Performance Air Filter For 2005 Rx300

[nexus6]

Just bought my car and thought I'd change the air filter to one of the more breathable types like Pipercross and K & N but there are no listings for this model, only for the early pre-2003 RX300 and the later RX330.

I tried calling the above two companies but they were unable to confirm if there is one that fits.

Does anybody know if it's the same size for the RX330 or has anyone fitted a performance air filter of any kind please?

I'm not expecting huge improvement in performance or economy but do know that it will make a slight difference, plus make for more efficient engine breathing, and also last much longer than standard paper filters, so I would really like to buy one if possible.

[PCM]

Or use Shell V-Power or similar?

[ColinBarber]

Toyodiy.com show the same part code for the 2004 RX300 air filter and the RX330 so the aftermarket ones should also fit both.

[ChrisKaye]

Hi,

I have thought about this too but don't want to increase engine/intake noise.

I have a K&N cone filter on one of my MR2's and it is fantastic, the engine feels peppier and just sounds awesome when giving it plenty of welly.

I can't say fuel economy is vastly better, or even any engine HP is released but it suits that car, just not what I want for the Lex (an extra MPG or 2 would be nice though!)

I read somewhere that standard Toyota branded RX air filters are cotton rather than paper el-cheapo types like basic cars or from eurocarparts, for example, so not sure how much difference piper cross or K&N would make other than oil from the filters ending up on your MAF sensor. I've not had to change my filter yet so can't confirm until I check it at the weekend!

Please let us know how you get on if you do fit one! :)

[ColinBarber]

The cone filters do add a bit of performance, but mainly noise, but the drop in panel filters really don't add much, especially to a non-modified engine - the stock filters aren't that restrictive. The K&N also filter less so you add a bit more wear to the engine.

[nexus6]

The K & N filter and others surely provide more air not less - approx 30% from what I've read so I can't understand why you are saying that?

The question I'm asking is mainly about finding one that fits my car since none are listed for the later RX300 - I just really want to know if it is the same size filter as on the RX330?

The K & N filter and others surely provide more air not less - approx 30% from what I've read so I can't understand why you are saying that?

The question I'm asking is mainly about finding one that fits my car since none are listed for the later RX300 - I just really want to know if it is the same size filter as on the RX350?

Edited November 17, 2015 by nexus6

[nexus6]

Hi,

I have thought about this too but don't want to increase engine/intake noise.

I have a K&N cone filter on one of my MR2's and it is fantastic, the engine feels peppier and just sounds awesome when giving it plenty of welly.

I can't say fuel economy is vastly better, or even any engine HP is released but it suits that car, just not what I want for the Lex (an extra MPG or 2 would be nice though!)

I read somewhere that standard Toyota branded RX air filters are cotton rather than paper el-cheapo types like basic cars or from eurocarparts, for example, so not sure how much difference piper cross or K&N would make other than oil from the filters ending up on your MAF sensor. I've not had to change my filter yet so can't confirm until I check it at the weekend!

Please let us know how you get on if you do fit one! :)

Will do having just been advised that the filter is the same size as the RX330

Hi,

I have thought about this too but don't want to increase engine/intake noise.

I have a K&N cone filter on one of my MR2's and it is fantastic, the engine feels peppier and just sounds awesome when giving it plenty of welly.

I can't say fuel economy is vastly better, or even any engine HP is released but it suits that car, just not what I want for the Lex (an extra MPG or 2 would be nice though!)

I read somewhere that standard Toyota branded RX air filters are cotton rather than paper el-cheapo types like basic cars or from eurocarparts, for example, so not sure how much difference piper cross or K&N would make other than oil from the filters ending up on your MAF sensor. I've not had to change my filter yet so can't confirm until I check it at the weekend!

Please let us know how you get on if you do fit one! :)

Will do having just been advised that the filter is the same size as the RX350

[nexus6]

Toyodiy.com show the same part code for the 2004 RX300 air filter and the RX330 so the aftermarket ones should also fit both.

Toyodiy.com show the same part code for the 2004 RX300 air filter and the RX330 so the aftermarket ones should also fit both.

A very useful website and now added to my favourites!

