Best filter for CAI systems?

[Bowhunter]

PO install an AEM system (+-$400) and also installed the Warn witch wiring to the sheet metal divider.

Original plan was to go back to a stock intake for better air filtration (lot of dusty roads) but after looking at all the wiring I’d need to redo, I’m wondering if there is a good filter I could put on the end of the system? Looking for a filter that would ideally filter as well as the stock system

 

[Camdenst]

You could always get a pre filter or maybe even wrap it that shop vac dust filter. I also believe they make paper cones if you wanted to replace the filter. I would definitely pre filter regardless.

 

[Bowhunter]

You could always get a pre filter or maybe even wrap it that shop vac dust filter. I also believe they make paper cones if you wanted to replace the filter. I would definitely pre filter regardless.

Thanks for the info!

It did come with a pretty beat up pre filter, so I will be getting a new one. Any specific pre filters better than others?

 

[LONGJP2]

Outerwears is a good brand.
Some like foam.
Ideally, you'll want to get one that fits whatever size filter you put on.

 

[macleanflood]

No actual experience... but Nate at Dirt Lifestyle was talking about these...

https://www.sy-klone.com/series9000.html
-Mac

 

[Wildman]

If you are going to keep the CAI then what I've used before is a washable filter that doesn't need to be oiled.

 

[Jezza]

There are quite a few filters out there that are paper and fit a cold air tube. I use the Wix 49143 when I know I am going to be in the dust. I have also used the Windstar and the S2000 air filter. One that works really well is the Wix 46423. It is a bit more expensive and larger than some of the basic paper ones, but has a housing built onto it. It also flows an exceptional 620 CFM which is 3 times more than a stock 4.0 filter.

 

[Bowhunter]

There are quite a few filters out there that are paper and fit a cold air tube. I use the Wix 49143 when I know I am going to be in the dust. I have also used the Windstar and the S2000 air filter. One that works really well is the Wix 46423. It is a bit more expensive and larger than some of the basic paper ones, but has a housing built onto it. It also flows an exceptional 620 CFM which is 3 times more than a stock 4.0 filter.

Thanks for the recommendations!

With the high air flow of the 46423, any concerns with allowing dust partials in the motor? I off-road in a pretty dusty area and have always thought the better a filter flows, the more partials that get past the filter because it’s less restrictive

 

[Bowhunter]

If you are going to keep the CAI then what I've used before is a washable filter that doesn't need to be oiled.

View attachment 426827

First thing that came to mind with that picture: MO POWER!!

 

[Wildman]

First thing that came to mind with that picture: MO POWER!!

I went thru 4 different CAI on that 5.2 trying to find a good one. That Rock It CAI was the hottest thing in 2006 around. Can't really say it worked better than my other CAI's though.

Edit: And I liked the washable filters as then I could clean them as needed. And they seemed to filter OK but can't say if they hindered HP in any way.

 

[MountaineerTom]

A dry filter with an outerwear would be best for your situation.

We have a cold air intake on my wives car that uses a dry washable filter. AFE brand, I think. It’s been on there probably 8 years. I had it off recently and the intake tube was as clean as new. Granted, it doesn’t see dusty roads so that’s why I recommend using some type of outer wear also for something going off road.

Many many years ago, I had an oiled CAI on my truck for just a few years. Had to remove the intake for some other work and noticed the tube and throttle body were dirty and kind of gummy. Switched back to the OEM setup for it at that time.

 

[Bowhunter]

A dry filter with an outerwear would be best for your situation.

We have a cold air intake on my wives car that uses a dry washable filter. AFE brand, I think. It’s been on there probably 8 years. I had it off recently and the intake tube was as clean as new. Granted, it doesn’t see dusty roads so that’s why I recommend using some type of outer wear also for something going off road.

Many many years ago, I had an oiled CAI on my truck for just a few years. Had to remove the intake for some other work and noticed the tube and throttle body were dirty and kind of gummy. Switched back to the OEM setup for it at that time.

Thank you sir!

That’s what’s I’m going order

Love this forum, ask a question and get factual answers!

 

[L J]

I'm using an AFE dry synthetic media filter with a K&N dry charger "pre-filter".

 

[Jezza]

Thanks for the recommendations!

With the high air flow of the 46423, any concerns with allowing dust partials in the motor? I off-road in a pretty dusty area and have always thought the better a filter flows, the more partials that get past the filter because it’s less restrictive

It is made with the same cellulose material as a stock filter, so the filtration is the same. It gets the added cfm from increased surface area. It's a big filter. Definitely check the size before picking one up.

 

[Jezza]

Wix 46637 is another one folks use. Also cellulose and 2x the cfm of stock.

 

[MichaelGH]

I run a large aFe Power Magnum Flow Pro Dry S cone filter with a Filterwears pre-filter sleeve on it…

I drive in some pretty dusty conditions and it hasn’t let me down yet. I can pull the intake tube and run my finger along the inlet of my throttle body and it’s always clean…

 

[TheBoogieman]

That Rock It CAI was the hottest thing in 2006 around.

I thought my Tornado was?

 

[bluescapegoat]

I run an AEM dryflow with a filter sock on mine. Seems to work well enough.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Since there's nothing like a York compressor in the way of preventing you from doing so I'd go back to the OEM air intake system. You won't lose any performance by doing so, none whatsoever.

I had to run a filter like that due to a York compressor being in the way of the OEM air intake system. Placing a sock filter over the top of it didn't help enough, it still passed too much crap into the engine. I added a second filter over the top of the sock, an oiled foam unifilter and it barely helped but it was all I could do. They're pulled back so they can be seen here...

 

[Bowhunter]

Since there's nothing like a York compressor in the way of preventing you from doing so I'd go back to the OEM air intake system. You won't lose any performance by doing so, none whatsoever.

I had to run a filter like that due to a York compressor being in the way of the OEM air intake system. Placing a sock filter over the top of it didn't help enough, it still passed too much crap into the engine. I added a second filter over the top of the sock, an oiled foam unifilter and it barely helped but it was all I could do. They're pulled back so they can be seen here...

View attachment 426883

Thanks for the info Jerry.

If one was to use one of the paper/cellulose filters on the end of the CAI, do you think that would be similar in term of filtration to the stock system?

I wouldn’t mind going back to stock but would need to rewire the warm winch setup (including new wires) and find a place for what I think are the fuses for the warn system. Currently mounted to the sheet metal CAI divider