How Performance Air Filters Are Made - K&N Filters Factory Tour

We take a factory tour of K&N Performance Air Filters to see how air filters and intakes are made.
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[@speedacademy]

Who here uses K&N filters and how do you like them?

[@NolanGrieb]

I have one in my 04 4runner. i guess it works well? i like that it's washable

[@TheCatMurray]

I've one of those K&N rotomolded intakes on my own ASS2000, it's really a decent piece. It fits well, sounds good and (supposedly) makes a wee bit of power. Thanks for the cool video, surprised theres so much hands on work involved

[@OlderthanIlookyoungerthanIfeel]

On some cars you notice real power gains from using these filters , on most cars you just notice an increase in throttle response . With a car that shows fuel economy , you can see the biggest reason for using these filters . I had a 2007 Pontiac that i was able to beat the claimed fuel economy by quite a bit , if i remember they said it could get 7.3 litres per 100 km i was able to get my average down to 5.7 litres per 100km with a K&N filter .

[@thenewnormal8853]

Speed Academy Been using K&N for years on all my vehicles including my ATV's and street bikes. I want to try a DNA filter on the street bike after watching a video on the difference between the two. Still not sure if it's going to make enough of a change to justify spending twice the $$ though

[@bchnts]

Speed Academy I used k&n for a long time but I switched to dna filters they are way better

[@boomshakalaka4651]

I use k&n filters on my air conditioning because race car

[@spamcatchington1771]

Drink every time Dave says "literally" Fuck I can barely walk.

[@TomO-if7nh]

I can't afford that much alcohol.

[@AgtX999]

Jackie N drink every time he finishes a sentence with an upward inflection

[@Sacsovann]

I love seeing these factory tours. Never knew AEM was made alongside K&N

[@brandoncaldwell95]

Sacsovann Yos Just a company name like GM with multiple products..... even though GM just sold opel..

[@yeesenchai]

Sacsovann Yos Used to be separate company I believe then bought over by K&N

[@AgtX999]

Sacsovann Yos i never knew i was watching the k&n factory video until the end cause it sounded like he was saying Cannon, cannon filters

[@All2Skitzd]

I know, I thought AEM was more respectable of a brand then that

[@gearhead4005]

I didn't know spectre was a k&n product

[@mondomoleno.3404]

I was just thinking the other day "Speed Academy should do a K&N shop tour." And here we are. Some people might complain that this is basically just advertising, but I think of it as the How It's Made episodes I always wanted discovery to run.

[@All2Skitzd]

How it's made did go to K&N and it was the worst episode ever. At the time I had never really seen what the filter was all about and I was wanting too see how it was made then they like can't go in the manufacturing area because of trade secrets and thats when I had to just get a hold of one to cut it open

[@GearsandGasoline]

This was awesome! Thanks for showing us how it's made! Definitely learned something!

[@mark821ification]

to be honest I thought it would be way more hightech

[@oblvr8]

hotpocketpoison they all say that until you suck your 20 dollar pod filter into your turbo and destroy everything lol

[@zandern9489]

Love them! Been using on every car and now the kids do as well. Very informative video! Thank you for doing this. Watching them do so many manual processes and keeping people employed and all the R&D, justifies the cost.

[@EK4B16A2]

Hey guys, you are actually putting together really cool videos. Much appreciated.

[@bobbyross2023]

Factory tours like this are really cool to watch, please do more :D

[@MuzzaMiki]

Very informative love how much work is put into making these.. quality!!

[@grendelum]

More factory tours please !! I _really_ liked the Stop◎Tech tour with Mr. Wu explaining all the R&D !!

[@gmax876]

So awesome! thanks for the tour...

[@ashtonhironaka2474]

Thanks for this great video! I have 5 vehicles that have k&n engine filters and cabin filters and some specture filters, good to know that they all come from the same factory. 😀

[@speedacademy]

Great to hear!

