K&N Air Filter vs MPG...is this a fluke?

[Radio]

OK guys, this may be just a fluke, but....

Last week I installed a K&N Air Filter on my 07 F-150 (5.4 w/3.55 axle, tow package) I filled up a few days later and today I calculated my MPG on the first tank of gas.

Whereas before I was getting 16.4 mpg on my daily commute my calculation says I got 19.48 on this tank. That's 3 mpg. That's outstanding. That's better than 10%. And that's just the filter, not the intake kit.

So now I'm thinking, is this a fluke or am I on to something?

I'll make a few more calculations over the next few weeks and let you know.

[Bama Rambler]

I hope for you it's not a fluke. if your other filter was pretty clogged you certainly could have gotten that improvement in MPG by changing it.

[NWJeeper]

I've used K&N filters on everythign i've owned from motorcycles to our last motorhome and have never seen an increase in mileage. I think it is just a coincidence. I use them for the ability to be able to clean and re-use them which saves me lots of money on my Jeep as it sees lots of use in very dusty & dirty conditions.

[mtnguy]

Radio, I will be anxious to see if future fill ups produce the same mileage results, or if that was just a variable in the gas pump cut off valve. If you get that kinda of improvement over several tanks, I will have a K&N filter in my 2006 F150 very soon. Keep us posted.

I just thought of something.....that shouldn't void the 3 year, 36k mile factory warranty, would it??

[Radio]

it shouldn't void any warranty (100,000 miles) and I was getting 16.4 mpg from day one. The filter I replaced wasn't all that dirty, it was just time to replace. I'm looking forward to the next two tanks, and will purposefully avoid using the same station/pump twice.

We'll see.

[campingsince68]

I sure hope you (and I) get that type of increase in mileage. I have a 99 Suburban 2500 454 ci w/ 373 rear end and K&N too pulling a 34ft Sierra and the best I can get is 7mpg! without the camper on the road I get 12!!! I dont think I can stand it if I didnt have that K&N!

[rockwood06]

Originally Posted by campingsince68

I sure hope you (and I) get that type of increase in mileage. I have a 99 Suburban 2500 454 ci w/ 373 rear end and K&N too pulling a 34ft Sierra and the best I can get is 7mpg! without the camper on the road I get 12!!! I dont think I can stand it if I didnt have that K&N!

I had a 1994 GMC Surburban 2500 with a 454 and 3:73 rear and the best I could get was 10 mpg with out towing, I am glad it had a 45 gal tank for distance but at the time when I had it, gas was about $1.30 a gal. So I fell your pain. It past everything but the gas station.

[MREZ]

The K&N will flow a bit more air and sometimes on your first tank of fuel you will see MPG gains.The computer will adjust for the increased airflow and you will soon see the MPG back to reality.It is just a tease,A nice one though.I did this a few years ago and I had the same thing happen. Mike

[aintgotnun]

I think I got about .00289% increase in mileage with my Airaide (same concept of K&N)


I'm with NWJeeper. I got my setup because I can clean and reuse. With the miles I've got on mine I've paid for it twice.

[cfsoistman]

I've been using a K & N on my 2004 GrandAm. Prior to installing it I was averaging 28.2 MPG and ever since it has been close to 30.4 MPG. This is pretty much year round. I primarily use this vehicle for work so there not much difference in the speed I travel or the type of road. I also have one in my 2000 Durango and I saw an increase but the exact amount I can't swear because my wife drives it so I really haven't kept close track of it.
I also installed a Bank"s Cold Air intake Kit on my motorhome which includes a K & N filter. The one thing I really noticed is in the response of the gas pedal especially going up long hills. The engine steady pulls me up without having to downshift. This alone has to be better than running around 4k and hearing the gas being sucked through the engine. Better MPG I can't help but think it will be better but percentage wise I'll have to keep track of it after a few fill-ups.