[GM Master Tech]

I don't think you will see any of them provide more power than the stock intake with a K&N panel filter and intake resonator delete.And i wouldnt stake my life on even deleteing the intake resonator will add hp.Also the factory intake does a fairly good job of provideing out side air to the engine.A lot of the after market intakes run on under hood air and temps are high at low speeds.Some will say that dont matter because the engine has a intercooler.Thats not really a true statement.Higher temp incomeing air will make the intercooler less effective.And that = less HP

 

[GM Master Tech]

CAI is best but also keep in mind those can take in water under the right conditions.Large puddles water build up in the road or what have you.Thats one reason i did the intake res delete on my car than put it back to stock and just use a K&N panel filter.Plus other than noise i noticed no real power increase.Its not real likely to injest water.But its a chance i cant take with the wife driveing the car if you hear me.And i can say for sure at least 1 fellow on the board hydro locked and blew his motor like that.Not real likely to happen with me driveing.But the wife behind the wheel is another story.I am not saying dont do it but be careful.And if you have a wife or girl friend that uses the car? That can be a danger in itself

 

[GM Master Tech]

The problem with K&N filters mostly is when they are over oiled.It can contaminate the maf sensor.Also if you drive or live in a area with very dusty type conditions it is possible for some to pass threw the air filter.That being said a K&N is about the same restriction as having no air filter at all installed.At least in any test i have ever seen they out flow all filters.The trade off is make sure there light on oil and there not a good filter for dirty dusty places.In what i would call normal areas and lightly oiled they are fine.I have used them in my own cars for over 30 years with no problems.But i would not use one if i lived in a dust bowl area either.The problem to is no one at this time makes a dry flow replacement air cleaner for the 1.4 but there is one available for the 1.8

 

[GM Master Tech]

Yes i have seen Bobs test.K&N is the best flowing but the worst at filtering.Thats the trade off.Do i think anymore engine wear would be noted in 2 engines with 200,000 mile on them.With both haveing the same oil change times and miles.And 1 with a K&N and 1 with a factory air cleaner.Most likely not anything passing the air cleaner would be far to small to cause any real type of wear or oil contamination.I have seen a number of high mileage engines Useing K&N for there life time.But i can also say i have seen a fair amount of Maf sensor problems to from over oil filters.

 

[GM Master Tech]

The problem is the K&N is the only solution right now for someone that wants a high flow replacement panel air cleaner.I did look for a dry flow i thought it would be cool to have one in the cruze but none is available at this time.For me the K&N was the only solution.The wife uses the car on buisness trips sometimes.I cant risk her behind the wheel with a aftermarket intake.Water build up in the road large puddles or what have you.For me thats protecting my investment in the cruze lol