[@nighthawk0077]

Been using K&N in all my vehicles over the past 15 years (my current one actually needs two - twin intakes/TBs) These filters are a bit pricey, but always deliver good results. On turbo charged engines you get faster spool and better throttle response with NA.

[@party_boy69]

always so impressed with your content boys!

[@EmbraceMaking]

Nice work, I love seeing the manufacturing process!

[@TMVinyl]

Great video. Always good to see manufactures behind the scenes

[@speedobsession_]

Good to know my K&N pannel filter has had a load of R&D to make a great product, Great video guy's.

[@john8451]

It still doesn’t filter all the crap,out of the air though, does it?😡

[@richb.4374]

I use one on my Sportster and on my truck. Both improved the breathing of the engines over the stock restrictive air filters. Improved throttle response and a slight increase in fuel mileage. Much better than throw away paper elements.

[@walt350z]

Awesome video guys. Very educational

[@corbaneells3997]

I love K&N filters! I do rebuild engines for a living though. ;)

[@Hutchy86]

I’m very interested to hear your take on these filters damaging engines by letting too many particles in. Or is this BS?

[@corbaneells3997]

@@Hutchy86 I would not use them in front of an engine that I was going to daily drive and possibly neglect.

[@Hutchy86]

@@corbaneells3997 so are you saying you have seen these wreck engines?

[@corbaneells3997]

@@Hutchy86 Yes. They can't be neglected like oiled foam can. Dirt will wind up on the clean side. Foam won't pass any dirt, until it rots away. Paper does a good job, but hates water or oil contamination and cam't be cleaned.

[@Hutchy86]

@@corbaneells3997 appreciate that 👍

[@rickreid81]

Now that was Amazing! It was great seeing where my air filters are made!

[@montyshelby]

Now that's freaking awesome nice job buddy thanks

[@MarkCalica]

This is awesome... not made international. I'll be supporting these companies...

[@luisk6007]

Nicely done and interesting video

[@mylifeisJDM]

That was really interesting. Thanks guys.

[@ChaseHoffman]

WHO NEEDS A FILTER ANYWAYS. OPEN ITBS FOR LIFE!

[@solid_king1155]

Chase Hoffman Wow. you so smart and cool, wish I was you!

[@ChaseHoffman]

Kai Johannessen thanks dude i get my smarty sauce from these smarty books in school. Stay in scool kidz

[@namechef7344]

Chase Hoffman at least put a fabric softener sheet over your throttle body lol

[@spera438]

haha, that's a good one.

[@rdmech1692]

Awesome video once again guys! Very cool how they are made and yet so simple. Good to see mostly human workers in the factory too. We always recommend K&N filters to our customers, because why wouldn't you want a lifetime warranty! 😆

[@VOYC65]

Very educational.... and they are a great product!

[@SebastianOutzen]

Love these videos!

[@RJCoAustralia]

Cool video guys!

[@BobbyGeneric145]

I knew Norm and raced for his shop as a kid in the 80s. First team jersey I ever got and I felt so awesome wearing it.

[@newtypena]

Way cool guys! Always wondered how those filters were made and pressed into those neat little zig zag patterns.

[@DavidCheung]

Thanks for the very interesting video. Never knew AEM was owned by K&N. Learned something new today.

[@brandoncaldwell95]

David Cheung AEM, Air Raid, and Spectre are K&N owned. Just the price you want to pay..

[@BrandonK80]

Great video guys! You should do more of these.

[@chrispulham4779]

Just put a K&N in my Royal Enfield INTERCEPTOR, very pleased with the results !

[@vincevegacustoms8860]

thanks for showing us how they make the filters,bunch of friends having souper here,we are looking to invest to start air filter production,now we have the receipe thanks!

[@eamis7792]

wasnt expecting aem and airraid to be part of k&n thats. thats pretty cool how they are made

[@brandoncaldwell95]

Justin Sayle forgot spectre

[@RobertKohut]

Nice! I was shocked to find out Airaid had the filters made by K&N!!!