For others info, the site confirms that the Lexus part no. is 17801-20040 and fits the later RX300 plus the RX 350 and also the other market RX330

[ColinBarber]

The K & N filter and others surely provide more air not less - approx 30% from what I've read so I can't understand why you are saying that?

The 30% is debatable and probably only near achievable when compared to a dirty OEM filter however providing 30% more air isn't really of much benefit if the engine cannot make use of it - are you going to raise the rpm limit from 6,000 to 8,000 to make use of all that extra air?

The stock filter isn't too restrictive. The engine isn't doing that much work to draw air in through the filter and therefore there is very little to gain even if you can improve things. The fact that the same filter is used on the RX350, a vehicle with 35% more power compared to the RX300, shows that it isn't a limiting factor.

In order to achieve better breathing the K&N filters to not filter as well as a Toyota OEM filter - there have been independent tests that prove this, so more dirt will enter the engine and therefore increase wear, but probably not by enough to worry about.

By all means fit a K&N filter, if you want a little bit more noise or want to extend the servicing interval of the air filter, just don't expect to see any noticeable improvement in mpg - once the placebo effect wears off and you drive in the same way as before you will be back at the same economy figure.

[nexus6]

Well first you said that it restricted air flow and then you said that the 30%increase in air flow was debatable compared to a dirty OEM one, then you talk about more noise from this type of filter which is incorrect as it is the cone type that do that.

You also say independent tests have proven that these filters don't filter air as well (unlike dirty OEM ones perhaps?) and then go on to say that any engine wear "caused by these filters" is not enough to worry about.

Forgive my lack of confidence in the information you've provided but from past experience these filters do improve both economy and performance albeit by a small amount, but the point is that it is a discernible difference and simply that it elongates the life of the filter by a significant amount. So it's an improvement in efficiency, economy and servicing costs long term, end of story.

Anyway after finding the information I originally requested about the filter fitting data, I ordered one before your last post and so will report back here with my own conclusions based on fact and experience in due course.

[ColinBarber]

Well first you said that it restricted air flow and then you said that the 30%increase in air flow was debatable compared to a dirty OEM one, then you talk about more noise from this type of filter which is incorrect as it is the cone type that do that.

Not sure what you are reading but I didn't say anything of the sort. I said the stock filter isn't that restrictive so there is little to be gained by using a different filter on an unmodified engine. Never said K&N filters restrict airflow, what they don't do is filter the dirt particles as well as the OEM filter - because they are less restrictive.

The drop-in filters do add a bit of noise, certainly not as much as a cone filter but they do add a little bit compared to the OEM filter.

[nexus6]

Well first you said that it restricted air flow and then you said that the 30%increase in air flow was debatable compared to a dirty OEM one, then you talk about more noise from this type of filter which is incorrect as it is the cone type that do that.

Not sure what you are reading but I didn't say anything of the sort. I said the stock filter isn't that restrictive so there is little to be gained by using a different filter on an unmodified engine. Never said K&N filters restrict airflow, what they don't do is filter the dirt particles as well as the OEM filter - because they are less restrictive.

The drop-in filters do add a bit of noise, certainly not as much as a cone filter but they do add a little bit compared to the OEM filter.

My apologies as I misread that first bit about restricting air intake.

Nonetheless I can't quite understand why you are so against these K & N performance filters (marketed as "The World's Best Air Filter" by the way which may be a bit of a bold statement but can't just be ignored or pooh-poohed!)

Anyway, I just received and fitted it today and the first thing I noticed was that it was actually a little quieter on tickover and I know I wasn't imagining it. I haven't been out in it yet to see whether it adds noise as you suggest but from past experience I wouldn't expect (or want) it to be noticeable especially on a quiet smooth running car like the Lexus.

If I'm wrong I'll happily admit it once I've driven it tomorrow but I seriously doubt it will be noticeable from past experience on my previous cars.

[ColinBarber]

The extra noise should only be apparent on hard acceleration.

I'm not against them, I just don't think they make the difference they claim to, certainly not on a Toyota engine with a genuine Toyota filter, and this is based on me using them on a couple of cars in the past and other people's feedback. I also don't think they represent value for money once you factor in the oil you need to purchase and your time in performing the cleaning etc.

