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Old 12-06-2015, 03:37 PM   #1
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Replace stock air cleaner?

2002 Thomas RE, CAT 3126B

As I am going through the engine compartment removing rust, listening to Skinny Puppy, checking and cleaning electrical connections, and examining the air intake system, I am finding a lot of things that seem to add unnecessary weight. One of my quests with my bus is to reduce weight without affecting the structural integrity of the vehicle.


I just removed the Cyclopak (air filter assembly) so I could get to all of the rust on the supports, check wires, etc. I put it on a scale and it weighs 45 pounds.

Since I've been doing a lot of thinking about the intake system in general, I was considering cutting the "U" tube that goes over the engine to make it an "L" that terminates with a K&N cone filter. Here are the air system tube sizes:

Intake @ Cyclopak: 5.75"
Output @ Cyclopak: 5"
Main air tube: 5"
Intake @ turbo: 4"
Output at turbo: 3"

I really don't know why I need a 5" intake when it just gets dropped to 4" before hitting the turbo. I've seen K&N cone filters on diesel HD pickups, and if I can save 35 pounds, that's 35 pounds that can go to something else, not to mention removing one of the mounting brackets, opening up more space in the engine compartment for better ambient air flow, and so on.

Good idea? Bad idea? Why?

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Old 12-06-2015, 05:36 PM   #2
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I did some research and found that the Cyclopack is going to be the best filtration option for longevity. The way the system is designed includes centrifugal force to allow the heavier particles to fall away from the filter. There are more than a few discussions about Cyclopack vs K&N, and K&N seems to come out of it as a risky decision. Too bad, I was hoping to save some weight and space there.
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Old 12-06-2015, 06:44 PM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RHOMBUS View Post
I did some research and found that the Cyclopack is going to be the best filtration option for longevity. The way the system is designed includes centrifugal force to allow the heavier particles to fall away from the filter. There are more than a few discussions about Cyclopack vs K&N, and K&N seems to come out of it as a risky decision. Too bad, I was hoping to save some weight and space there.
Very good decision!
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Old 12-06-2015, 08:36 PM   #4
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Ya...K&N are great if you are racer but not great for longevity. They are High Flow which is accomplished by virtue of the fact they basically let anything and everything through. Go for a low micron limit if you want miles out of your engine rather than raw horsepower.
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Old 12-06-2015, 09:52 PM   #5
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We call K & N filters dirtflows.
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Old 12-13-2015, 04:17 AM   #6
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k n filters flow when clean, filter when dirty. your paper filter has how much more surface area? you will add hundreds or thousands of pounds weight before you finish bus, so why eliminate THE most important 45?
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Old 12-19-2015, 03:51 PM   #7
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Just a quick update:

I changed my mind again. After taking apart the Cyclopac and grinding the rust off of it, there were several holes. I think I'm going to get a Donaldson PSD12 air filter. Plastic construction, lightweight, heavy dust environments, used on big rigs and heavy equipment, but pretty expensive.
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