[@danpye8633]

Good one boys. Tres informative.

[@UndergroundTrev]

I have a K&N filter on every car I own. I didn't know K&N owned those other brands, especially Spectre. I wonder if there is any difference in quality between the brands. I know some are oiled and some are dry. This factory tour could easily go into a lot more detail. As always, I love when you guys do these factory tour videos! Thanks!

[@OverlandTT]

Nice tour!

[@Filthymotorsports]

Had no idea they were hand made. Very cool!

[@justinv3080]

I'll tell you why my mind is blown... They have all this really nice equipment and process but cotton gauze hasn't changed since the 60s. It was a leading material at the time, now it is terrible in dust efficiency compared to cellulose we have available. The Amsoil filters were really high efficiency and so are the AEM dry flo, but I don't know if they are still in production because the media is expensive. Cotton gauze is an antique

[@chandlerbraaten847]

Justin Miller cheap and does the job. I doubt anyone is blowing engines because of a 4 percent decrease in filtration. you have bigger things to worry about.

[@KNfilters]

Justin, check out our website for more info on K&N filtration efficiency: www.knfilters.com/efficiency_testing.htm

[@CanadaBud23]

You watched the video right. you should know. There's a lot of industries where cotton is still widely used like in central air systems and ventilation in manufacturing. It's not that bad and it renewable. That small margin you let in is better than a completely plugged filter or hole that can let a lot of big shit in. You saw AEM is made by K&N.

[@Dia1Up]

You have a great presentation style

[@Random_cam.]

So AEM and K&N are literally the same filter? This was one of the most informative videos I've seen on products I use all the time. I use K&N filters in both of my cars.

[@based_will]

nice. didn't know it was all American hand made. love my air intake system in my 05 GTO!

[@victoroliveira3256]

This was cool

[@SuperEvoIX]

I love to see where is my airfilter coming from. Another more proudly to have an american product in my car. Greetings from Switzerland, Marcel :-)

[@Coondawgwoopwoop]

This LITTERALLY so cool! =P

[@namechef7344]

I use a K&N FIPK on my pick up and she breathes so good, it make a beautiful inhaling gulping sound when you give it gas. it's gotta be the simplest yet most effective way to let your vehicle breathe and gain power and fuel economy.

[@fernisanchez2590]

haha that moment when you see yourself working in there. yes I work at k&n

[@speedacademy]

Awesome!

[@wheelitzr2]

you just broke the cold air intake fan boys hearts by telling them all the different air filters are made by the same company.

[@piecartbox]

MOAR OF THIS.... ID factory tour and this will get you views

[@BIGGELATO]

I bought a drop-in K&N filter for my car and felt an immediate difference. Car breathes better. Now I need a high-flow cat to match the flow

[@Loyal_Honda_Fan]

my vtec boy will be more than glad to get a K&N filter ;)

[@boboonthebobo]

everyone with a k&n filter should watch this video.. you can lean how to oil your filter the right way

[@DanBrando]

@Speed Academy. Great awesome video and tour. Did you happen to see if they made the Toyota performance Trd filters?

[@watchjaredwork1487]

Giant autoclave lmao. Go to Spirit in Wichita, KS. The front fuselage of the Boeing 787 is cured in one Autoclave. It's tall enough that you can stack a semi on top on another semi and drive them inside.

[@BolteBuilt]

Literally!!

[@OhHolliwould]

More tours!!!

[@333KINGPIN33]

Wow, that's crazy simple breakdown in terms of raw materials used. I'd say the cost of material for one is probably less than a dollar. Even accounting for labour etc, their margins are probably insane.

[@joelrangel8617]

I have the whole intake on system awesome look and car feels like it can breathe better and it sounds better and I think it added some HP only cause it take more air in and picks up at a faster rate

[@zclee]

Thanks for that video! What is your opinion on oiled air filter media and contamination of the MAF, MAP, and various other sensors?

