Opinions on PRL HVI filter

[knuckles]

I recently picked up a used HVI for my FL5. The filter looked like it needed oil, so I went down the rabbit hole of reading about the filters. I’ve read a lot of people saying the PRL filter has poor filtration and pulls in a lot of dust. What is your experience? Would you advise getting the AEM DryFlow as a replacement? Those that have it, do you have any issues with sealing as it is a bit larger?

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[Cueyo]

Technically running an oiled filter will never be as good as a dry filter. Knowing what I do now, I would go with the dry flow filter always. Not because I experienced any bad things from the oiled one, but rather because it's less stress that the engine will get damaged.

I should mention I've run the k20c2 pro hvi with the oiled filter on my old car and it never sucked in dust afaik.

 

[CTR]

I've had my PRL HVI on my car for about 20K miles and when I recently had the intake removed to change my transmission fluid it was cleaner than I expected inside the piping. I don't live in a super dusty environment though.

 

[Montrix]

I don't think anyone's reported issues with the PRL oiled filter, but I personally run the AEM dry flow. Seals perfectly for me, it's slightly larger than the MAF housing but once you tighten the clamp it seals just fine. There's a thread on it too if you want some more info: https://www.civicxi.com/forum/threads/aem-dryflow-filter-for-prl-hvi-intake.55457/

 

[Jon_To]

Second that. I run the AEM dry filter. Piece of mind over...

 

[MrBBQ]

I ran the AEM Dryflow filter when I ran the PRL HVI intake. My PRL filter was overly porous and let in fine dust. Coated the inner intake tract with a layer of fine dust. Car didn't even have 5k miles on it. I have two AEM Dryflow filters for sale if anybody is interested, one brand new and one slightly used (<500 miles). I switched to the COBB intake, so I don't need them anymore. I'll be posting up The PRL HVI intake, x2 AEM dryflow filters, and TSP Coupler for sale soon.

 

[knuckles]

I don't think anyone's reported issues with the PRL oiled filter, but I personally run the AEM dry flow. Seals perfectly for me, it's slightly larger than the MAF housing but once you tighten the clamp it seals just fine. There's a thread on it too if you want some more info: https://www.civicxi.com/forum/threads/aem-dryflow-filter-for-prl-hvi-intake.55457/

Would running a t bolt clamp be more assurance on the seal over the worm clamp?

I ran the AEM Dryflow filter when I ran the PRL HVI intake. My PRL filter was overly porous and let in fine dust. Coated the inner intake tract with a layer of fine dust. Car didn't even have 5k miles on it. I have two AEM Dryflow filters for sale if anybody is interested, one brand new and one slightly used (<500 miles). I switched to the COBB intake, so I don't need them anymore. I'll be posting up The PRL HVI intake, x2 AEM dryflow filters, and TSP Coupler for sale soon.

Damn. I just ordered one last night.

 

[Montrix]

Would running a t bolt clamp be more assurance on the seal over the worm clamp?

Damn. I just ordered one last night.

I wouldn’t think so, I was actually in the engine bay and pulled on the filter and it didn’t budge in the slightest lol. Someone in the original thread used some silicone tape in between the filter and housing but I think that’s overkill imo. Based on the position of the filter and housing, I think even without a perfect seal it would be hard for dust to get past the filter, but once it’s tightened it’s good to go

@MrBBQ’s experience is the only one I’ve read of having issues with the PRL filter but it makes sense. Their filter is way more porous(hence the oil) but I’ve just had bad experiences with oiled filters in the past and didn’t want to risk it. I would wager most people running the PRL filter have not only never cleaned it but don’t even know they’re supposed to oil it lol.

 

[Websitesdown]

I wouldn’t think so, I was actually in the engine bay and pulled on the filter and it didn’t budge in the slightest lol. Someone in the original thread used some silicone tape in between the filter and housing but I think that’s overkill imo. Based on the position of the filter and housing, I think even without a perfect seal it would be hard for dust to get past the filter, but once it’s tightened it’s good to go

@MrBBQ’s experience is the only one I’ve read of having issues with the PRL filter but it makes sense. Their filter is way more porous(hence the oil) but I’ve just had bad experiences with oiled filters in the past and didn’t want to risk it. I would wager most people running the PRL filter have not only never cleaned it but don’t even know they’re supposed to oil it lol.

I just recently switched from a 24 fl5 to a 26 and carried over all my mods purchased. I cleaned and oiled mine with k&n filter cleaner and oil. I haven't had any issues. It was pretty dry from the I'd say 20k miles I put on it.

 

[Nikw91]

PRL filter is one thin piece of see through cloth. The AEM is a lot thicker material.

 

[MrBBQ]

PRL filter is one thin piece of see through cloth. The AEM is a lot thicker material.

Exactly what I did in the garage, can practically see the light through the mesh.

 

[Nikw91]

Exactly what I did in the garage, can practically see the light through the mesh.

Exactly, 100% agree! I think the PRL HVI flows so well because the filter is so thin.

When I cleaned the PRL filter there didn't seem to be much dirt and inlet was dusty.

Now when I clean the AEM filter there is a lot of dirt and the inlet has no dust.

I did notice a very slight sound/power reduction when I switched to the AEM filter because it is so much thicker/filtrates better.

 

[CTR]

You guys have convinced me to get the AEM dry flow for my PRL intake!

 

[MooMoo]

Come on, of course the oil filter is thinner, that is the point of the oil in it. The filter does not have to be as thick as the oil catches the dust.

But as mentioned yes an oil filter will not filter as well, trade off for better air flow. I have had the PRL and it seems fine, I swap the filter every 10k, I just did it and looked clean in there or maybe I just did not pay much attention. I don't live in a particularly dusty environment though, if I lived in the desert or a dustier area I would consider swapping to AEM.

Honestly I think yall are thinking too much about this

 

[BLU RRR]

I cant speak for PRL but Ive run K&N and other oiled gauze filters like it for 30 years on every performance Car and motorcycle Ive owned, whether they be drop in or cone filters and havent had any issues with dust in the intake. Never had elevated levels of dirt in the oil per the UOAs and no oil use even up through 200k miles on cars I kept that long. No issues with MAF sensors either. clean it once a year an dont over oil it. Maybe those with dust inside didnt have their filters oiled or oiled enough?
My hellcat came with an oiled K&N type filter from the factory but its not thin enough to see through so maybe PRL is a problem that lies outside the norm?

now that AEM makes a dry filter Id go with that as cleaning and oiling the other filters is a PITA at this point for me.

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