| Does anyone know where to buy K+N filters from? (12/99) |
| I just got mine from Dealer Alternative, though I had some problems with the credit card (went on for about a month...) (12/99) |
| http://www.knfilters.co.uk/kn_hi/kn_hi.htm They're based in Warrington, but do mail order (12/99) |
| I can happily recommend http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/ very helpful and normally next day delivery. The do both the K&N replacement for the standard filter and a performance kit. (12/99) |
| Forget the K&N's - try a Piper Cross Filter for around #70-#80 complete with brackets, fitting instructions etc - Call 01604 494945 - (Northampton) they should be just about in production now (12/99) |
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I'm currently enquiring about air filters. I can't afford a JR CAI, so the choice is either between a k & n 57i kit for about 65 quid or a Piper X, I want the Piper X, but after phoning piper they told me the price is 120 quid, due to the fact that the kit has a heat sheild and lots of other gubbings. So... How good are these two systems, anyone have either of them..do they make a difference? Obviously the piper is twice as expensive as the K & N, but is the heat sheild worth the extra 60 quid? Reading back emails of others, the Piper has given an extra 4hp and 10 NM torque on rolling road on his 5. Advice, comments please, my current air filter is standard and choking on soot and dirt. (1/00) |
| Last time I looked the K&N 57i kit was about 200 quid - are you sure its not 65 for the air filter only, rather than the whole induction kit (as per the Piper X kit) (1/00) |
| Put the K&N on my 1.6 1990 Roadster , looks nice , sounds "better" when adding preasure with the right foot , think there is an improvement in performance as well but that might just be me. Very easy to install , about 2 hours. (1/00) |
| I checked with Scimitar on this; its pretty much the old 57i kit, which was made in the US, now made in the UK, so a hell of a lot cheaper, ie. big cone filter, airflow meter adaptor, bracket to support the whle caboodle (which incidently fractured on my Japanese version of the K&N kit (labelled as "M's K&N). The "cold air" bit though seems to be a bit of hose you dangle by the filter. Scimitar told me there's no actual heat shield with it, but they are getting one of their engineers to look at fabricating their own (its just a bit of bent metal sheet after all). I also recall they were looking for owners of different year cars to contact them as they wanted to ensure the kit fitted all years ok (might be possibility of a free filter, or at least something at cost...). (1/00) |
| 65 from scimitar int. (http://www.mx5parts.co.uk) but only for 1.6 with square intake. Which is bugger all use for me on a 1.8 '96 model. They have been advertising kits for later models for ages but no sign. Oh Well (1/00) |
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Air Filters/CAI 1. K&N air filters Contact Chris Smith at K&N Europe office at
kn@kn.u-net.com 2. Prima racing (Renault Racing Tuning) ".and after bit of measuring and working out HP filter requirements. They came up with an Induction filter that fits straight on to the airflow meter for up to180 HP. This combined with a 2.5 inch plastic hose from the front of the car, up past the radiator and then exiting to the side of the induction filter for cold air. Result: An unbelievable difference, the car pulls like train so quickly through the revs and for top speed I stopped at 128mph Cost: 35 for Induction air filter. Contact: Yves (eve) at Green Air Filters, Nottingham. 0115-949-9181" Tony Jennings tonyjenn@globalnet.co.uk 3. Racing beat CAI http://www.redfire.com/crazyred/cri/pages/intakes.vs 4. Jackson Racing CAI http://www.geocities.com/MotorCity/Boulevard/5417/CAI.html 5. New Zealand CAI Loch Stewart's which comes out by the windscreen; noisy?? 6. Crazy Red CAI http://www.redfire.com/crazyred/cri/pages/intakes.vs 7. John Cookson's DIY CAI 8. http://www.autospeed.com/A_0009/P_1/article.html homemade one on aussie performance mag 9. Brad Frank's CAI http://www.spiritone.com/~bfranks/cai 10. Russ in US for Mk2 (but behind radiator so not CAI) http://hometown.aol.com/eunosroadster99/myhomepage/auto.html http://www.yourmiata.com/zbigpics/max.htm 11. PiperX CAI http://freespace.virgin.net/phil.tate/mx5.htm Available for both 1.6 (pre 94 and after) and 1.8 models. I had the first one fitted to my 1995 1.8iS. Phil had the second fitted to his 1.6SE last week.There kits will be available shortly for approximately 70-80 pounds and completely replaces the original ugly air box and filter. in the Kit you will get all necessary fittings, nuts and bolts brackets etc with a neat heat shield to keep hot air away (from exhaust) and a thumping great cone type foam filter. (also extra pipework for early 1.6's). As far as performance goes, we dyno'd before and after fitting the filter, these are the results. A bog standard 1.8iS should push out 131BHP with 155nm torque. Prior to fitting the piperX, it was actually developing 144BHP and 166nm torque. (Scorpion Exhaust, plug leads, K&N replacement 'performance' filter, 14 degrees Timing etc). Following fitting the power had risen to 148BHP and 177nm torque! The car now 'feels' a lot quicker and livelier, (I know, it always does when you try something new), the exhaust note is perhaps a fraction louder but is noticeably deeper. The torque figures impressed me though, with a small increase in BHP ( a CAT replacement pipe may take me to the 150BHP target before Xmas!) (1/00) |
| Where can I buy the Piper X air filter kit, the new one with the heat sheild as tested by 2 guys of this list...and how much is it..? (1/00) |
| Piper cross are in Northampton. The number is 01604 671100 or 01604 494945. (1/00) |