[@speedacademy]

We've certainly never had a problem with an oiled filter harming a sensor.

[@nate8930]

I use the Spectre cone filter. Gets job done, I live in the city not much dust out here.

[@All2Skitzd]

K&N, AMSOIL, BOSE, DYSON !! Best marketing for everyday suckers!

[@relaxivegotthis]

This is a cool video, but also I think it finally pushed me into buying a shirt 🤓

[@speedacademy]

Awesome! Thanks for the support!

[@thegreatwall1000]

You guys should consider adding a speed academy shift knob to your merch store I would be truly interested in buying one, and where are you guys based out of, I know you're in Ontario but where. I live in Bolton, if you have herd of the small town

[@speedacademydave]

Yup, we've heard of Bolton. Pete lives in downtown Toronto and I live in Hamilton. We probably will look into a cost effective SA shift knob we can sell in the future. Raceseng.com made us a custom one but it's too expensive for them to mass produce.

[@UndergroundTrev]

I would be interested in buying a Speed Academy shift knob! Very cool idea.

[@CanadaBud23]

Hey that would be interesting! I'd buy that too. It would be a nice addition when I'm done modding my XJ (again).

[@tinybubbles3724]

I have a k&n in my crv, 210000 miles, I have lightly cleaned it 3x, since it is dirty most of the time I don't get much dust that passes thru it. I feel it is a good value but not something I would use on something expensive.

[@georgepalacayjr.3938]

Hi. Can you please show us the actual testing of filtration. Like iron dust, fine powders and dust. Maybe add 2 more layers, just my suggestion if you don't take it badly. if not. I still have one though.

[@Mallel92]

That's crazy to think that multiple companies get their filters from the same place.

[@mrmidnight32]

Wow I wonder what justifies the price variances between them all

[@OlderthanIlookyoungerthanIfeel]

Damn near everything that's expensive follows the same rule , it's a cross between whatever the market will bear and stupid people paying to much for a name . Cars are the worst , sure a Ferrari is faster than my Camaro that has over 350,000 km . But no Ferrari will ever last 350,000 km , and yet fucktards with more money than brains will buy the Ferrari anyways . The price difference is over 100,000 $ , and my car is more reliable . So there you go the reason some things are way more money , because as long as there are fools with money , overpriced bullshit will sell .

[@mrmidnight32]

jerry henderson Typical stereo type. What you don't realize is you are paying for a small production mostly hand placed and hand built car. This isn't your typical ford and chevy where thousands are passed down a robotic line every 30 seconds. Their fabrics and leathers in super cars are usually hand picked and hand matched, their seats and interior are hand stitched, you are paying for a what was a VERY powerful engine. You are paying for precise machined gear boxes, engines and components. You are paying for some of the top of the line computer tech (car wise, not entertainment wise)... There is much more to it than that simplistic explanation. Yea they fall apart but that's part of precision and performance parts, they aren't built like tanks cause that adds weight and loses performance. you cant have it all. Im not saying they are perfect but that's a perfect example of people who assume things with out knowing what actually makes things of value. The costs just due to limited production and hands on non automated time is what determines the cost of those cars.. Hennessey Venom for example... 1.2 million dollar car.. But the production is worth roughly half due to the strongest and lightest materials being machined and matched to each other. I think the cockpit alone is worth like $450k just to have built and molded.. Literally each car is hand built by 1 person and seen by a total of 3 per car. And that's not just cause the only have 3 people. The CEO and owner literally touched and inspects every car, after its been inspected by 3 people and hand built by one person to keep consistency. Again there is a lot more to things than you expect, its actually rarely names. Name pricing is usually found in fashion, the materials are hardly different. But you are paying for literal style and brand name. Which is why one pair of pants that was hip is $5,000... When its not cool goes to wall mart for $10.99.. That is fashion.

