Subaru Crosstrek Charcoal Air Filter Removal

[@seangearhart4616]

Just purchased a Crosstrek last month. Thing just felt dead in the mid range RPM's. Removed this and installed a K&N. No extra power, clearly, but it does make the throttle response better and I feel like I have all the power the car makes available all the time instead of that "dead spot" that it had before. Highly recommend Crosstrek owners do this. Just save the filter in a safe place if you need it again before taking the vehicle for a service.

[@frankorder1098]

Sean got the 2018 could you tell me which K&N air filter # you got as on their site I got no match for 2018

[@andybishop8437]

Frank Order #33-5064 just ordered for my 2018 Crosstrek

[@SWED904]

Actually you gain +5 hp with the k&n filter no joke but you wont notice it putting you in your seat lol

[@Brandon-ch2ot]

Just did this to my 2017 and also disabled the daytime running lights from your other video. Thanks for the videos!

[@logan5326]

SXVCTC got the best mods videos, thanks bud! Cheers from NYC 😎

[@x6j12]

Thanks for the video. I was disappointed in my Crosstrek's performance so I took my filter off today thanks to your video. Question: Would I be able to buy the assembly again with the filter back in place? I'm asking because when I take my car in for servicing, I'm wondering if I could put the new one on with the filter intact so Subaru won't know I removed it. Thanks for any information.

[@AZAdventureInc]

I wouldn't worry about Subaru service. All the charcoal filter does is try to stop any gas fumes in the intake tube from escaping into the atmosphere after you turn off the car. Not having it isn't going to cause any issues. Also, you can easily put the filter back into the housing and just put a dab of black RTV on each of the little nubs and let it dry if you're paranoid about warranty issues (I'm not). You can buy the entire assembly also.

[@x6j12]

Thanks a lot for the info.

[@publikenemi49]

If you’re worried about Subaru noticing the missing charcoal filter, just place a K&N filter sticker on airbox They will have no cause to open the box. I’ve had a K&N filter almost since the beginning , and they’ve never opened the air box for this reason

[@samuelmcfarland3577]

Great video, going to do this and change to a K&N filter.

[@AZAdventureInc]

If you're going to be using the car in dusty environments you might want to reconsider using a K&N they may flow a bit better but at the cost of not filtering well.

[@chooseymomschoose]

@@AZAdventureInc The K&N filter made no difference in power in Engineering Explained's tests.

[@ayhabjaber5225]

I just did mine and added a drop in KN filter. Accelerates better and also feels that it has a little more get up on highway . Not a big difference but I feel better that the car is getting more air induction

[@AZAdventureInc]

Be aware the K&N does not filter as well if you are planning on much off-road drives.

[@ayhabjaber5225]

Subaru XV Crosstrek Central I appreciate it but I've done very well with the last three cars with KN filter. What filter do you use my friend?

[@AZAdventureInc]

Still using OEM. The off road communities both 4x4 and motorcycle generally agree K&Ns don't filter too well and most don't use them for dirt roads. Google it😀

[@ayhabjaber5225]

Subaru XV Crosstrek Central Thanks I will!

[@10p6]

If only you knew of a simple way to disabled the high RPM when the engine is cold (even in middle of hot summer.) If I do a trip and when the engine is cold I get about 15 MPG, if I do the same trip again when the engine is warm I can get about 40 MPG. All this high RPM when cold is doing is killing the engine, burning oil and using a boat load of gas.

[@Scotty-vs4lf]

u mean when ur idling and its warming itself up? put it in drive, it drops it down to idle. then just hold the brake or use the e brake. or just let it sit

[@caryg4638]

@@Scotty-vs4lf Your transmission fluid is cold, and, when you put it in drive while revving, this puts stress on the torque converter. No. Don't do this.

[@Scotty-vs4lf]

@@caryg4638 i didnt say to rev it in drive. when its in drive at 0 throttle the engine isnt connected to the transmission

[@artilleryisbetter]

Interesting......... My 2019 Impreza has no screws for the charcoal air filter

[@thehammerwell]

On a completely blind test I removed the Charcoal filter from my wife's xv without telling her. Car had about 40,000 miles prior to removing. Average MPG on the trip computer read 26.8 before. After removing filter and reset the trip. 5000 miles later the average MPG was reading 28.7 . Power, I didn't notice anything.......

[@chooseymomschoose]

Engineering Explained did a VERY comprehensive test of this. Conclusion: a bit more power (not very noticeable) and what drivers perceive as better throttle response (he explained why it's not actually throttle response). His conclusion was that the removal was not worth it if you have to take the car for emissions checks.

