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Topic: Aero & K&N & UltraPower (Read 1095 times) previous topic - next topic

Aero & K&N & UltraPower

I was at my local RV "performance" center having my car kissed by a frog (turned into a toad), and I asked about resonators.

I was told they could replace the muffler on my ISL400 with an Aero resonator for $900, but also recommended a K&N air filter for $200 plus an UltraPower engine performance product that somehow connects to the engine computer for an additional $1100.  How much of any of this do I really need?  Are the prices reasonable?

 :help:
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: Aero & K&N & UltraPower

Reply #1 –
All depends on if you can do it yourself. It is a simple job and I did mine and with a really bad back to boot. I went plain Jane things and am very pleased with results and I do not think I spent more than $200 on parts (have not really looked at receipts). I already had the Banks Stinger system on my engine (from previous owner). Putting one on is a really simple undertaking.
John H
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Aero & K&N & UltraPower

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Tom Lang –
  How much of any of this do I really need?
Tom,
        IMHO, unless your existing muffler and air cleaner are falling apart you don't "need" any of it. I do not have first hand experience with the K & N air filter products but there is a lot of info out there regarding how those high flow air filters allow more dirt into the engine than OEM components and I have decided that I will stick with OEM parts in the air filter deptartment. You may end up sacrificing reliability and longevity for performance. My muffler is in very good condition and I am going to stick with it for a while. When the time comes to replace it, I will consider the resonator option.
Good luck,
Rick
Rick

Re: Aero & K&N & UltraPower

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Rick –
I do not have first hand experience with the K & N air filter products but there is a lot of info out there regarding how those high flow air filters allow more dirt into the engine than OEM components

We have first-hand experience with K & N on a Ford V10-powered class C as part of the Banks system on that unit.  Fouled the IAC (idle air control) repeatedly, causing stalling at the worst possible times.  We advise against K&N filters.

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Aero & K&N & UltraPower

Reply #4 –
I would stick with the  OEM air cleaner and go for the resonator.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Aero & K&N & UltraPower

Reply #5 –
Quote
Snip: We have first-hand experience with K & N on a Ford V10-powered class C as part of the Banks system on that unit. Fouled the IAC (idle air control) repeatedly, causing stalling at the worst possible times. We advise against K&N filters. Michelle

I had a K&N system on a gas SOB; I "maintained/cleaned/coated" my filter in strict accordance with the factory recommendations and as Michelle stated, my experience was a fouled O2 sensor and IAC. Not a fan of K&N.
Chad & Judy
'98 U320 - Build #5315
Motorcade 16317
Wickenburg, AZ

Re: Aero & K&N & UltraPower

Reply #6 –
K&N air filters will allow more dirt to get into the engine. A LOT more dirt with a diesel pusher. Translates to shorter engine life. You won't notice the dirt but your engine will.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Aero & K&N & UltraPower

Reply #7 –
Hey folks, Look at the good point about the K&N air filter setup, they never stop any dirt the size of sand, and they never clog up, so for the wannabees, its your money and you will never have to concern your self about the air filter, only need to worry about a new engine much sooner.
I actually know a MD who thinks in this mode, so with plenty money anything works, had to rebuild his 8V-71 every three years from ring/cylinder wear,  that folks is CRAZY...
FWIW
Dave M

Re: Aero & K&N & UltraPower

Reply #8 –
I know very little about the Aero Resonator, as I prefer the Walker truck 5" Resonator, yes I am a fan of them for many years and many larger engines.  If you prefer keeping the engine choked down with less turbo  boost and less power, that is your choice for sure.
Enjoy
Dave M

Re: Aero & K&N & UltraPower

Reply #9 –
A 5" Aero resonator is not expensive and probably a truck muffler shop may do it for a lower cost if you want someone to install it.

"Performance" pricing will usually be higher, but then it could take about 5 hours to weld, bend and attach which makes $900 not a bad price for parts and labor, considering parts mark-ups.

We prefer the open Aero to an OEM muffler, but would never use anything but OEM air filters.

Usually anything that changes computer for improved performance, increases exhaust temps and transmission stress to some extent, requiring a watchful eye to be sure that gauges stay within limits.

Re: Aero & K&N & UltraPower

Reply #10 –
I have in my coach, and in just about everything else in my world that needs an air filter a K&N. It's like anything else. Only good if used properly. They need to be serviced and more importantly oiled when they are cleaned. I wash mine with lots of clean water and then blow it out with compressed air. I let it sit at least over night and then oil with filter oil. The oil is a big part of the filtering process. often over looked.
Andy 1989 U300 40'

Re: Aero & K&N & UltraPower

Reply #11 –
Quote
We have first-hand experience with K & N on a Ford V10-powered class C as part of the Banks system on that unit.  Fouled the IAC (idle air control) repeatedly, causing stalling at the worst possible times.  We advise against K&N filters.


Ditto on my Class C with the K & N.  I would stay with the OEM air filter.

Brad

2000 U320 4000

Re: Aero & K&N & UltraPower

Reply #12 –
You OEM air filter will pass plenty of fresh air to the engine -  don't go messing with it.  A smaller, lighter, free flowing, resonator  I could go for.  But not at that price.
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Aero & K&N & UltraPower

Reply #13 –
I have a 1996 U320 and installed a Magnaflow stainless muffler (30 inches) because it is quieter then the Aero 5050XL (30 inches) and there was not enough room to install a Walker Megaflow muffler (51 inches). The Aero 5050XL is quieter and shorter than the Aero AT5050 (20 inches). I did not want it to be louder than stock, and while the Magnaflow has a deeper tone, it is not louder. I read a blog on IRV2 about someone who replaced the stock muffler on a SOB with a 5050XL and after a year of listening to the drone, he replace the 5050XL with a Magnaflow.

However, I know a Foretravel owner who is happy with his Aero 5050 on his Cummins 8.3, even though it is louder than my M11.


 
Wyatt
96 U320 40 WTFE, build 4943
84 Toyota Supra towd
2015 Jeep Wrangler towd
Victoria, BC, Canada
 

Re: Aero & K&N & UltraPower

Reply #14 –
I don't think that the 5" Aero AT5050XL 30" resonator cost of about $90 is expensive.
http://www.mandrelbendingsolutions.com/servlet/the-980/Aero-Exhaust-Resonato r-Turbine/Detail

5" also comes in a shorter 20" AT5050 model that we are using. Aero is completely open, without any internal packing, but is not loud.

Add some flex pipe, elbows, hangers, you have a new open muffler at a reasonable cost.