L5P with K&N air filter

[chessy56]

Anyone running a K&N 33-5065 air filter or an aFe 30-10275 (Magnum Flow) with a L5P Duramax? I've got 67K miles on my original and I'm starting to see P140B codes (it is dirty!).
Any preference between the K&N vs. aFe products?

[jbplock]

Back in 2004 Arlen Spicer organized a test of various LB7 Duramax air filters. I compiled the results for Arlen and created the report in the following link which has since floated around the internet. Per the results the LB7 version of the K&N didn't do too well. Based on these test results I've stuck with the AC Delco Air filter for my 03 LB7 which is still going strong. :)


ISO 5011 Duramax Air Filter Test (http://www.billswebspace.com/AirFilterTest.htm)

[chessy56]

Thanks for the data- interesting read. I ran the K&N in my '01 LB7 for the majority of the 16 years I had it. Generally, it worked OK, but I did notice that there were tiny pores evident in the filter after it was washed/oiled (i.e., you blocked the sun with the filter and saw tiny points of light through it). This suggested that either it was just old and needed replacement or there was always plenty of room for dirt to pass until it was loaded with crap. The current info I'm finding on AES suggests they are somewhat better, especially the 7 layer reusable ones. Problem is, I can't find a lot of stuff readily available for the L5P engines yet- including the OEM paper filter! All of these things are special order as no one stocks them (maybe the dealership, which is going to hose us on pricing....). Thanks again.

[jbplock]

.. I ran the K&N in my '01 LB7 for the majority of the 16 years I had it. .


Cheesy, I noticed your signature indicates you achieved 440k miles with your 01 LB7 and the K&N. Can't argue with those results. It's also good news for my 03 LB7 which I bought new in October 2002 and is currently at 132kmi. I'm putting about 5kmi per year on mine so at my current age of 64 my daughter will likely take away my keys and license from me before my truck comes close to your 440k miles :)

[More Power]

(i.e., you blocked the sun with the filter and saw tiny points of light through it)
The K&Ns I've looked at all appeared that way when new.

K&N has made its bread and butter on performance - free flowing air filters. I think generally, they do just that. And, like your experience, most pavement pounders live long lives with a K&N because they don't see that much dust.

I've used AFE filters, and still have one on my Lil Red Project (https://www.thedieselpage.com/features/project2-16.htm). You cannot see "points of light" through that filter, and AFE offers oiled gauze filters having a couple different levels of filtering ability for those who worry about such things.

JP is correct though, the stock paper filter is pretty hard to beat for its all-around performance.

[chessy56]

There's a bunch of interesting stuff on filter comparisons, but some of the highly touted brands still don't have anything for the L5P. I was looking at the AFE Proguard 7 but there's nothing yet for the L5P (something about squeezing 7 layers of cotton/syth material together). Several want to steer you towards their filter/air box combo, which would defeat my air induction system. I'd just settle for a "good" replacement element as I don't see myself requiring additional HP at 2500 RPM. For now, I think the prudent thing to do is take my time sifting through all the hype and just opt for a stock A3231C paper type- if I can find a store that stocks them!

JP: Hide your keys!!!;)