I just bought a K&N Filter for my recently purchased 1997 Grand Prix GT. I looked at the installation diagram and their instructions seem to suggest that the filter should be installed on the flip-side that the original filter comes installed? It doesn't appear to seal correctly that way so I installed it the same way the old one came out.

Did anyone else notice this or bother to read the instructions? The engine noise seems a little different with a little bit more roar so I want to make sure it's installed correctly. The acceleration doesn't seem any quicker but seems more smooth and even with less lag for some reason.

Also, can you clean these filters with mild soap and water or do we need to use their suggested K&N filter cleaner and oil?

I use mild soap and water on mine and re oil.

HercMan,

Did you install the K&N filter the same way the original one came out?

You have to go to the auto store and buy a K&N super charger kit for like 10$ and it has oil and cleaning solution

I just double checked the air filter again.. it's impossible to install the same way the instructions suggest. Oh well.. go figure, it must be a standard diagram not specific to this make and model.

The side with the pleats sticking out should be facing away from the intake duct so it should go in like the original filter did.

use the recharger kit. They have a cleaner that removes the oil. Let it dry overnight and dont over oil it.

Yea, that's the way I installed it but the instructions showed the filter installed with the pleats sticking out and facing the intake duct.

You will find not a lot of people use the K&N replacement fiter no real performance gain there most use a cone filter in cai or fwi for performance gains and yes use the K&N kit to clean your filter it works the best.

Yea, I really didn't expect a performance gain but I wonder if it will somehow improve gas mileage? It's strange but there's a difference in how it accelerates and sounds.. not a bad thing but sounds and feels slightly different. The engine seems a tad bit louder but the acceleration is more smooth. (that's what made me question too if the air filter was installed correctly). This is my first K&N filter and you can tell it's built strong and made to last that's for sure.

You'll get like 1-2mpg more. The better throttle response is normal especially if your last filter was filthy when you took it out. I put a k&n replacement in the Grand Am when I first got it and never really noticed a difference in sound, but the stock air cleaner on the GP is made alot better.

I didn't use the K&N replacement filter I use a cone set up. Im in the process of doing a DIY CAI. Just have to get the dang coolant bottle relocated so I can build the box.
that pic was taken back in the dead of winter so please excuse the dirt.
[img]http://massclubgp.com/album_pic.php?pic_id=444[/img]

hercman
you know if you take that engine cover off your supercharger wont get as hot and that means more hp. its not a big deal unless you like to show off your engine bay. just a thought

Yes I do take it off in the summer. I leave it on in the winter. Our winter temps here average 10*F

But if you do it will cook the pad that lines the hood. After that it might cook the paint.

I took mine off at the track and thats what happened. not a real pretty sight.