Even if you are careful, and even when they are new pre-oiled, they do coat the MAF sensor with oil so over time your engine will run less efficient - you should clean your MAF every couple of years anyway but maybe every year with an filter than uses oil.

Let's hope my experience isn't the same with the RX300 engine. If it makes a positive difference then everybody here stands to benefit. :)

[nexus6]

Hi Colin,

Have done a few short to medium runs with the K & N performance filter and I humbly concur with your comment about the additional noise under hard acceleration. This was rather more than I had anticipated so I would certainly advise anyone considering these filters to be aware of this since it's not to everyone's taste of course.

However, although I was a little surprised by it, I do actually like the more powerful engine sound it provides compared to the slightly harsh revvy sound that it makes normally with the standard filter under hard acceleration - so it is down to personal taste and in normal driving it is not noticeable so to me the best of both worlds.

I calculate that fuel consumption has decreased ever so slightly (despite using more hard acceleration to assess the increased sound and any power improvement and definitely not a "placebo effect" as you suggested) - I'd calculate about 1 mpg better on short runs and nearer 2-3 on a longer run, plus a very slight improvement in acceleration, but most noticeable was an improved throttle response instead of the slight hesitation and delay that usually occurs throughout the rev range.

So all in all it was what I had hoped for and anticipated, with the exception of the aforementioned increased sound under hard acceleration which I do actually prefer.

I will let you know if I do get any issues with the "MAF sensor getting coated with oil" as you put it - but again I find it hard to imagine that these filters are designed to cause such an issue and decrease engine efficiency - but I'll keep an open mind nonetheless and hope you're proved wrong about that aspect.

It would be interesting to hear from anyone else who fits one of these in the meantime and/ or has experiences with either positive, negative or neutral results.

Tony

[Cabcurtains]

I have a K & N Panel Filter fitted, combined with V-Power fuel economy has improved from 19 to 22 MPG. The part i fitted is a 33-2260 which was listed as being for a 3.0 Camry, its exactly the same size as one it replaced.

From personal experience (touch wood now) i had a full cone on Corolla T-Sport for 40k and a Panel in a 2.2d Verso for 50k+, the MAF was never an issue. I just took them out and tapped out the rubbish, grit, flies etc I never re-oiled them or cleaned them with any type of chemical. Over oiling would easily affect the MAF.

On the subject of MAF's i have deliberated over cleaning it, but as its not broken i don't want to mess with it spraying some type of contact cleaner, unless it get a fault code and that would be my first fix.

The filter was part of a shopping spree inc front under run trim, mud flaps, rear bumper protector (eBay bargains), all forward lighting. Not much left to do now, bar regular servicing.

[nexus6]

I have a K & N Panel Filter fitted, combined with V-Power fuel economy has improved from 19 to 22 MPG. The part i fitted is a 33-2260 which was listed as being for a 3.0 Camry, its exactly the same size as one it replaced.

From personal experience (touch wood now) i had a full cone on Corolla T-Sport for 40k and a Panel in a 2.2d Verso for 50k+, the MAF was never an issue. I just took them out and tapped out the rubbish, grit, flies etc I never re-oiled them or cleaned them with any type of chemical. Over oiling would easily affect the MAF.

On the subject of MAF's i have deliberated over cleaning it, but as its not broken i don't want to mess with it spraying some type of contact cleaner, unless it get a fault code and that would be my first fix.

The filter was part of a shopping spree inc front under run trim, mud flaps, rear bumper protector (Ebay bargains), all forward lighting. Not much left to do now, bar regular servicing.

I have been using V-Power on all my cars for years so that has obviously already made the difference and bears out what I said about the improved MPG I achieved in just less than a week of using the new filter without really trying.

My son-in-law has an air line which he used to blow out the detritus from the performance filter on my Alpina last year and the same on my Boxster two years before that and I similarly decided not to re-oil the filters like you - didn't seem to affect things in anyway, but it's only recommended every 50k miles according to K & N so perhaps that's why it didn't matter? Anyway with a quoted life of 1 million miles you'd have to own the same car for a very long time to get your full moneys worth :D