| I have the Japanese version of the K&N 57i; its the same except there's no air trunking. The filter adaptor fits onto the end of the air flow meter, and is secure by a jubilee clip. The adaptor is supported by a simple bracket that fixes into an existing tapped hole on the inner wing (on mine, this eventually sheared....). The version I have has a metal heat shield to go in between the filter and exhaust manifold. My understanding is that the K&N kit sold by MX5parts (£65), is UK made and different from the version previously sold by other retailers (£200+, US made), and does not come with this heat shielding. It's easy enough to make, just being a bent piece of metal sheeting that attaches via 2 tapped holes on the inner wing. The filter merely slots over the end of the adaptor and is secured by another jubilee clip. Don't forget to disconnect the AFM before you do all this; its easy enough to snag and pull a wire. The plug is held in place on the AFM by a metal clip which pises off, NOT by the screws you see. On mine the lead length means it ends up draping across the filter. This might be different in other cars though. I guess most of your time is going to be spent yanking out the stock airbox. (3/00) |
| Can any body please help I have just fitted my K&N 57i kit to my 91 mx5 but I cant get my car to continue running. I have followed all of the instructions and all that is happening is that the car will run for a few seconds and then dies with like a click click sound from under the bonnet. The only thing I have done that was not mentioned in the instructions was that I had to move a bracket just to the left of the diagnostic plug as you look from the side of the car, it holds a box with connectors to it and is enclosed in a type of cage. (2/00) |
| Check the air meter connector :-) (2/00) |
| Check the plug on the airflow-meter. (2/00) |
| I have tried that connector and all seems secure do you have any other ideas? (2/00) |
| This sounds like your dim-dip resistor. As long as it gets enough cooling it doesn't matter what you do with it. Mine is throwing around somewhere, probably secured with a wire fastener off a loaf of sliced white. Simon Knapton's has a natty polished chrome finish. All I can add is what everyone else says; check and recheck you connection to the AFM. If it really does look OK then either the AFM is hosed internally or you've got a loom break somewhere. Buzz out the wires going back to the ECU. (2/00) |
| If all the connections to the AFM are solid then somehow you've got a fault (probably bad connection again!) internal to the AFM. But my money is still on either a bad connection in the plug or a wire off in either the plug or the socket. Do you have a meter if so I'm sure someone can tell you normal resistance readings for the AFM connections. If that look good them buzz between the AFM plug and the wires in the connectors at the ECU end. Should only take you 30 mins to pin down the area of the fault. (2/00) |
| Crazy idea but...are you sure the Air Flow Meter is the right way around - arrow pointing away from the filter towards the throttle body. (2/00) |
| You were all correct it was the connector at the air flow meter. WARNING EVERYBODY !!!!!!The problem was that it says in the fitting instruction remove the harness plug I tried to pull it out when that failed I tried the two screws WRONG. After removing the top of the AFM I found I had put the socket back in at an angle and the contactor for the fuel pump had gone to the wrong side preventing the switch from working and also stopping the air flow measuring plate from turning past 30 cm. (2/00) |
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The problem was that it says in the fitting instruction remove the harness plug I tried to pull it out when that failed I tried the two screws WRONG. A few people have tried that in the past. The particularly determined have managed to break wires inside the AFM. :-( Those clips are easy once you know how, but are still a struggle when in an odd position. (2/00) |
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I am considering getting a K&N air filter fitted and I have a couple of questions that I hope someone can help me with. 1) Do you need to tell your insurance,I gather they increase bhp but not engine size, is it wise to tell the insurance company anyway? 2) How easy are they to fit, my cars due for a 60k service soonish, if the air filter is replaced in this service anyway I would assume that it wouldn't cost me any more to get a K&N fitted. Or are they that easy to fit that even I could do it? 3) What do they cost approx and where can I get one from? 4) What are the advantages of getting one fitted, the other half is telling me they make the engine sound even sweeter (is that possible?). (4/00) |
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First of all, there are two types. A drop in replacement and a kit. 1:) If you go for the drop in replacement then basically it is just a non OEM a filter. The kit is a modification, so you should tell your insurance company (mine said no extra premium). 2:) The drop in replacement is dead easy, about two minutes. I didn't buy the kit in the end, so I don't know how easy that is to fit. If you go for the replacement one, then get it before the service (an OEM filter costs about the same). 3:) They are available from http://www.mx5parts.co.uk/ they cost (from memory) 25-30 quid for the replacement, 60-70 quid for the kit. 4:) Yes, they let it "breath more easily" :-). Replacement 57i Kit Can't comment from experience, but I guess the same as above but better bHp. You might like to consider new plug leads if your current ones are also 60k old. I can recommend the Magnecore 8.5mm ones. Available direct from the manufacture with an OC discount. http://www.knfilters.co.uk/kn_hi/kn_hi.htm http://www.magnecor.co.uk/ (4/00) |
