K&N drop-in filters in 3.3T

[Tiberius183]

Ok, from what I heard, the K&N drop-ins don't make much of a difference in performance on the 3.3T. But, does it at least SOUND different?

And before anyone suggests a CAI, I live in CA, unfortunately...

 

[ChaneRZ]

Nope no sound difference. I went with that route first and didn’t like it. I live in CA too.

 

[Stinger GT SS]

Save your money, either leave the OE filters in or go a different route ie: CAI.

 

[rpoffen]

Ok, from what I heard, the K&N drop-ins don't make much of a difference in performance on the 3.3T. But, does it at least SOUND different?

And before anyone suggests a CAI, I live in CA, unfortunately...

Supposedly the K&N CAI systems are CARB certified. Search in these forums for CARB.

 

[ChaneRZ]

I think only year up to 2018 are CARB certified.

 

[Tiberius183]

I think only year up to 2018 are CARB certified.

I have a 2020, so it should be compatible...

 

[Tiberius183]

According to the CARB website, the K&N CAI says "Model Specification: 2018 to 2019 Kia Stinger 3.3L turbocharged". The 2020 is virtually the same car. Could I still legally use it??

 

[oddball]

According to the CARB website, the K&N CAI says "Model Specification: 2018 to 2019 Kia Stinger 3.3L turbocharged". The 2020 is virtually the same car. Could I still legally use it??

No.
However, you can easily put the stock air filters back in when inspection time comes around.

 

[chad1064]

I've put the K&N drop in filters in my previous cars and there was always a little noticeable sound change. On my Accord, it made the turbo sound much more pronounced. More intake sound, more turbo spooling and hisses. Definitely not doing it thinking I'm gaining HP.

I haven't done it yet to mine, but it's on my list. But if @ChaneRZ is right and it doesn't add any sound, maybe I'll just skip it? Stock, I'm surprised I can't hear the turbos like, at all.

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[rpoffen]

I've put the K&N drop in filters in my previous cars and there was always a little noticeable sound change. On my Accord, it made the turbo sound much more pronounced. More intake sound, more turbo spooling and hisses. Definitely not doing it thinking I'm gaining HP.

I haven't done it yet to mine, but it's on my list. But if @ChaneRZ is right and it doesn't add any sound, maybe I'll just skip it? Stock, I'm surprised I can't hear the turbos like, at all.

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I keep reading in other posts that the drop in K&N filters in the stock airbox don't do anything for performance, you have to put in one of the CAI systems to get any effect.
Yet, the ones I see (K&N for example) do nothing more than replace the stock airbox with another airbox of its own, attempting to create a "box" with enclosure walls that mold and seal to the inner fender well and the hood (when closed) and still rely on the hole through radiator support that the stock airbox uses.
I submit that the biggest restriction is this very hole and "snorkel" for lack of a better term that the stock setup uses. Unless the cone style filters have significantly greater surface area than the panel filter (enough that can actually be used), it seems that removal of the stock "snorkel" piece and optionally a scoop type snorkel (although unlikely to really get much ram air effect except at pretty high speeds) would be the biggest improvement.
It might be argued that having fully open CAI can breathe better, but then it is ingesting more hot air from the engine compartment which is counterproductive.
A lot of variables to consider.

 

[ChaneRZ]

Just go with CAI. Don't have to smog in 8 years anyway.

 

[rpoffen]

Just go with CAI. Don't have to smog in 8 years anyway.

Don't have to smog at all in my county.

 

[stoopid]

I got the K&N dropins to help offset a bit of the heat ingestion I'll see in the summer (the 1-2% better airflow in theory helps), but mostly for the lower maintenance cost for the life of the filter [reuse by cleaning/drying/oiling]. Most of the time I have music playing, so it's unlikely I'd notice any increased engine sound.

 

[Daniel @ K8 Stinger Store]

I would suggest going with CAI if you are looking for sound/performance. A drop-in filter is going to be more or less similar to stock. We have some great Intake options available HERE.