[@OlderthanIlookyoungerthanIfeel]

I Still stand by my first statement , At least half of what you pay for any supercar is profit . And most of them are unreliable , unless your idea of reliable is that they reliably break down , catch on fire , And lose all their value if you actually drive them . I could hand build a car , and it would be cheaper than an economy car , Light weight + good amount of power = better than any new overweight junk they sell now . Any handy person could build a Lotus type car put a real V8 in it and blow the doors off a Ferrari . You are just quoting the same line of bull shit the manufacuars use to sucker people into buying their cars .

[@mrmidnight32]

jerry henderson Your talking out of your ass. Your paying for craftsman ship not economy. But its probably best if you stick to budget cars lol

[@OlderthanIlookyoungerthanIfeel]

Don't you worry i will stick with my economical , because i bought it used Camaro . It has about 350,000 more km on it than any overpriced unreliable Supercar . I guess that makes me a peasant eh ?

[@ianmerten8375]

So a oiled K&N intake would be superior to a dry flow AEM intake filtration wise? What is the advantage of going dry flow over oiled? more flow but less filtration? Solid video by the way, i felt like i was watching how its made haha.

[@spatiallydelusion]

I had one in my 2001 Honda Prelude. Now i it goes through liter of oil every 1000km. The engine life is toast due to silica passing through the K&N filter. If you need more air, make a larger air box for a larger paper filter.

[@mnp2169]

I run a K&N filter in my Saab 9-3, and have had issues with over-oiling causing the MAF to get dirty. Have you guys ever thought about addressing this issue? Maybe by finding some other method of aiding in filtration (other than oil)? Also, I'm currently graduating with a BA in Industrial Engineering, and have a few ideas about how to make your manufacturing process more efficient. Let me know if you guys would want to work together in the future.

[@Carlitosway450]

Literally

[@dogeminer]

Can't quite put my finger on why but after watching this I just don't want K&N filters in my car, like ever.

[@MrMrWife]

Doge Miner why lol?

[@MrMrWife]

there more to it

[@All2Skitzd]

Probably because he could buy OEM filters online that "always need replacing" every 30-100K for the life of the car and it still would be cheaper. Or because they dont make sticker in house

[@OddTimeMan]

When did K&N acquire Spectre? I can't find any info on that.

[@NoNoRc]

Used k&n in the past, they don't filter for sh*t. For those who are running one, take off you filter and look down your intake tube with a flashlight. You'd be shocked at what they let through. If you want sound and very slight gains at the expense of engine filtration and dirty sensors then they are great. Go with a dry flow "oil less filter" like afe.. You and your engine will thank me.

[@CanadaBud23]

Mine filters right fine unlike the paper ones. But in any case AFE is made by K&N. So is Spectre and AIRaid.

[@nautilus9008]

Nolan Reid just pulled mine....clean as can be. your full of shit

[@karigreyd2808]

nautilus9008 He's not there has been many tests on this. You're not gaining power and you're letting more dirt in.

[@NoNoRc]

nautilus9008 You should do some research and "actual real life testing" before you post vacuous things. But after viewing your Chanel I realized I'm just wasting my time lol. forums.anandtech.com/threads/k-ns-statement-on-their-filters-ineffectiveness-at-filtering.2244133/

[@nautilus9008]

Nolan R ya because my KZbin account sums up my life. great observation. a. that thread proved basically nothing besides people bashing on k&n pr. and b. ive used k&n filters in quit a few off road vehicles (dirt bikes, quads, and law mowers.) all have lasted just fine with no more dirt getting through than a dry filter will. and my dd cummins and Subaru dont have any dirt in the intake or on the throttle body. the Subaru has had a k&n for going on 6 years 195000 (92000 of which has had a k&n). and the cummins for about a years that I kno of because it was installed from the previous owner. and my mustang has a k&n and is driven very little so there isn't much to say there. over done my research. you just make blank claims because some chode in a mini Cooper wrote a forum because he thought a cai would make his car not as shitty and failed, and you read it and believed good. good job

[@chialor1945]

You can buy bulk orders from china..in fact, you can design your own filter mold and they will build it for you in china. Works like a charm.

