Racor Air Filters vs. K&N?

[Tawney1]

Covington has now completed the rebuilds of our 12-71Tics, and the sea trial is scheduled for Monday, November 5!! They are now recommending Walker Airsep system, but based on all the great information previously posted here, I have declined (price quoted, including 4 hours labor per engine for installation, was right at $1900 per engine).

I have opted for Racor CCVs. Air filter has not been purchased.

Does anyone have any advice concerning Racor air filters vs. K&N? What is the difference? Is one better than the other. The Racor air filters of course will fit the CCV kits, with no needed modifications, etc.

What say you gurus?

Many thanks,

Paul

 

[captddis]

There isn't any difference. Buy whichever is cheaper.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

I installed the K&N's because they were cheaper, but if I remember right, the Racor filters have their own metal housing. This housing would make installation easier and you will not have any problems getting them large enough. The K&Ns will take a little more research to find the proper size and you will have to cut the hole in the end of one to allow for the suction line to be hooked to it.

I think it is a matter of convenience. Pay a little more and have a faster, easier install or pay a little less and do some extra work with the K&N's.

 

[Tawney1]

The Racors do have their own metal housing. I have priced the two, and the Racors do cost a little more. However, the ease of installation, for me, is worth the relatively small difference in price. So, I think I'll go with the Racors.

Many thanks!

Paul

 

[Brian Degulis]

Why would you want to put either system on a fresh rebuild? I've never had them and never saw the need other than on a warn egine that's spewing blow by What am I missing?

Brian

 

[luckydave215]

Why would you want to put either system on a fresh rebuild? I've never had them and never saw the need other than on a warn egine that's spewing blow by What am I missing?

Brian

Abrasive free intake air........

 

[Brian Degulis]

Abrasives from where? Wouldn't a simple filter stop that?

Brian

 

[Trojan]

I don't know about a diesel boat, but I would never use a K&N on a car or motorcycle. They have small holes in the membrain that should not be there. To use them you need an outer auxillary cover.

BILL

 

[REBrueckner]

You can save quite a bit of money by reusing the original DD sock arrangement. No real reason to buy four expensive intake filters. Not as cool looking, to be sure, but fine aboard a boat. RACOR CCV kits with a sleeve can be added to permit convenient connection of the vacuum hose as required.

Once the crankcase breathers to the sock are eliminated, socks stay clean and dry. I've run some on my 8V71TI's for about 7 years/700 hours and they are still clean. No more bumping against them and blackening a TEE shirt!!!!

 

[MikeP]

I used K&Ns when I removed the oem filters and added the CCVs. Re engines, there is no such thing as air that is TOO CLEAN. The cost involved in good filters is miniscule in the boat-maintanance pantheon. And, as Reb pointed out, aftermarket filters LOOK cooler than those DD cans. The DD cans will keep birds out of the engines but that's about it.

THe large black hose curving off to the upper left in the pic goes to the CCV. The pic is a little dark so the air filters don't stand out too well