Air filter K&N or Wix
I put in a K&N filter and the improvement is noticable. I posted my milage on a filter post. The 300 mile trip includes a mountain pass and other steep elevation changes. We normally get 21-23 mpg, but we got 25.6 going, 24.2 returning at 65 mph average speed each way. I made the trip again yesterday and got 26.1 mpg going, average speed 69 mph. My last tank of gas for normal driving around town for 350 miles with a mixture of city and highway driving had a 23.0 mpg average. That is 1.5 mpg better than normal. I attribute this to improved airflow.
I'm pleased with my K&N as well. It was given to me by my stepson, who works at an auto parts store. Otherwise, I would have maybe gone for the dry filter. I really like the mileage improvement this has given me as well as the noticeable better response.
K&N filters are reusable. Totally worth the upfront cost.
if you want a performance oriented filter James Baron Racing sells a dry flow panel filter that's a drop in replacement for most 2012+ Mazda's. They're made by K&N but have no oil whatsoever. They flow better than OEM and they're cleanable. Probably your safest option.
I went with the K&N high flow filter, keeping the cover on. I’ve noticed a bit of a difference, but I’m too scared to take the cover off, as I don’t want particulates in my engine
A filter shouldn't void a warranty, and K&N even offers to fight warranty disputes with dealers who claim the filter did it. The top actually secures the filter in place. You can take it off, but I would check it once a week to be sure it didn't pop off the intake tube. a high flow filter is for increased air flow (easier/faster air intake) and not temp decreases. I have a snorkel and I have NEVER had water on the filter, but I also leave the airbox lid on (my 2013 has a ~1" gap between the hood and bumper that water likes to go through to the engine compartment). Oil coated air filters require you to wash and re-oil them every so often. The oil is what catches most of the dust.
I found a used ABD racing filter and I could feel it with out a doubt. I bought a K&N filter and drilled holes in my box and I say it was a waste.
Not a whole lot of difference, that is until you swiss cheese the air box!
I'm not a believer in K&N. I've always thought of it as being rather gimmicky.
K&N is one of the worst. I run my engine in dusty conditions and was finding oily, dirty crud in my intake with K&N. I ditched it and went back to paper filters.
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