Engine air filter possible issue? High flow air filters

[MustangNoob]

I feel like I want to post this to inform the community. This is about the Steeda pro air filters. This is not a negative review just (serious) observations.

I used engine air filters from Steeda for about 3k miles, where I removed them and cleaning them. Upon cleaning I noticed few things

1) Dirt embedded within cotton​

2) Dirt present in the inner side of the filter​

3) Relatively larger than the normal cotton openings. In the size of pinnhead​

4) Metal mesh hanging in the inner side of filter​

Now regarding the #4 when I installed the filters I didn't noticed anything in particular, but following the cleaning procedure (based on the video they provide) I saw the metal piece hanging. I had to cut it by moving it back and forth and was cut very easily. I'm not sure if any metal was detached and sucked into the cylinder. The question here is what are the chances of possible cylinder contamination from the metal mesh and any potential damages? If a metal part falls into the cylinder would it trigger any check engine light?

Talked to customer service and they will be replacing them.

If you have this particular filters or any filters with metallic mesh Inspect them.

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[MAT1955]

@MustangNoob ..... have heard the same things from several Mustang GT owners this past summer. As well, I have had K&N filters IMO fail on me so many times I wouldn't use them if they were free. FWIW my opinion is the risk of getting virtually no HP gains from any aftermarket filter mods is totally outweighed by the crap they let into the engine. Two best ways to kill an engine are crap oil and crap air filters. Use the OEM air filters you can change them way more than you need to for less money than the aftermarkets and the same for using Ford FULL synthetic oil - its cheap enough to change more frequently than the pricier (and IMO no better) oils.

 

[MustangNoob]

@MAT1955 . Agreed. I already switched to OEM filters.What failure modes did you observe? I mostly worried about the hanging metal part I saw. Have you ever heard any internal damage caused by such cases?

 

[MAT1955]

@MustangNoob ..... agree that any separation of metal parts would be really worrisome. What I have heard is structural failures where the aftermarket filters seemed to get clogged (maybe owners left them in too long because of advertising) then partially collapse letting contaminants past the filter itself and filters that tore releasing their filter media into the induction intakes. That has to be bad. What I have personally witnessed with several brands of aftermarket filters was premature clogging and dust and debris inside the filter and in the internal induction passageways past the filter. Regarding potential engine damage, I do not have any scientific data to support my belief that aftermarket filters could shorten the life of an engine. But I believe dust and debris clogging the filter would cause the engine to draw air harder and dust and dirt that had gotten past the air filters into the intake passageways would be harmful. For, me it's just not worth the downside.

 

[RLE55]

Inquiring minds want to know. In what way are aftermarket air filters better than OEM? I would presume the OEM's have been R&D'd to allow proper air flow (CFM) that relates to the throttle body, as well as filter incoming debris. As has been reported on many forums to include this one, changing out air filters to aftermarket does not significantly improve or increase HP and/or TQ. When will that myth be put to rest????

 

[Skye]

This is a video by Steeda testing three filters. The gains were 2-3 HP. YMMV.

For my '22, I installed the Ford Performance dry, washable filter. By Air Raid, the filter is well made.



I checked Air Raid and Ford Performance for a 2025 filter and could not locate one.

Setting the possible HP and throttle response attributes aside, seeing that I'm keeping the car long-term, I felt it would be cheaper over time to have a washable unit. And, I can clean it any time.

Returning to the topic of filters in-general, I'd stay away from any of the oiled ones. Threads abound of people washing, using too much oil and then having problems with their MAF sensor.

 

[NicoMCH]

I also have the Blue Steeda ones installed on my DH, I have only 200km on it with the Steeda filters, I'll have to monitor how the usage goes. Had K&N filter in my 2015 GT, never had issues with it.
For me, as for Skye, it was more a cost question over time, in order to not have them changed at each service.
But thanks for bringing this up.

 

[decidave8]

Good video starting around the 8th min.

 

[roadpilot]

For normal, everyday driving, there's no appreciable difference, no tangible benefit, but (obviously) increased risks when using an aftermarket air filter. Save your money.

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