My question is how often would you replace the air filter regardless of what the manual states? I'm going to do about six track days a year and about 6,000 miles in total annually. I pulled it out and knocked the dust off for good measure. Has anyone replaced theirs with an Airaid reusable filter?

I was under my hood today and noticed there was paint on the rubber gasket for the air filter. Sure enough the paint has already worn through down to the aluminum. Anyone else seen this? Not a huge problem but I'm open to suggestions on how to eliminate this. My car has approximately 4,400 miles on it and is about nine months old.

Same problem with mine Rick

I'm not a fan of reusing/cleaning air filters. The pleats or the media are never the same after cleaning no mater how hard I try. It could be me. I use them like a disposable. In the end, the ROI is so tiny that I don't see the point. I want the best filter in the best condition at all times. You could probably change your filter once a year and be in great shape at all times....
Just my opinion....

Your car looks really cool btw....

I plan on changing my filter once a year also or more often if need be.

I didn't check my paint, but I did replace my stock filter with a pretty blue Amsoil filter. I don't have the Amsoil part number handy, but will post it up later. My stock filter was surprisingly dirty with 3500 miles on the clock and a handful of track days.

CSL said:

My stock filter was surprisingly dirty with 3500 miles on the clock and a handful of track days.

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Yes mine is too. Our engines suck a lot of air at 8,250 RPM's. 8)

I think I'd put some foam tape or another rubber seal on the hood side. Or put on a *heavy* clear coat in the affected area, if the look of an added seal bothered me.

Unfortunately, you're probably going to have to put a piece of clearbra on the hood in the contact region for the filter gasket.

ArizonaBOSS said:

Unfortunately, you're probably going to have to put a piece of clearbra on the hood in the contact region for the filter gasket.

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I haven't checked my paint in that area yet but I will tomorrow. I was going to suggest the same thing...clear bra would be a good solution. My car is just a year old now and has 4300 miles and 2 track weekends on it. I'm glad I installed the JLT oil separator when I got it...works like a charm. I'm thinking about the annual air cleaner change out as well but I don't see the car getting more than 4000 miles a year on it...maybe overkill.

The dry synthetic media for the AiRaid filter is the way to go. Washable but no oiled media to foul the MAF sensor. Available in red or blue

http://www.airaid.com/search/product.aspx?prod=861-399

I bought a couple with some oil filters. I'll probably replace the air filter every other oil change (10k miles). It's damn dusty in the desert.

I also live in a dusty environment and am about to install my third air filter at about 9000 miles. They are pretty cheap at Rock Auto.

barstowpo said:

I also live in a dusty environment and am about to install my third air filter at about 9000 miles. They are pretty cheap at Rock Auto.

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Hi Gordon! Say why don't you post up the part # you are purchasing? I think it would be a big help. Thanks.

VoodooBOSS said:

I was under my hood today and noticed there was paint on the rubber gasket for the air filter. Sure enough the paint has already worn through down to the aluminum. Anyone else seen this? Not a huge problem but I'm open to suggestions on how to eliminate this. My car has approximately 4,400 miles on it and is about nine months old.

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The lift and vibration of the hood at speed causes the paint rub: Here's a photo of hood lift at 165mph versus 90mph:

shelbyman1 said:

Hi Gordon! Say why don't you post up the part # you are purchasing? I think it would be a big help. Thanks.

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I used FR3Z-9601-B for the air filters.

Between seeing my hood lift and shake at 130 mph and seeing your photo a couple of weeks ago I've been considering installing some AeroCatch hood pins. I hate to put holes in my hood though. OTOH if yours held at 165 I should be fine. ;D

http://www.aerocatch.com/

I think I used FA 1922.

barstowpo said:

I think I used FA 1922.

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Thanks Gordon You going to West Coast on the 4th?

What is happening on the 4th?

Agree with CJ 350 wholeheartedly. Many Manufacturers are suggesting filters that are not oil based for exactly the reason CJ listed - chance of possibly fouling the MAF sensors.

Great point and often missed or discounted , but something brought up by some of the Engineers, we , at our Dealerships, have known for a very long time -- info from friends at Ford and Chrysler.