Pod filters. The very mention of them causes somewhat of a stir among car performance enthusiasts. Some are in the camp that pod filters are a good performance upgrade due to improved airflow thanks to the larger surface area, (while also providing that beautiful induction noise – whoooooosh) while others feel the stock air box with an aftermarket filter is the way to go. Either way you look at it, both are aimed at improving airflow, while also providing a degree of filtration and protection to the engines internals.
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| Cross sectional diagram of a mushroom style filter |
When I purchased my R34 Skyline, it already had an HKS mushroom pod filter installed, so I myself can’t comment whether going to a pod filter will gain any considerable power over the stock air box in an R34. However, after reading countless forum threads and watching many YouTube videos on the subject, the overall consensus seems to be, that pod filters do offer a little improvement in power once installed and the car has been tuned. So on the basis of that, my pod filter is staying and awaiting a tune. In the meantime however, I noticed that the filter itself has gotten quite dirty, and god knows when it was last changed so I purchased a new replacement filter from HKS.
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| HKS Dry 3 Layer Filter in Red/Orange - 200mm |
During my research on deciding which type of replacement filter to purchase, I noticed that HKS offer a triple filtration solution for dryer environments. The previous filters from HKS were only dual layer and many people have questioned their reliability of actually filtering contaminates from the engine. HKS in response have released the triple layer filter which improves filtration quite considerably while still offering excellent airflow – and it comes in a few colours, so customize away!
Side Note: HKS still sell the dual layer filter, but it is recommended to use those in race orientated vehicles, where maximum airflow is preferred over long term filtration.
The Workshop
Replacing the filter itself is a really easy job and should be done every 6 months to ensure the filters integrity, which in turn ensures your engine is breathing right.
Step 1:
Locate the Pod Filter and remove any brackets which secure the filter to the car itself. In my case there are 2 to remove as pictured. This provides easier access when removing the filter itself.
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| HKS newer 3 Layer Solution |
The Workshop
Replacing the filter itself is a really easy job and should be done every 6 months to ensure the filters integrity, which in turn ensures your engine is breathing right.
Step 1:
Locate the Pod Filter and remove any brackets which secure the filter to the car itself. In my case there are 2 to remove as pictured. This provides easier access when removing the filter itself.
Step 2:
Unscrew the centre knob anticlockwise all the way, and pull the honeycomb cage out until it is released from the main unit.
Step 3:
Remove the old dirty filter from the honeycomb cage and replace it with your clean new one. Make sure the centre hole in the filter lines up with the hole in the honeycomb cage. Important: Ensure that the rougher grain on the filter is exposed outwards.
Put the honeycomb cage back in place over the main unit and screw the centre knob back on to lock it in place.
Step 5:
Re-attach any supporting brackets which were removed in Step One.
Now you are ready to enjoy the satisfaction in knowing your car is breathing well again!
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| Final result..looking fresh! |
Oh, and throw out that old dirty filter...
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