[vad]

"So what happens is that the K&N initially flows better, but as the dirt continues coming in, the K&N eventually flows WORSE while still letting MORE dirt in.
Now, does any of this additional dirt cause problems?"

http://www.seansa4page.com/resource/airfilter.html

Engines and dust don't mix. Sticking with paper or foam is the ONLY option IMO.

Here is another article:

http://www.ibmwr.org/otech/airfilter.html

 

[bugshack]

Nice job on your research. Interesting that you got it from the ibmwr.ore website. Ive been riding beemers for years. I agree with you on the K&N. Ive used them for years too. I think they are a waste of money. I decided to use an ITG drop in filter in my Focus. I diddnt really notice a difference over the stock paper one thoe.Im thinking of giong back to paper and selling the ITG on eBay. Then there will be no worries about fouling up the MAS.

 

[zetecwagon]

I would not get rid of the ITG dropin, they have been proven to flow much more air, and handle far more dirt load than others.

 

[bugshack]

Ive tried the stock paper and the ITG drop in back to back and cant tell any difference in performance. I would say you would want the ITG if you drove on dirt roads alot. I will just keep a clean paper one in mine.

 

[Prembird]

Well ive been using k&n for years now... have had them in the last 4 cars that i have owned... Every one of them i can tell a difference when installed.. I like the filters, I think they do a pretty damn good job... So I guess I will be one of the people that will just stick with them...

 

[lt7d101]

bugshack, if you decide to sell the ITG, pm me with a price. I want one for my winter IceMan setup.

 

[Lil playa]

Here is another of the same type of write up by the company whose intake i have started using on my zx3. I got the direct flow intake from www.rmrace.com who also makes the gca true flow air intakes. I got the foam filter with the intake and i'm not gonna sit here and say that it's a lot better than my k&n drop in was but after seeing the tests and actually looking at and through both filters i could see why i know i'd rather use a foam filter than a gauze one.
just my $.02