Although I've gone to an aftermarket intake (Dinan) on my MCS, my wife wants to keep her car pretty close to stock - or for now at least. As such she does not want a CAI (yet) so I'm looking for a (stock MCS intake) panel filter replacement that may flow better and preferably one that can be cleaned and reused.

There's always K&N, but ALTA and ITG both offer foam filters and I'm sure there are a few others panel filter alternatives. I'm already familiar with the disposable pleated filters from NAPA that K-Huevo mentioned in this thread but I'm also interested in experienced opinions on other filter alternatives.

 

I got a Green (oiled cotton) filter for my 06 S. I seem to recall a while ago (I think it may have been Webb but I don't see it on their site anymore) that some tuner preferred it to K&N & that they had dynoed it & said it would give you a few horses (a couple less than a CAI but also less $). From my experience it seemed to open the top end (from about 5K - redline) a little but noticeable bit - it seems to like going up there whereas before it seemed to struggle a bit up at that range w/ the paper. It also is reported to have really good filtration, but probably not quite as good as paper (everythings a tradeoff - you could put a thick cardboard filter in there and really get good filtration but you'd lose a bunch of horses!). Their website is: www.greenfilters.com

 

I used the Alta I purchased from Waylon on the wife's until I put the DDM-CAI on it and I could notice an improvement over stock. Passed it on to another clubmember until she gets her DDM.

Tim

 

Another option:
http://www.trueflow.com/index.php

 

uni offers a foam filter like itg, but at a fraction of the itg price.

 

Can't go wrong with a K&N..

 

It, too, am looking to replace my panel filter....

It seems that the gauze K&N is pretty popular, but ALTA and MINI Mania have their *foam* filters. ALTA claims "As the filter gets 'dirty' it will not restrict air flow" like paper and gauze filters.

Is there a really significant benefit of one versus another? The foam seem to be cheaper; availability of the K&N is really good, found at any car parts store.

 

I know this is an old thread but I just purchased the ALTA foam filter. I will let you guys know how it feels if i even notice much. It was $40.(and some change) shipped.