The "Flow vs Filtration" Debate

For years, a hot topic in online forums and amongst car enthusiasts has been "do performance air filters sacrifice vital engine protection for a marginal horsepower bump?". Well, here at Pipercross, we know a thing or two about air flow and filtration so allow us to lay out the facts and set the record straight.

It's no question that your vehicles OEM air filter is made to filter out the most amount of harmful dirt and debris from air being sucked into your engine as possible – while this does ensure unquestionable protection for your engine's internals, this stringent, and often unnecessary, level of filtration heavily restricts airflow, effectively choking your vehicles air intake system.

To alleviate this issue, without compromising engine longevity, Pipercross Performance Air Filters utilise cutting-edge R&D technologies and methods in order to promise a meticulously engineered air filter that provides a delicate balance between both air flow and filtration.

Every Pipercross air filter is developed, tested and produced all under one roof in Northampton, United Kingdom. For over 40 years, we have been a leading performance filter manufacturer utilising unrivalled in-house R&D capabilities such as 3D-Scanning, 3D-Printing and advanced flow bench testing that allows us to rapidly design and develop air filters for various applications as well as testing and certifying them to universal air quality standards.

Typically aftermarket air filters do not filter as finely as OEM paper filters, however rest assured that by opting for a Pipercross Air Filter, all air being sucked into your engine has had all harmful contaminants filtered out while still offering improved air flow, fuel efficiency and performance.

This feat is achieved thanks to our bespoke multi-layer foam. The outer layers act as a pre-filter, trapping larger debris and protecting the inner, more delicate foam layers which are dedicated to catching the fine dust and air particles that can't be seen with the naked eye. For use in offroad or dusty conditions, our specially formulated dirt retention additive (filter oil) can be applied to your Pipercross filter to aid it in catching even more dirt – if you do choose to oil your filter, please keep in mind that applying more than a light mist can risk contaminating/damaging your vehicles MAF sensor.

You may be thinking, why foam? Typically aftermarket air filters are made from a pleated synthetic woven material, however this type of filter can quickly become blocked up with dirt meaning they perform at their optimum for only a fraction of the time of a foam filter. Using foam means you can enjoy improved air flow, fuel efficiency and performance for longer before having to take out and clean your filter, something you cannot do with OE paper filters. Pipecross filters can be removed, cleaned and re-used as many times as necessary, saving you money with every service over the entire lifetime of your vehicle.

While Pipercross air filters are meticulously engineered as a performance-centric alternative to OEM filters, it is important for you to consider the implications that modification may have on your vehicles warranty. It is the sole responsibility of the vehicle owner to consult warranty documentation and make an informed decision prior to installing a Pipercross air filter. Additionally, legalities surrounding vehicle air filter modification vary significantly by location therefore it is the sole responsibility of the vehicle owner to ensure compliance prior to installing a Pipercross air filters.