Ok, so I know this is a year long topic and many already have conclusions on it. But I can't find any topic about this anymore. So here it goes:

If the price is not a concern, which is one is the best in terms of gains and durability:

-K&N (which part number? 20026?)

-Comptech

- Spoon

And what are the average life span of these filters? Can I run them with no intake box cover?

 

I would think that the K&N is the most durable as they have a million mile warranty on all of their filters...I have filter model no. RU-2710 mounted on the stock elbow. The Comptech and Spoon filters are going to be higher maintenance and higher priced...and probably not offer any more performance than a $35 K&N... You can run any of them with no cover, but the heat in the engine bay is going to eliminate any gains you get from leaving the cover off.

 

Foam and cotton filters (like comptech or K&N) can be cleaned whenever you want, and they'll probably last longer than your car if you take care of them. Foam filters recommend cleaning more often than cotton (K&N), if you just want the filter, K&N is the easy way to go.

 

I've had the Comptech foam filter for about 2 years now with no problems or any signs of wear. It still looks good and still feels new like the day I got it. I'm very pleased with the quality and fit

as for gains, it's very much debated. some say that foam is better in terms of more airflow, but that it also filters less as a result.

 

K&N is a nice unit.. Just stay away from the HKS Dirt Flow drop in filters

 

K&N- I wouldn't get it because I'm lazy and wouldn't want to modify the stock filter

Comptech- I would get this, I remember somebody posted a dyno of I think at least a 1-2hp gain across the board

Spoon- Someone on this board said that they lost hp with this overpriced filter

I wouldn't run with the airbox cover off as someone else stated, but it sounds awesome though.


[Modified by Gotenks, 8:45 AM 9/2/2001]

 

Comptech Because its cheaper than Spoons and Easier to install than the K&N (No modifying of factory filter)

 

I like the Comptech. It takes longer to fill the tank with gas than to install one of these!! Very easy and pays for itself over time (Only $20 more than stock filter and lasts four times as long). The car feels like it breathes easier and power comes easier. Any gains in HP? minimal. I did it mainly for cost.