DIY - Replace your factory stock air filter with a K&N one (10 pics)

TigerDave · 09-19-2007, 07:04 PM

Note: You can also find an easier-to-read and printable version of this DIY here.

Replace your factory stock air filter with a K&N one
For 2006-2007 Honda Civic Si models
by TigerDave

Disclaimer:

This DIY guide is only for informational purpose and the author or the website owner is not responsible for any malfunctions, damages, property loss, injuries or accidents or liabilities of any kind. Proceed at your own risk. There. Now with that said...

Details:

This guide walks you through the steps I took to replace my factory Honda air filter with a K&N brand air filter. Read this guide thoroughly before starting.

Background:

For the past 10 years, I've always replaced the stock air filter in my cars with K&N brand filters. They seem to perform better and costs less over the life of the care since they can be cleaned and reused for up to 1 million miles or 10 years.

Some specs

* High Air Flow with Excellent Filtration
* Designed to Increase Horsepower and Acceleration
* Emissions Legal in all 50 US States.
* Works with Original Equipment Manufacturer Vehicle Electronics
* Washable and Reusable
* Will NOT Void Vehicle Warranty
* Lasts up to 50,000 miles before cleaning is required depending on driving conditions
* K&N Million Mile Limited Warranty

Total cost of this "hack": $36.50 + tax

I purchased my K&N air filter from AJ USA which is a few blocks from my office. They seemed to have the best price too: $36.50 + tax.

The K&N part number for the 2006-2007 Civic (Si only) is 33-2343.

If you have an EX or other "non-Si" Civic, you need a different part number. Check K&N's website to determine the correct part you need.

The air filter is located in this part of the engine.

There are 6 retaining clips you need to remove in order to access the air filter.
Here are 4 of them:

And here are the other 2.

Once you pull back the cover, you can see the stock air filter.
This is what mine looks like with 7,100 original miles and living in So Cal (air filters allegedly get dirtier in the Southwestern portion of the USA).
Of course this is the clean side. The dirty air come in from the bottom and then exits through the top.
The blue "dirty" side (not shown) was semi-black and dirty.

Remove the stock air filter.
You may want to vacuum out any dirt, sand, bugs or other debris that might be sitting in the bottom of the tray.

Here's the stock air filter next to the K&N.

As you can see, the stock filter is quite a bit thicker.

Insert the new K&N filter. Make sure it's sitting flush all the way around with no gaps.
Re-install the cover making sure it's properly aligned and there are no gaps.

Re-install the 6 retaining clips. The rubber gasket on the K&N is more dense so it will require more force than you think to get those clips back on.
Optional: Apply the included reminder sticker so you or some mechanic doesn't throw the air filter away by accident.

Enjoy! And remember to "recharge" (clean) the air filter when needed. I usually do it every time I change the oil as it's pretty dusty here in So Cal.

JCool · 09-26-2007, 04:04 PM

Nicely put together. You notice any difference with HP or Gas mileage?

cypress · 09-26-2007, 11:20 PM

Subscribed!

Nice DIY, I am planning on getting this soon for my LX.

TigerDave · 09-27-2007, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JCool

Nicely put together. You notice any difference with HP or Gas mileage?

I notice slightly better throttle response.

JCool · 09-28-2007, 06:22 PM

cool, I was thinking about putting in the K&N SRI some day. It seem to be the best of both worlds, no heat soak and good low end torque.

FG-JOE · 10-02-2007, 09:49 AM

does vtec sound any different?

The Ghost · 10-02-2007, 10:17 AM

Overall would you recommend getting a CIA or a K&N filter?

TommyD · 10-02-2007, 10:45 AM

I'd have to see dyno tests back to back with the stock filter to see if it's worth it. The way Honda designs their air filters, sometimes these don't do shit.

black07coupe · 10-02-2007, 11:36 AM

LOL I can't believe that you made this DIY or that someone would need this LOL wow

Foozool · 10-21-2007, 10:16 PM

do the car sound changes a bit ?

monza679 · 11-11-2007, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foozool

do the car sound changes a bit ?

I installed one in the wife's car and the air box is louder in the upper rpm's, did feel a little crisper but haven't driven enough to ck mpg

luke_xb · 11-27-2007, 06:03 PM

This is a difficulty level -2 DIY instruction, but very neat and complete(even has a disclaimer), i like it. lol

CapnCrunch926 · 11-27-2007, 06:12 PM

Really easy but awesome. Really clean. Nice man!

isunelan · 12-13-2007, 04:51 PM

this DIY is Very clear, this is the first thing i've ever done on my car (im a noobie) and i can do it less then 3 minuts ^ ^
thanks for this post =]

e60.deluxe · 12-13-2007, 05:05 PM

+1. this is something anyone in Socal should do whether its K&N or stock because of the recent fires all that ash.

