filter... I'm saying the whole aftermarket CAI assembly. K&N filter needs to be recharged which means cleaned, rinsed and oiled. The filter I have stated good for a million miles but I still have to maintain it.

[ledzilla]

You have the OEM air box, so it's factory, all you changed was the air filter... I'm saying the whole aftermarket CAI assembly. K&N filter needs to be recharged which means cleaned, rinsed and oiled. The filter I have stated good for a million miles but I still have to maintain it.

What I meant was the K&N filter I have doesn't need to be cleaned more than every 50K miles, and you were talking about cleaning with every oil change.

[lji372]

To each his own, I hate the nasty looking K&N tube. Just my .02

[MyBlackBeasts]

To each his own, I hate the nasty looking K&N tube. Just my .02

http://www.knfilters.com/search/wrap.aspx

Use this.

Cleaned mine after 2 years (only due to guilt) and found filter to be nearly as clean as when I installed it.

Great product!

[RubberCtyRauder]

You certainly don't need to clean and re-oil a K & N filter at every or even every other oil change. Not sure where you got that information. The whole purpose of the k & N is to buy one filter for the life of the car and clean it maybe once every two years. Normal cars get the air filter changed once a year, why would you clean it every oil change? Doesn't matter that it is an open element. they flow more air with a 1/4 inch of dust on them than a factory air box. Save your money and recharge kit and clean it at best once a year.

Straight from K & N page

Lifetime Reusable Air Filters

K&N replacement air filters last up to 50,000 miles between servicing, depending on driving conditions. With the K&N Air Filter Cleaning Kit (http://www.knfilters.com/clningacc.htm) you can easily clean and re-oil your air filter bringing it back to brand-new condition and ready for another 50,000 miles of use. Your one K&N air filter is designed to last for the lifetime of your vehicle which can save you a bundle of money in the long-run and eliminate the waste generated from buying and disposing countless paper air filters.

[ledzilla]

Honestly, the price and appearance of the JLT is more attractive to me. I want to get the blue one to add a splash of color under the hood that matches my calipers. I was just hoping to see if there was reason enough to justify the extra $100 for the K&N, but so far I'm not seeing it aside from maybe a couple extra HP.

[Vortech347]

JLT is superior.

Also side note, someone mentioned cleaning/oiling their filter ever oil change. That's way excessive. I think the 8 years I had my Marauder and JLT I cleaned it maybe 3-4 times.

[ctrlraven]

I bought an additional filter for my JLT so that way when it's time to clean one I don't have to wait to drive the car again and then can clean the dirty one at my leasure.

[Bradley G]

Quick debate, more air flow for bigger power? JLT,
If you want more OEM , look fit And finish, look at the K&N .
The MAF size "tubing" on K&N
Is stock 80 mm.
So if it makes you feel better to lighten your pockets by 2-3 hundo,
Pick one.
If you are in really hot weather, the take off on these rigs with "CAI" really sucks!


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[ledzilla]

Went with the JLT, and it should be arriving tomorrow. And I'm not worried about take off in really hot weather. My MM has always had poor take off in really hot weather, but often would take off like a bat outta hell in the coldest depths of winter. It's kinda picky that way.

I'm looking forward to seeing how it will look under the hood with this installed, and with the custom aluminum coil covers I ordered. And I actually clean up the engine bay. It's filthy. Hasn't had a good cleaning since 2009-2010.

[Bradley G]

Went with the JLT, and it should be arriving tomorrow. And I'm not worried about take off in really hot weather. My MM has always had poor take off in really hot weather, but often would take off like a bat outta hell in the coldest depths of winter. It's kinda picky that way.

I'm looking forward to seeing how it will look under the hood with this installed, and with the custom aluminum coil covers I ordered. And I actually clean up the engine bay. It's filthy. Hasn't had a good cleaning since 2009-2010.
Oh, in cool weather it will deliver the groceries!
Just the trade off is , doggy on really hot days from a dig.
By your comments , you feel the difference between how the car performs in both extremes.

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[ledzilla]

Yeah, so pretty much I don't expect the behavior to really change, but in good enough weather I should feel some small difference, I'd imagine.

[slickster]

When I had k&n every two oil changes I would clean it and it was dirty! Don't see how you can go past that!

[MOTOWN]

When I had k&n every two oil changes I would clean it and it was dirty! Don't see how you can go past that!

Simple use the k&n prefilter sock.

[Catfish]

A lot of it depends on driving conditions. If you're taking that Merc down dirt roads or through construction sites then you might need to clean it every oil change. But in normal driving conditions you should get away with cleaning it every 10k miles. My advice would be to clean it at 5k and if its clean then go to 10k, and so on. If it's dirty at 5k then stay on that schedule. BTW I'm running a K&N CAI but when I was at SEMA last year I was able to compare several filter brands. IMO, Green Filter had the best construction and breathability. If I ever have to replace my K&N I'll be going with them.

[ledzilla]

And this is why I also got the pre-filter with the CAI.

[RKHiPerformance]

JLT all the way. :)