[@thehammerwell]

Yes I watched the video, I on occasion appreciated his "over engineered" advice...... Like I said it was a completely blind test, she did not know I had removed it for test purposes, and the results were based on the computers mpg calculations. I'm not sure how many miles Engineering explained's test was conducted over? My test was a blind 5000 mile test (my personal service interval). I do know that depending on what country the car is sold in some come with the filter, and some do not!!!! I believe it to be part of the PZEV emissions package that most XV's are sold with here in the US.

[@Hakeeeeeeem]

I'm also thinking to drill two hols in the front grill to allow direct air intake, did you thought about it or planing to do it anytime, please tell me, it will be my first modification

[@AZAdventureInc]

I have an aftermarket grill installed after this particular video was done. Check my other videos.

[@Hakeeeeeeem]

I've seen them all :) , I believe its still blocked, check the air intake upper side on the left its blocked by a plastic part and the lower part is for the radiator

[@ironman1518.]

Thank you for posting, looks real easy!! What differences did you find in mileage and engine noise after the mod?

[@AZAdventureInc]

No difference

[@AZAdventureInc]

@@alanlangley7246 Because that’s why

[@1mostwanted253]

@@alanlangley7246 why not? weight reduction.

[@stevenlipps1176]

In 2018 Subaru has modified how the charcoal filter is attached to the filter box. Unlike this video where the charcoal filter is attached with several plastic pins and can be removed by cutting off the top of the pin, the 2018 model is attached using a different 'pin'. The attachment points are flat with the filter edge and they are almost 1" in length. There is no way to cut the top off the attachment points. Obviously, Subaru has made it more difficult to remove the filter. It looks as if there is a change that trying to remove the filter could crack the filter box housing. Wonder if earlier model filter boxes are the same size?

[@Rosarionikko93]

I just used a razor to cut the filter element off my 18 model.

[@lane4574]

I did it on my Tacoma , it had long pins , I just drilled them out . But be sure you use a rag to block the plastic shavings from getting into your induction/intake. I dont think plastic would be very beneficial burning up in your combustion chamber? lol . A little more pep for sure. Also , I clean my MAF, clean the throttle body , PCV valve and recharge my K&N air filter, everytime I change my oil.....It runs great...Treat your ride well and it will treat you the same.

[@castercyrus9076]

good video, where did you buy the charcoal filter? thanks

[@AZAdventureInc]

caster cyrus The charcoal filter is part of the air box, it’s not replaced like the paper air filter. This video shows how to remove it.

[@neometalx9]

@@AZAdventureInc I wonder if that shitty charcoal filter can make the air flow much restrictive as the car gets older and dirtier.

[@Scotty-vs4lf]

@@neometalx9 the charcoal filter is designed to absorb any exhaust gasses or anything like that, it has nothing to do with dirt but it does restrict airflow. subaru only uses them in america, other countries dont have them and its safe to remove

[@witherspoon81186]

I wouldn't remove this until the warranty of your vehicles up because it would void your PZEV warranty but it shouldn't affect the standard powertrain warranty

[@AZAdventureInc]

You know the PZEV is a marketing scam for California, right?

[@witherspoon81186]

Yeah I know that

[@singingtoad]

I wish I could do a mod like this to my car, but since I only lease and not own my Subie, this type of mod would give me grief upon returning it to the dealership at trade-in. :-(

[@Bosisto]

How would they know ?, Even if they did find out just play dumb.

[@williamleader6939]

Don’t get things you can’t afford

[@craigmoorer5927]

Has removing caused the maf sensor to get dirty and throw a code ?

[@AZAdventureInc]

Craig Moorer Nope! Fake news! 😀

[@Scotty-vs4lf]

the charcoal filter doesnt block dirt

[@chrisfrerichs8360]

A) is this applicable on an ‘18? B) what’s the risk of doing it on a lease? I’d like to do this if it helps performance. Thanks for the vid, +1 sub!

[@AZAdventureInc]

Dunno about 2018 but bet it’s still there. If you’re concerned about lease put it back on at any time.

[@wesfoor474]

Chris Frerichs i have a 2018 Impreza...its on there!

[@mannyechaluce3814]

Lease = Rental = don't know about you but when you return your car after the lease they might look down there it might hurt your wallet, unless you want to cover your tracks by replacing the entire airbox when your lease is up..

[@frankorder1098]

Confirmed Charcoal filter is still there as we just got the 2018 love it!

