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K&N Cone Air Filters

I'm new to the list, but I figured I'd drop my two cents on the current 
air filter debate. I have the Kirban Performance Products K&N Open 
Element Air Filter installed on my 1983 533i, along with a variable 
pressure fuel regulator (adjusted for about 4psi over stock). I have to 
say that the combination makes the car seem happier - no conclusive dyno 
evidence or anything like that, but merely seat-of-the-pants feel. 
Whether this is the result of one or both modifications complementing 
each other, I don't know.

As far as hot engine bay air vs. cool outside air, the filter sits about 
no more than a foot from the hole in the back of the right side plate 
behind the headlights where the original intake tubing started, so I 
imagine that some cooler air still flows into the system. I have 
contemplated fabricating an aluminum heat shield to block the underside 
of the filter from exhaust manifold-generated heat, but have yet to come 
up with a decent design.

Just my experience. YMMV.

- -AEG
74 2002 (seriously fast)
83 533i (fairly close to stock)