As I am new to this game, some advice would be great. The guys at my local dealership reckon that I should change the filter to a KN - saying that it would improve the sound, give better fuel com and a tiny little rise in HP. This sounds like a cheap way to help the engine run smoother, but I have also been told that changing the filter can break the airbox (?). Should I be worried or not, and are the gains from a new filter worth it? Any advice would be great!
oh, mines a MY97 Turbo btw.

ID

Stick with a K+N panel filter, dont go for an induction kit, your car will sound better but will run lean and cause major damage.

There will be no gains with a filter apart from it does what its supposed to do better than a standard one.

Zippy

I ran a K&N replacement element for a while but it gave me uneven idle. I did give a nice induction sound but no noticable power or fuel gains.

Green Cotton Filter, ITG or Stnadard Subaru......

just pulled my ITG out airbox cover in oil ( not good for MAF ) and put a K&N panel filter in

I've used an ITG for a year, with no probs, but I bought a Green yesterday for my wifes car and its MUCH less oily - so probably a better bet..

Mark

i'd never fit an "oil coated/impreganted" filter on my scoob. As the oil is picked up in the passing air flow and can get deposited ver the MAF sensor, causing rough engine running problems and even lead t needing a new sensor, which costs yet more money. For what benefits you get changing from a standard filter, I'd sooner stick with a gen paper one, far simpler.