[@neometalx9]

@@mannyechaluce3814 just put the thing hanging in there, and close it up, i don't think they will look at it.

[@louisnguyen2865]

Thanks for your video. Did you notice a louder intake after removing that gray charcoal filter? If louder, how much louder from 1 to 10? Thanks!

[@AZAdventureInc]

Nope

[@sirmasteryan4958]

Subaru XV Crosstrek Central not today lol

[@lane4574]

My Tacoma was a 2 for being a little louder , but it actually sounds better.

[@iindyrcng]

Have you heard of any top mount intercoolers for the xv crosstrek? I'm curious to know due to my want to install one in my xv. Along with this, have you seen any hood w/ hood scoop for the xv?

[@AZAdventureInc]

There aren't any Crosstreks with turbos in the US, so haven't heard of intercoolers for them. There are scooped carbon fiber hoods available on aliexpress.com

[@iindyrcng]

+Subaru XV Crosstrek Central thank you for the website! I really appreciate it! If you don't mind me asking where did you acquire your airflow system? I currently have the stock one.

[@AZAdventureInc]

Intake is stock except for the removal of the charcoal filter.

[@iindyrcng]

+Subaru XV Crosstrek Central what will removing the charcoal filter do? (I genuinely don't know so therefore I am asking. I don't want you to think I'm trying to be a smart a**)

[@AZAdventureInc]

Most say removing the restrictive charcoal filter improves throttle response. Some say it does nothing.

[@Hakeeeeeeem]

My car didn't come with it, its a 2016 model with Arabian gulf extensive heat specification

[@AZAdventureInc]

Arabian gulf extensive heat spec? What's that?

[@Hakeeeeeeem]

here in Dubai, or the Arabian gulf countries vehicle comes with special specifications to resist the heat that could raise up to 55C, this summer I witnessed a reading of 58C and the engine was 113C

[@logan5326]

+Ahmed A. Holy smoke...now, that's hot as hell!

[@scottp7937]

Think this is also there for a Australian 2012 manual model? I would assume so :)

[@MikeOnaBike]

Did you ever end up doing it? I have an Aussie '12 too.

[@Jorge-dw4yh]

How did the speed test go, did you get that extra ton of speed? ^_^

[@AZAdventureInc]

+Jorge Calderon Of course!

[@francisco6967]

did you notice any change in performance?

[@AZAdventureInc]

Seems like the throttle response got a little better.

[@MrT1-b5f]

@@AZAdventureInc lol ok

[@heynowutube2]

Pinched off with what? I just slid mine in without. Taking out the whole unit.

[@talamantes95]

I removed it and I got the CEL on, any idea of how to turn it off?

[@AZAdventureInc]

That filter removal will not cause CEL. Sounds like a connector somewhere got disconnected.

[@talamantes95]

Thanks for the feed back, I'll check it out

[@srmicrowave]

what was your CEL code? the car will have no way of telling this filter has been removed because this filter is in front of the MAF not behind it.

[@corymodern9282]

Does the 2018 Crosstrek share this same issue?

[@R0gersism]

Cory Owens I have the 2018 Impreza and I have the filter. If your model is a PZEV you have it. Though I didn't have plastic clips on mine.

[@LT-jc4qb]

Yes the 2018 Crosstrek has this extra filter. I have a Premium and it has one.

[@mikee7241]

what is that part for?

[@AZAdventureInc]

It's supposed to stop stray gas fume in the intake from escaping into the atmosphere and rendering unicorns sterile. That means no mo unicorns at some point.

[@mikee7241]

Yep, did you see an improvement in gas mileage?

[@AZAdventureInc]

I wasn't tracking mileage then, so no.

[@mythosarts]

Not trying to be a negative Nancy, but the Crosstreks are slow cars, and this doesn't do much for those looking for miracles. Check this video out before you make the filter change. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fGKtnoKBgKaar7M

[@SwTJoEPiNoY408]

Will this effect readings with smog checks?

[@AZAdventureInc]

SwTJoEPiNoY408 no

[@SwTJoEPiNoY408]

@@AZAdventureInc Sweet.

[@bethington81]

Why is it even on there?

[@AZAdventureInc]

Capture any fumes leaking back out when the engine is off

[@SolamenteVees]

Evaporative emissions control

[@user-cl3gz9ey1w]

They should put it in cabin like Mercedes

[@jacesworldhollywood4816]

Look my page I just put in a cold air in my Subaru Impreza cheap way but best ways jaces world Hollywood