StOp N G0 x · 12-22-2007, 10:15 PM

I just replaced my stock air filter yesterday with a K&N and I knew no idea how to do until I opened up my hood and figured it out myself which wasn't hard. I wish I found this a day earlier.

Skylinegtr06 · 12-23-2007, 03:31 AM

hey dave you coming to the San Diego meet??

ikhan · 02-21-2008, 02:16 AM

alota of ppl say that the k&N air filters don't make a difference. any other suggestions?

kekekekevin · 02-21-2008, 04:22 AM

They are right. You are not going to feel any gain in the HP. However, there is a little difference in the throttle response. I bought it only because of the lifetime use.

kekekekevin · 02-21-2008, 04:24 AM

If you want something good and cheap cost, do the Poorman's Mugen Air Box. You will definitely feel the gain.

09-19-2007, 07:04 PM	#1 (permalink)
TigerDave Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: San Diego, CA Posts: 53 iTrader: 0 / 0%	DIY - Replace your factory stock air filter with a K&N one (10 pics) Note: You can also find an easier-to-read and printable version of this DIY here. Replace your factory stock air filter with a K&N one For 2006-2007 Honda Civic Si models by TigerDave Disclaimer: This DIY guide is only for informational purpose and the author or the website owner is not responsible for any malfunctions, damages, property loss, injuries or accidents or liabilities of any kind. Proceed at your own risk. There. Now with that said... Details: This guide walks you through the steps I took to replace my factory Honda air filter with a K&N brand air filter. Read this guide thoroughly before starting. Background: For the past 10 years, I've always replaced the stock air filter in my cars with K&N brand filters. They seem to perform better and costs less over the life of the care since they can be cleaned and reused for up to 1 million miles or 10 years. Some specs * High Air Flow with Excellent Filtration * Designed to Increase Horsepower and Acceleration * Emissions Legal in all 50 US States. * Works with Original Equipment Manufacturer Vehicle Electronics * Washable and Reusable * Will NOT Void Vehicle Warranty * Lasts up to 50,000 miles before cleaning is required depending on driving conditions * K&N Million Mile Limited Warranty Total cost of this "hack": $36.50 + tax I purchased my K&N air filter from AJ USA which is a few blocks from my office. They seemed to have the best price too: $36.50 + tax. The K&N part number for the 2006-2007 Civic (Si only) is 33-2343. If you have an EX or other "non-Si" Civic, you need a different part number. Check K&N's website to determine the correct part you need. The air filter is located in this part of the engine. There are 6 retaining clips you need to remove in order to access the air filter. Here are 4 of them: And here are the other 2. Once you pull back the cover, you can see the stock air filter. This is what mine looks like with 7,100 original miles and living in So Cal (air filters allegedly get dirtier in the Southwestern portion of the USA). Of course this is the clean side. The dirty air come in from the bottom and then exits through the top. The blue "dirty" side (not shown) was semi-black and dirty. Remove the stock air filter. You may want to vacuum out any dirt, sand, bugs or other debris that might be sitting in the bottom of the tray. Here's the stock air filter next to the K&N. As you can see, the stock filter is quite a bit thicker. Insert the new K&N filter. Make sure it's sitting flush all the way around with no gaps. Re-install the cover making sure it's properly aligned and there are no gaps. Re-install the 6 retaining clips. The rubber gasket on the K&N is more dense so it will require more force than you think to get those clips back on. Optional: Apply the included reminder sticker so you or some mechanic doesn't throw the air filter away by accident. Enjoy! And remember to "recharge" (clean) the air filter when needed. I usually do it every time I change the oil as it's pretty dusty here in So Cal.