[@thedoc8876]

Been wanting them to make me a furnace filter 20×25×5.

[@bendordoy4815]

what BLOW MY MIND is that K&N AEM and AIRAID performance air filters are all made by the same company in the same factory using the same materials but are just put into different boxes so wreathe It's a K&N, a AEM or a AIRAID performance air filter the hp gain will be the same vs the stock air filter no matter what one you choose right or wrong

[@bigblue7091]

Bit more Respect for my K&N after that , Purchased a 2nd to Recharge iT with No Haste ".

[@ardyshane23]

What about the aem dry filters. Are they the same just without oil?

[@ianm432]

neeeeeeeeat!

[@klchew88]

I have been using one for 11 years and had clocked 170,000 miles with little to no wear and tear on my piston rings. I soaked to clean it with dish washing detergent and oiled with motorcycle 2-stroke oil every 25,000 miles. I had problem having oil clogging my idling valve passage. It is advertised to last 'forever', is there really no lifespan for the cotton layers? No noticeable performance gain but savings by not needing to replace filters every 25,000 miles.

[@motofan16]

Hand counted the pleats? I know each K&N has its own personality!

[@ayowser01]

any idea if K&N will sell me a direct replacement filter for my s2k Mugen intake?

[@Benautodesign]

So Spectre air filtres are K&N without oil? Mmmmh good to know

[@GNX157]

I have a 2016 KIA Sorento with the 2.0 turbo. Would putting a K&N filter in my car make any real difference in any way? I'd need to see some real benefit somewhere to justify the added task of having to wash that filter. Thanks.

[@vincevegacustoms8860]

GNX157 typical hyundai owner question 😂

[@CanadaBud23]

When I worked in a speed shop. Everyone that came in had a preference for an air filter. The arguments I had when I'd explain to them they were all made by the same company. Haha. There are a few things, first, the problem is that K&N is far more well known so they get the spot light when the storm comes. If anyone was going to attack an air filter it's always been K&N. Another is the condition these people leave their filters in and it's an OMG moment every time I've seen one come in. It's unbelievable how these things come back. Some of them are so abused it looks like damage on purpose. These elements come back looking like they been dragged through mud and grease and then stomped on and twisted, but I check the inside and it's always clean lol. It's still an air filter and still needs basic maintenance. I don't know how they get like that but I have reusable air filters that are 5 years old and still look like new. I never had a problem with them as far as quality is concerned although I did over oil one before but that was an easy enough fix. I think the people that complain about them just don't know how to use them or are very limited in their real world knowledge because like I said all the people that complain that I've met (dozens) were all "experts" and knew everything there is to know about air filters but always came back with wrecked ones.

[@Hutchy86]

I found this liberating to read. Well done you 👍🍺

[@KomotoseKomo]

i'm surprised how hands on they are, youd think they'd have a machine that did the counting and cut at least

[@alsn126]

They don't pass emission for minis:( suggestions for alternative intake?

[@Jeffball610]

I hate replacing people's jobs, but it seems like a lot of that manufacturing could be replaced by robots. Automation is amazing and can speed up and increase quality and productivity.

[@CSkwirl]

What about the synthetic dry flow filters from AEM & K&N, who actually makes them?

[@KNfilters]

They are all made in our manufacturing plant in Riverside, CA.

[@italianrelic]

If I had a dollar every time he said litchurally haha

[@derranged28]

Do they really count the pleats by hand? They remind me of teeth in a steering rack. Why don't they have a suitable pinion to draw the pleats through and add a counting device?

[@bobt1352]

yay dirty intake air!

[@SRodriguezProduction]

So Canadian!