Looking for a Reuseable Air Filter

1flyfisher · Jan 31, 2011

I have a new 2010 GMC Savana with a 5.3L V-8. This vehicle is used for flyfishing and that involves driving offroad in very dusty conditions.
There are washboard roads with tons of dust and dirt, I also drive sandy conditions SO I WANT first and foremost an air filter that protects the engine.

The AC/Delco disposable air filter for my vehicle is around $30.
That is not cost effective and I would like to get a reusable filter.

Is there anything out there that is reusable that gives good filtration?

Steve S · Jan 31, 2011

Resuable filters aren't used in anything expensive. Heavy construction equipment for example. How often do you change you air filter?

Quest · Jan 31, 2011

none of the reusable air filter would work (in filtering out dust, etc.) as good as OE paper element air filter.

I've used (in the past) K&N filter before in my Mazda B3 block but the moment I realise persistent elevated silicon reading in my oil reports, I thrown it away w/o hesitation.

It's your money and you call. Frankly, none of the re-usable air filter works to my satisfaction so far.

Q.

forcedtalon · Jan 31, 2011

I really like the quality of the AEM dry filters as well as the AFE pro dry. IMO they are the best on the market.

1flyfisher · Jan 31, 2011

Is there nothing out there that is reusable that offers top level of filtration?

I know K&N does not but is there anything else?
Are AFE Pro Dry S any good?
I was looking at those as a reusable that doesn't need to be oiled.

I'd hate to be having to pay $30 every time I need a new air filter when reusable ones would cost me around $65.

1flyfisher · Jan 31, 2011

Does the AFE Pro Dry S offer top quality filtration?
I have seen these but I am unsure as to their filtration abilities.
I have never heard of AEM.....

Originally Posted By: forcedtalon
I really like the quality of the AEM dry filters as well as the AFE pro dry. IMO they are the best on the market.

rshunter · Jan 31, 2011

I use an ITG Air Filters unit in the GTI. They come highly rated and leave no trace of dust past the filter, unlike the numerous stories about the K&N.

Quest · Feb 1, 2011

IMHO the proof can only come from oil analysis (in terms of silicon reading, from dust). Any so-called visual signs of filtering performance reports are, unsubstantiated and can only be taken in as "word of mouth".

If you seriously care about your engine's longevity, get paper filter.

Q.

HTSS_TR · Feb 1, 2011

One guy had UOA with AFE Pro Dry S and he said it showed less silicon than OEM paper filter.

rshunter · Feb 1, 2011

Originally Posted By: Quest
IMHO the proof can only come from oil analysis (in terms of silicon reading, from dust). Any so-called visual signs of filtering performance reports are, unsubstantiated and can only be taken in as "word of mouth".

If you seriously care about your engine's longevity, get paper filter.

Q.

The UK motor industry's MIRA research center did a test of numerous filtration systems and the reticulated foam ITG filters beat everything else. The link I had showing the test is dead, though. It can probably be found if someone cares to take the time to look for it. It wasn't merely an "Oh, look!" test, BTW.

1flyfisher · Feb 1, 2011

Do they make an air filter for a 2010 GMC SAVANA 1500 with a 5.3L V-8? Otherwise it won't matter if they are good or bad if i can't use one.

Originally Posted By: rshunter
Originally Posted By: Quest
IMHO the proof can only come from oil analysis (in terms of silicon reading, from dust). Any so-called visual signs of filtering performance reports are, unsubstantiated and can only be taken in as "word of mouth".

If you seriously care about your engine's longevity, get paper filter.

Q.

The UK motor industry's MIRA research center did a test of numerous filtration systems and the reticulated foam ITG filters beat everything else. The link I had showing the test is dead, though. It can probably be found if someone cares to take the time to look for it. It wasn't merely an "Oh, look!" test, BTW.

rshunter · Feb 2, 2011

Originally Posted By: 1flyfisher
Do they make an air filter for a 2010 GMC SAVANA 1500 with a 5.3L V-8? Otherwise it won't matter if they are good or bad if i can't use one.

ITG is a British company, so their listings for American vehicles is a little spotty. They have a few, but none for the Savana. I've made an inquiry with them to see if they have one that cross-references with the filter you've got. If my info is correct, your filter's specs are:

Style: Radial Seal Outer Air
Height: 13.125
Outer Diameter: 5.400
Inner Diameter Top: Closed
Inner Diameter Bottom: 3.320

Let me know if I've got that right, or not. I'll let you know what I find out, one way or the other.

123Saab · Feb 3, 2011

l have used a "Wet" type of Reusable Filter from http://www.airaid.com/ for around 5 years now in my 00 Cherokee.

They sell "Dry" ones now as well but I have no experience with that type.

Every time I have taken it out for Cleaning the Intake has been absolutely spotless. I live rurally and use gravel roads daily, Including my own long driveway, Lots of Dust.

I have never done an oil analysis, So I have no "Hard" evidence.

Seguino · Feb 3, 2011

Have you got a filter restriction gauge? That is what I would do first. Get every last mile out of the filter you've got, regardless of what kind you decide to use.
Good luck

HTSS_TR · Feb 4, 2011

A couple layers of old/discard pantyhose can double the life of your cylinder air filter. Just change the pantyhose every 2-3 months.

rshunter · Feb 4, 2011

Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
A couple layers of old/discard pantyhose can double the life of your cylinder air filter. Just change the pantyhose every 2-3 months.

That's a very good idea for a pre-filter. You wouldn't even need to change them, just remove and wash off as necessary.

Tornado Red · Feb 12, 2011

Originally Posted By: Seguino
Have you got a filter restriction gauge? That is what I would do first. Get every last mile out of the filter you've got, regardless of what kind you decide to use.
Good luck

This is a very good idea -- a Filter Minder or similar gauge will ensure that you never have to touch the air filter until it is ready to replace.

Even if the replacements cost $30, that is still cheap compared to an engine for a GMC truck. Also, there are online vendors who sell filters for much less than dealerships or auto parts stores.

ARB1977 · Feb 20, 2011

AFE Pro Dry is what I use. Wash it with soap and water and your done.

Clevy · Feb 22, 2011

Amsoil makes a nice airfilter

widman · Feb 22, 2011

If you can squeeze a Donaldson PowerCore under there, it will be the last filter you will ever buy. Not reusable, just impossible to fill up.
This installation is in a Toyota T100 that gets 35,000 miles a year, mostly on dirt roads.

Since the 12 turbines in the front separate about 95% of the dust, in the first 35000 miles only 25 grams of dirt got to the element that holds 1600 grams.

I have one in another Toyota that went 25,000 miles its first year, about half dirt, but very sandy. Only 3 grams got past the turbines.

Looking for a Reuseable Air Filter

Similar threads