| Just replaced mine (panel filter on a 1.8iS MkI) Took a few minutes to fit as it is a straight replacement for the original - is this what you meant or were you asking about the cold air jobby? The straight forward replacement I got from Scimitar International (02392474484) I had to wait a while as K&N had messed up some deliveries (others I phoned did not have them in stock at the time either) Scimitar were the cheapest I found.31 incl Vat + Delivery The box claims (its American so it must be true) that it does not invalidate the warranty as it is a straight replacement, I have made the same assumption with insurance so haven't bothered to tell them.Although it is supposed to breathe better I can't say I have noticed much of a change! Still it is supposed to last 1M miles! (4/00) |
| Yep just got mine through as well, so thanks to Val and team at Scimitar for that. Straight panel filter for a MK2 just as a way to keep the service cost down a tiny bit each time and let the engine 'breathe more easily' better I'm sure than sticking a 'Tune' infront of the air intake anyway! May consider something more exotic once out of warranty - all the joys of a 3 yr factory warranty :-) (4/00) |
| And having the box on my desk next to me allows me to look through the warranty given and it doesn't exclude the changing of car in the 1m mile warranty. Does ask for car details to validate the warranty so that could be the get out clause. (4/00) |
| Just make sure the garage knows its a K&N, and doesn't try and clean it with compressed air (I discovered my garage did this with my cone filter.) (4/00) |
| A quick inspection of my '90 Roadster revealed a "Fortenza Performance Air Filter" Looks similar to a Pipercross/Ramair (foam) Am I OK just to wash this, or will I need to oil, or add some sort of fabric conditioner (Lenor)? (5/00) |
| Wash and oil with some air filter spray that can be bought at most bike shops. (5/00) |
| I just fitted the MK2 Blitz air filter kit from Japan. It's a beautiful stainless steel mesh and very well made. Took about 60 minutes to fit, and cost 185 (not cheap!). It's added noticeable punch at the top end (the fitted Mazdaspeed exhaust system probably helps, too). The real bonus (and a big shock when I first booted it) is a deep, rippling roar from the exhaust at anything more than half throttle. It sounds tremendous. (5/00) |
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I have just fitted the K+N CAI 57i kit - well just the clamping brackets and cone filter, as for the bit of bendy pipe I need some advice ! I'm very aware that the cone filter sits right next to the exhaust manifold cover. K&N describe a fitting procedure for the black pipe which disables the use of the bonnet support (very handy !). But Scimitar International (www.mx5parts.co.uk) told me not to bother fitting the pipe as no real improvement will be felt over the K&N filter itself. Does anyone have any comments on this ? Other experience of fitting the black bendy pipe through any other route ? I would also just like to say that I've been a very proud Roadster owner for 2 months and cars just dont get any better than this ! (7/00) |
| Spoke to my girlfriend's brother who is a car mechanic who fits K+N cones to 4x4s and seems to know a bit about these things. He agrees with Scimitar in that there is no worthwhile extra benefit to the bendy pipe thing fitted as recommended (unless going over 150mph :o)). I fitted it to another car routing it under the bonnet support. This crimps it to about half it's usual diameter. You could still route it over the support and when you needed to work under the bonnet for any length of time just cut the pipe ties and put some new ones on after, they are v. cheap to buy. Otherwise use it as a didjeridoo... (7/00) |
| You can unclip your bonnet stay put a couple of rings of velcro around it and you will find it sticks to the panel inside the boot behind the number plate (7/00) |
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I got one and put it on about 3 weeks ago. I'm very aware that the cone filter sits right next to the exhaust manifold cover. K&N describe a fitting procedure for the black pipe which disables the use of the bonnet support (very handy !). But I bought the Moss bonnet lift kit and used that to replace the bonnet stave. The only problem was that the hole they say it should be attached to does not exist, so I had to use one of the bolts for the washer motor. Scimitar International (www.mx5parts.co.uk) told me not to bother fitting the pipe as no real improvement will be felt over the K&N filter itself. I fitted the hose, so I do not know what it was like without. The only catch was that the first time I closed the bonnet it crushed the hose slightly. Aside from this there were no real problems. By having it there I do know that cool air from just in front of the car is being forced through into the engine bay and onto the filter cone. To me this can not be a bad thing. (7/00) |
| Anyone who has this filter and has fitted the hose to direct air to the filter, beware ! I noticed a burning smell yesterday, pulled over, lifted the bonnet and found the black plastic cover had fallen off the hose and melted onto the manifold. It might not have melted if the heat shield was fitted, but still. (5/01) |
| I know I feared that happening when I first installed mine, especially as the hose would bounce of the engine block, so I used another plastic locking strip to secure it to a pipe by the engine block. (5/01) |
| Mine was secured by several cable ties, so it was fairly stable, but I suppose all the bouncing around managed to dislodge it over time.(5/01) |