Running unoiled K&Ns?

[Tripps]

I seem to remember that Carpenter recommends/leans toward running without filters to achieve maximum HP. I wouldn't do that myself, might be OK for racers who are constantly rebuilding their engines, but not me. I am installing my Jardines and K&Ns today, my bud who is a motorcycle mechanic is helping me, he suggested either not oiling them, or oiling them with WD-40, or a similar very light oil, for better flow. I know they would probably flow fine for just the Jardines, but I'm hoping to do the Carpenter kit soon. It should at least keep the big chunks out. Anyone done this, or feel strongly either way? BTW, I have a R3T, so I am forced to use the smaller underclaw K&Ns. I also picked up an extra bearclaw, my bud is going to try and fabricate a scoop for it, it won't be true ram air, but it should be better than just underclaw intake.

 

[hegels]

I will strongly recommend oiling them. The idea of the oil is to catch the debris. The filters by themselves are very porous and won't catch much the oil makes up the difference and is crucial for catching debris.

If you want an unoiled filter then amsoil makes a reusable unit that is very nice. I don't know if they make one that will fit but I've got one in my jetta and it's great


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[JRock]

Bad idea.

To run em dry or without the recommended red oil would be like putting an athletic sock over the throttle bodies.
They will pass dirt and F*k up your engine.

 

[Willtill]

I oil mine with the K&N oil and they eventually turn white; and then get dirty. I think the Rocket's massive gulping of air sucks the oil right off of the filter element. I'm not kidding either....

 

[budman]

I keep rain socks on mine all the time

 

[leigh_m_gardner]

+1 (or is it +3?) red oiled KNs with rain socks (or microfibre condoms ... call em what you will)

 

[Tripps]

They came pre-oiled, so I guess my question is irrelevant, for now. But thanks all for your comments.

 

[GPMAZ]

Another note on your bearclaw idea. On the R3T the windshield lowers create a dead air zone around the filters. Any kind of air scoop would be of little use unless you remove the lowers. With mine removed I have noticed a 20-30 degree drop in intake air temps.

 

[Tripps]

Actually, I felt around down there while riding, I'm thinking of something 6" out off the bearclaw, feels like good airflow there.

 

[zenbiker]

Unless you wash them with soap and water, the pre-oiling will remain. If you spray them lightly, the restriction of air flow should be minimal.
I'm having Carpenter do my engine in August but despite the loss of total power, I will not run it without an air filter. I can think of so many situations like passing highway construction sites when gobs of fine dust had to be ridden through. Bob told me he's never seen a problem without the air cleaner but plain common sense dictates that sucking in fine cement dust or other silicates will not improve your engine's longevity!