Cheap pods question

[Guest]

Hi guys, I have seen several posts where people are warning against using cheap pods. I was just wondering what problems are likely to occur with cheap ones as opposed to expensive ones. Just curious. Thanks in advance.

[Big Rich]

Couple different things can occur. From the filter element being flimsy steel mesh (keeps bees out of your carbs, but that's about it), the mounting boots being the complete wrong size, being too short (it can mess up the "harmony" of air intake), the inside of that boot can have a fat lip that disrupts air flow, etc, etc.

For me, the air filters basically protect the inside of the combustion chamber. A couple extra bucks provides a great peace of mind.

[Steve]

Not to mention unpredictable flow characteristics that make it a pain to try to jet correctly.

.

[pete]

I've seen reports of some being more restrictive than the airbox... generally I think it's mainly such poor quality that the same brand of pods will give different results...

I think also that ones like the Emgo's can't be oiled, meaning they're not really serviceable and won't last that long.

Last I looked at Amazon, there were very competitive prices on K&N's on there.

I got my K&N's for $AU67 each...

[spyug]

They are generally non restrictive to airflow and thus allow too much air causing lean burning which is not at all good for the engine ( burned valves) and overall performance. As others have mentioned they are also often not well manufactured and may not fit the carbs properly. I have lost one from a Yammie I had while riding.

If you do run them you will need to put in larger jets and as Steve mentions it can be a huge pain to tune the carbs. Its all a big balancing act and if not done correctly will cause crappy running and will be detremental to the engine. Best to go for something of better quality like K&N.

Good luck,
Spyug

[afholderman]

The APE pods are quality pieces and much less expensive than K&N. I have had K&N and AEM filters on my previous cars and the APE build quality is equal, although they do not feature a venturi. Also they can be cleaned and re-oiled just like the K&N versions.

[Krunk_Kracker]

Get these: http://gszone.biz/carbs.html

$60 for all four

[TheCafeKid]

Get these: http://gszone.biz/carbs.html

$60 for all four

those are the APE KN knockoffs... Work quite well.. Mind you the only big difference besides having no bell mouth inside, (which you dont really neeeeeed ) is that there is no lip on the back of the clamp area, so if you over clamp them, they'll pop off... Keep an eye on that..

[Octain]

I have a set of cheap emgo and some K&N's. I run the K&N's cause they look better. BUt using either set I can not tell a difference in the way the bike runs.
The carbs jetted for a free flowing intake system.

[afholderman]

those are the APE KN knockoffs... Work quite well.. Mind you the only big difference besides having no bell mouth inside, (which you dont really neeeeeed ) is that there is no lip on the back of the clamp area, so if you over clamp them, they'll pop off... Keep an eye on that..

I had a bit of a problem with just what you're talking about. The boots had an almost oily surface. Using a socket driver and helped immensely in getting them tightened firmly vs a screwdriver.

[spyug]

Mind you the only big difference besides having no bell mouth inside, (which you dont really neeeeeed ) is that there is no lip on the back of the clamp area, so if you over clamp them, they'll pop off... Keep an eye on that..

As I mentioned. When I lost one once replaced I "safety"wired them together with a connector wire to the carb rail. Never lost one again and they never came off the carbs even....go figure.

Spyug