A mate of mine insists that a K&N pannel filter will give better performance than a POD filter. Any one know the differnce? Also is there much point in installing any filters with just a stock exhust?

please use the search function

for subaru's any oiled k&n filter be it pod or panel will screw your afm

any pod filter will flow more than a panel filter in the standard box

more airflow into the engine should be accompanied by a free-er flowing exhaust and an ecu re-map to prevent it from leaning out

pod filters work best when they are enclosed from the hot air from under the bonnet

having said that if you have a stock exhaust/turbo/ecu etc you would be better off leaving the standard paper filter in there to prevent lean-outs or stuffing your afm

If the pod is installed in the engine bay without a shield / airbox it'll draw in hot air and can actually make the engine lose power.

A panel filter (especially with a cold air intake to replace the intake silencer) is a cheap and easy way to get better flow and ensure cold air is being sucked in as opposed to hot air from the engine bay.

So Panel+Cold Air > Pod in engine bay*

* Heaps of people still go the pod in engine bay option - it's easy and cheap, gives you that great induction sound, improves throttle response (when cold anyway) only draws in hot air when stationary or in really hot weather etc...

But a properly installed pod in the guard (APS or similar) should give the best performance.

Do you need it? Probably not and run the risk of AFM issues or engine issues due to running lean.

so sorry to waste your precious time pms.

Thanks to everyone else

FFS, its not that hard!!

I did a search....and within about 60 seconds I found the following tech threads on air filters.. What else do you need to know!?

http://www.perth-wrx.com/vb/general-subaru-discussion/19184-3a-racing-pod-filter-cheap-nasty.html

http://www.perth-wrx.com/vb/mechanicals/18149-resenectomy-mod.html

http://www.perth-wrx.com/vb/mechanicals/15321-more-power.html

http://www.perth-wrx.com/vb/mechanicals/14734-k-n-panel-filter-cleaning.html

http://www.perth-wrx.com/vb/general-subaru-discussion/14181-cai-guard-vs-pod-engine-bay.html

http://www.perth-wrx.com/vb/mechanicals/8841-air-filters.html

http://www.perth-wrx.com/vb/general-subaru-discussion/7240-apexi-power-intake.html

http://www.perth-wrx.com/vb/general-subaru-discussion/6657-air-induction-system-yes-no.html

http://www.perth-wrx.com/vb/mechanicals/4687-air-filter-question.html

http://www.perth-wrx.com/vb/mechanicals/2775-air-filters-last-time-promise.html

http://www.perth-wrx.com/vb/general-subaru-discussion/2150-aps-cai.html

I know it seems really really annoying to you when someone asks you to search, after you've asked a legitimate question. BUT, you need to realise that its annoying when you see the same questions asked hundreds and hundreds of times.

If I'm researching something on the internet, I'm the type of person that searches the www, then searches specific forums....and then if I can't find what I'm after, I start a thread.

I've never had to be told to use the search. I dunno if its just my style of research and thinking, but shit, its just common sense isn't it??