LinkBacks (?) LinkBack to this Thread: http://www.8thcivic.com/forums/engine/57398-diy-replace-your-factory-stock-air-filter-k-n-one-10-pics.html
Posted By	For	Type	Date
Civic Si ?	This thread	Refback	02-20-2008 03:37 PM
Civic Si ?	This thread	Refback	02-20-2008 03:29 PM
Civic Si ?	This thread	Refback	02-16-2008 11:47 AM
Civic Si ?	This thread	Refback	02-16-2008 11:39 AM
Civic Si ?	This thread	Refback	02-16-2008 11:37 AM
Civic Si ?	This thread	Refback	02-16-2008 11:20 AM
DIY/install index - LOOK HERE BEFORE ASKING FOR A DIY - 8th Generation Honda Civic Forum	This thread	Refback	01-03-2008 08:25 AM
DIY/install index - LOOK HERE BEFORE ASKING FOR A DIY - 8th Generation Honda Civic Forum	This thread	Refback	12-21-2007 04:43 PM

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09-26-2007, 04:04 PM	#2 (permalink)
JCool Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Pittsburgh PA Posts: 689 Jared iTrader: 0 / 0%	Nicely put together. You notice any difference with HP or Gas mileage?

09-26-2007, 11:20 PM	#3 (permalink)
cypress Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Boynton Beach, Florida Age: 22 Posts: 2,098 Kenny iTrader: 3 / 100%	Subscribed! Nice DIY, I am planning on getting this soon for my LX.

09-28-2007, 06:22 PM	#5 (permalink)
JCool Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Pittsburgh PA Posts: 689 Jared iTrader: 0 / 0%	cool, I was thinking about putting in the K&N SRI some day. It seem to be the best of both worlds, no heat soak and good low end torque.

10-02-2007, 09:49 AM	#6 (permalink)
FG-JOE Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Bakersfield Age: 19 Posts: 2,823 Joseph iTrader: 23 / 100%	does vtec sound any different?

10-02-2007, 10:17 AM	#7 (permalink)
The Ghost Junior Member Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 12 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Overall would you recommend getting a CIA or a K&N filter?

10-02-2007, 10:45 AM	#8 (permalink)
TommyD Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,367 iTrader: 0 / 0%	I'd have to see dyno tests back to back with the stock filter to see if it's worth it. The way Honda designs their air filters, sometimes these don't do shit.

10-02-2007, 11:36 AM	#9 (permalink)
black07coupe Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: BOSTON Posts: 1,852 Mike iTrader: 0 / 0%	LOL I can't believe that you made this DIY or that someone would need this LOL wow

10-21-2007, 10:16 PM	#10 (permalink)
Foozool Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Bahrain Age: 20 Posts: 114 iTrader: 0 / 0%	do the car sound changes a bit ?

11-27-2007, 06:03 PM	#12 (permalink)
luke_xb Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 9 iTrader: 0 / 0%	This is a difficulty level -2 DIY instruction, but very neat and complete(even has a disclaimer), i like it. lol

11-27-2007, 06:12 PM	#13 (permalink)
CapnCrunch926 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Tallahassee, FL/North Palm Beach, FL Age: 20 Posts: 266 iTrader: 0 / 0%	Really easy but awesome. Really clean. Nice man!

12-13-2007, 04:51 PM	#14 (permalink)
isunelan Senior Member Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 148 iTrader: 0 / 0%	this DIY is Very clear, this is the first thing i've ever done on my car (im a noobie) and i can do it less then 3 minuts ^ ^ thanks for this post =]

12-13-2007, 05:05 PM	#15 (permalink)
e60.deluxe Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Lake Forest, CA Age: 23 Posts: 5,906 iTrader: 3 / 100%	+1. this is something anyone in Socal should do whether its K&N or stock because of the recent fires all that ash.

12-22-2007, 10:15 PM	#16 (permalink)
StOp N G0 x Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 32 Rob iTrader: 0 / 0%	I just replaced my stock air filter yesterday with a K&N and I knew no idea how to do until I opened up my hood and figured it out myself which wasn't hard. I wish I found this a day earlier.

12-23-2007, 03:31 AM	#17 (permalink)
Skylinegtr06 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Chula Vista SD Age: 19 Posts: 5,743 edwyn(male) iTrader: 1 / 100%	hey dave you coming to the San Diego meet??

02-21-2008, 02:16 AM	#18 (permalink)
ikhan Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Posts: 53 iTrader: 0 / 0%	alota of ppl say that the k&N air filters don't make a difference. any other suggestions?

02-21-2008, 04:22 AM	#19 (permalink)
kekekekevin Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Sacramento Age: 25 Posts: 429 KeKeKeKeViN iTrader: 2 / 100%	They are right. You are not going to feel any gain in the HP. However, there is a little difference in the throttle response. I bought it only because of the lifetime use.

02-21-2008, 04:24 AM	#20 (permalink)
kekekekevin Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Sacramento Age: 25 Posts: 429 KeKeKeKeViN iTrader: 2 / 100%	If you want something good and cheap cost, do the Poorman's Mugen Air Box. You will definitely feel the gain.