The argument generally goes ;

"they use <insert your favorite Induction Kit here ie HKS/K&N etc> on racing cars therefore they must improve performance"


the reply is usually "yes they do on 450bhp cars"

What is seldom added is that

1) A racing engine does not do 150,000 miles over 10-15 years. They are usually rebuilt every season if not more!
2) Your car has 265BHP (perhaps even 330)

stock air filter is designed to maximise performance within a specific range whilst maintaining longevity.

You have a stereo that goes to 9 - however, you can't listen to it above 7 becuase it's just too damm loud in your room for humans to stay in there but you now go and buy a stereo that goes to 11...why ? I guess, one way or antoher , it's a NOISE THING....

They are for totally different applications butthere is an awful lot of money to be made selling them to people who really don't give a crap because they only keep their cars for a few years!

 

I have to say I agree with Gary's comments from a performance perspective. I have a FMIC so an aftermarket induction kit is my only option.

I have the HKS kit (inherited) and I'm changing it for the Pipercross carbon enclosed system to combat the heat soak issues.

If the RA retained the TMIC I wouldn't look any further then something like a green panel filter, but probably an OE STI application.

Having said that, people like the look and sound of induction kits and buy them for this reason. People often request pictures of a FMIC and then say "yeah cool, I think I'll get one" without any cosideration given to the engineering and performance pros and cons.

When I read your posts you strike me as a bit of a purist Gary and are concerned with substance over style - a growing majority on the Subaru scene have the antithisis as their motivator, c'est la vie.

 

ive had a HKS suction kit on my 93 wrx for a year and a half. its been good to me so far

 

Does this statement mean that it has simply caused no damage?

What people are trying to say is, how do you know its been good to you?

Craig

 

hasnt blown up yet

 

As long as the car had a/f ratio checked I can't see why it'll damage the engine with HKS ind kit.
I been using on every car I had owned, included Skyline R32 GTR, R34 GTT, EVO 4, EVO 6 and Impreza STI never had a problem.
80% tuned car in Japan using HKS induction kit.

 

Anybody used the K&N induction kit?
It was on my car when i bought it and now im worried.

 

There's no need to be worried unless you have a 99/00 car

We are just discussing whether they improve performance over a panel filter which in my opinion they dont unless they are in big BHP cars.

 

As said earlier. They may well sound good but do they make a positive impact on your car's performance?

 

Jeez!,just let him get on with it

does anyone really care if it goes ****-up?

 

spot on.

 

Me! I haven't experienced Schadenfreude for a while.