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Air Filter Comparison

  • leachy
    leachy
    7 years ago
    Hi All,
    I have looked every where for this information. Just wondering if anyone has ever bench flowed different air filters. I know the Heavy Breather is the pic for big engines, but is there a lot of different between all the different kinds available. I currently have the Stage 1 SE air filter mod on my bike but thinking about changing it to the Elite oval Heavy Breather. I can see the benefit of them because they can get cleaner cooler air but I also believe that they smooth out the air flow path due to the longer connection between the filter and throttle body. Smother air can flow more.
    Anyone know anything more  
  • fatbat
    fatbat
    7 years ago
    Lots of info on Yankee forums and very little difference if any at all unless you've got a big inch engine. Choose one you like the look of. 
  • leachy
    leachy
    7 years ago
    Thanks for the info, much appreciated.
  • brash
    brash
    7 years ago

    One that externally vents crankcase rubbish.

    Shape of the inlet runner track can have an effect too.

     

  • leachy
    leachy
    7 years ago
    Is a "Stage 1" air filter all the same. I have the stage 1 package but want to change the air filter 
    Just wondering if I change to a SE air filter does it require a remap or the stage 1 remap is the same.

    I know this may sound strange but does a heavy breather suit the standard 50mm throttle body. 

    Thanks for the info
  • leachy
    leachy
    7 years ago
    I know this sounds like a dumb question but does the Elite Heavy Breather match the standard 50mm EFI throttle body or is it only compatible with 58mm. Just looking at this for the leg clearance.
    Thanks Leachy

  • STEAMER
    STEAMER
    7 years ago
    Leachy i have a 2011 fxst. I have a stage 1. Using a s/e Heavy breather ( pod) type on standard throttle body.
  • fizzicist
    fizzicist
    7 years ago
    To be honest any aftermarket filters don't do anything for horsepower. If anything they're just great for the induction noise and better looks over a stock box. If there is a difference it will be minimal and you won't even notice it.
    Watch this clip off youtube - A Daihatsu or a Harley, it doesn't matter as the principle is the same.

  • steelo
    steelo
    7 years ago
    Good post and video Fizzy. Thanks for posting. Those guys are entertaining
  • fatbat
    fatbat
    7 years ago
    The air filter is only one part of the intake. Some air filters allow more air thru than others and it counts if the rest of the intake can support the additional air. 
  • leachy
    leachy
    5 years ago
    Hi All,
    So bit of an update on the air filter. I ended up fitting a chrome creaming eagle billet air filter. Im not sure if its in my head because I paid $500 for the thing but it seems to give the bike more mid range power. One thing that does happen is there's a lot more popping now when I back off on the throttle in any gear. The only thing I can think of is that its getting cleaner cooler air into the engine.

    Does an increase in popping lead to any long term damage, Im assuming its happening because the engine is running leaner.

    Thanks
    Leachy


    air filter.jpg
  • paulybronco
    paulybronco
    5 years ago
    Quoting leachy on 04 Dec 2018 05:19 AM

    Hi All,

    So bit of an update on the air filter. I ended up fitting a chrome creaming eagle billet air filter. Im not sure if its in my head because I paid $500 for the thing but it seems to give the bike more mid range power. One thing that does happen is there's a lot more popping now when I back off on the throttle in any gear. The only thing I can think of is that its getting cleaner cooler air into the engine.

    Does an increase in popping lead to any long term damage, Im assuming its happening because the engine is running leaner.

    Thanks
    Leachy


    air filter.jpg
    You have now given the motor more air than fuel, this causes a lean mixture that generally makes the bike run hotter. Leaner means better economy, less power hotter running , pinging and potential engine damage
  • tussuck
    tussuck
    5 years ago
    Quoting leachy on 04 Dec 2018 05:19 AM

    Hi All,

    So bit of an update on the air filter. I ended up fitting a chrome creaming eagle billet air filter. Im not sure if its in my head because I paid $500 for the thing but it seems to give the bike more mid range power. One thing that does happen is there's a lot more popping now when I back off on the throttle in any gear. The only thing I can think of is that its getting cleaner cooler air into the engine.

    Does an increase in popping lead to any long term damage, Im assuming its happening because the engine is running leaner.

    Thanks
    Leachy


    air filter.jpg
    Quoting paulybronco on 04 Dec 2018 07:02 AM

    You have now given the motor more air than fuel, this causes a lean mixture that generally makes the bike run hotter. Leaner means better economy, less power hotter running , pinging and potential engine damage

    Agree.  It’s a bit of a worry that he is chucking chit on the bike and has no idea of the ramifications though.  Fingers crossed the flux capacitor holds out with the extra air.
  • leachy
    leachy
    5 years ago
    I'd actually checked with my local harley dealer where the bike came from and they said it really wouldn't make any difference, it woukd be fine. It's been tuned with a SE Pro tuner for stage one already. Obviously it's a bigger difference between the stock air filter upgrade kit and a proper air filter upgrade.
  • gidgi
    gidgi
    5 years ago
    Quoting leachy on 04 Dec 2018 07:47 PM

    I'd actually checked with my local harley dealer where the bike came from and they said it really wouldn't make any difference, it woukd be fine. It's been tuned with a SE Pro tuner for stage one already. Obviously it's a bigger difference between the stock air filter upgrade kit and a proper air filter upgrade.

    Do you physically have the screaming Eagle pro unit? sounds like it needs a re tune
  • leachy
    leachy
    5 years ago
    Yes bought it with the bike when they gave me "$3000 Of Harley Dollars" . It's upstairs in a safe place.
  • Krash Kinkade
    Krash Kinkade
    5 years ago
    Leachy, the SE filter looks good!
    like has been said sounds like your on lean side. the real fix is find a good tunner that has a good dyno set up and knows how to re map a custom tune.
    also if you can hear increased sucking from your filter, it means the air is traveling from out side the filter, so the filter is a restriction. you want the air all inside so motor gets a smooth un interrupted flow of air.

  • leachy
    leachy
    5 years ago
    Hi Krash,
    There is no sucking sound at all, maybe a little more induction noise. The main reason I got it was because it was narrower and my leg doesnt push on the air filter housing as much.

    Could probably get the bike to APL at Sth Windsor easy enough.

    Thanks Leachy
  • Krash Kinkade
    Krash Kinkade
    5 years ago
    Quoting leachy on 05 Dec 2018 12:07 AM

    Hi Krash,

    There is no sucking sound at all, maybe a little more induction noise. The main reason I got it was because it was narrower and my leg doesnt push on the air filter housing as much.

    Could probably get the bike to APL at Sth Windsor easy enough.

    Thanks Leachy

    Well that's good! I've got a 3 inch thick K&N in a Hammer Sledge billet off set air cleaner. looks to be about same size as yours but 3" thick. I would expect it to flow well, but have never done a test so don't know. when I used to go drag racing all the time with a Twin Cam carb Dyna. I had the biggest filter I could get, it was from Bobby Woods. but when I removed it and ran open & no filter, my trap speeds & ET improved. could have had jetting too rich, I never checked afr, just went off time slip.
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