When it comes to diesel equipment filters, a big question is whether or not an air filter has a significant impact on the engine’s performance. Several studies have indicated that engine air filtration is not only important to keeping engines safe from dust and debris, but it also increases air intake. This can boost the overall performance of the vehicle. A high-performance air filter will make a notable difference due to the control over air quality within the engine. But are performance air filters any good? 

What Does a Performance Air Filter Do?

The goal of a high-performance air filter is filtering out debris and dust, similar to a conventional filter. However, it should also balance out filtration with a higher intake of air. A high-performance engine air filter allows a vehicle to intake extra air into the combustion chamber. That means extra air is used for more efficient combustion of fuel. The media—material component—of an air filter allows a certain amount of airflow into the engine, so less resistance means more air. A high-performance air filter has highly-efficient media as compared to a normal filter. So the benefits of this system are measurably different. 

Does a High Performance Air Filter Make a Difference?

Yes, high-performance air filters make a significant difference in your vehicle’s performance by increasing torque and horsepower. One test concluded a high-performance air filter increased horsepower by 2.6% and torque by 3.7%. There was also a 2-3% increase in acceleration time with a performance air filter compared to a conventional filter. Of course, there are more practical differences, like fuel efficiency and better filtration, for those looking to change the air filter in diesel equipment and vehicles. 

One component of air intake is how hot or cold the air entering the engine is. We’re not talking about winter air, but instead cooler air due to more flow and less friction. Because of the ability to intake more air, a high-performance filter provides the engine with cooler air in comparison to a conventional filter. Cooler air is denser than warmer air, which means more oxygen to combust. This leads to better fuel economy and performance overall. According to a study published in the Engineering Science and Technology indicates that combustion performance in a diesel engine is increased significantly due to a higher combustion rate, leading to lower emissions. 

Car PP Air Filter1780174060

Not only does a performance air filter intake more air, but they’re also more efficient at filtering out dust and debris than conventional filters. One study found that a nanofiber layer significantly increases filtration performance of an air filter. It explains further that conventional filters will not filter as much dust and allow bigger contaminant particles to enter the air system. This affects “the wear and durability of the internal combustion engine components.” This means a high-performance air filter collects more dust than a conventional air filter, leading to less particles entering the combustion chamber. 

Ultimately, performance air filters vs regular filters should increase the vehicle’s dust and debris filtration and air intake. And they do, by allowing a whopping 80-90% less contaminant into the engine! air filter uses nanofiber media combined with an innovative pleat design to provide 99.99% air filtration efficiency. Your diesel equipment will see better filtration performance, including five times longer service intervals. 

Does a Performance Air Filter Make a Difference on a Diesel?

Absolutely, a diesel engine's high-performance air filter will increase power due to higher air intake and better filtration. As we discussed above, this means an engine will thrive with a new performance air filter and boost diesel equipment’s lifespan. Typically these filters offer longer service intervals as well, so not only is the diesel equipment operating more efficiently, but the filters can last up to five times longer.

Are High Performance Engine Filters Worth It?

While it’s different for every vehicle, the answer is yes! For diesel equipment, performance air filters will make a difference and it’s worth the higher cost now so high expenses and significant downtime can be avoided later on. Labor and parts on a filtration system repair can cost thousands of dollars and keep vehicles in the shop for longer periods of time. Rather than risk damage to equipment, a higher-performance filter is a worthwhile investment.