K&N vs fully stock vs RotoFab - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

WYKDZL1 · 06-30-2016, 01:02 PM

This is a update to a thread I wrote a few days ago. I had my car dyno tested stock. Then I added the K&N carbon fiber air intake. Then I added the RotoFab. My initial thoughts on the K&N were good it made a killer supercharger whine. Unfortunately the horsepower #s weren't so good. I actually lost horsepower and gained a little torq. I then ordered a RF and I have to say it is everything they said it is. The quality of the kit is much better IMO. And the dyno #s made me very happy. All runs were done at the same shop on different days the K&N pull and the RF were both done on almost identical weather conditions although they both were about 10 degrees hotter than the stock pull day. Stock best made 488hp 494 torq. K&N best made 482hp 499 torq RF made 509hp 499torq hood closed 519hp 505torq hood open.

WYKDZL1 · 06-30-2016, 01:14 PM

Sorry the RF pictures were wrong direction so I reloaded for easier viewing.

Davidd_SS · 06-30-2016, 01:29 PM

Could the difference possibly be in filter size? K&N has been known to run smaller filters.

WYKDZL1 · 06-30-2016, 01:34 PM

Yes the RF filter is much bigger it is also open ended like a trumpet. And the intake tube itself feels much cooler to the touch after driving.

Davidd_SS · 06-30-2016, 01:42 PM

Interesting, could be different composites used to fab the tubing

Expunge · 06-30-2016, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WYKDZL1

Yes the RF filter is much bigger it is also open ended like a trumpet. .

Bingo!

1troyd23 · 06-30-2016, 01:50 PM

I have always been a K & N guy when it comes to my other vehicles, but for my ZL1 , Roto-Fab was pretty much the only choice for me !!! Very happy with it !!! Just wish it was CARB legal in CA........

Davidd_SS · 06-30-2016, 02:03 PM

Do both filters have the same inside flange diameter? I noticed you used the same heat shield for both?

WYKDZL1 · 06-30-2016, 02:21 PM

The inside diameter is very similar. It's not the same heat shield the K&N is carbon fiber and doesn't go all the way to the fender wall the roto fab goes much closer to the fender wall and also all the way to the front clip. The RF also leaves a mark in the dust on the hood so IMO it seals the engine heat out much better. The RF heat shield is a heavy gauge metal with perfect fitment against the frame rail. The K&N was very flimsy and held much more heat. Even the silicone couplers are thicker and a perfect tight fit to each connection. The K&N were a little bigger than each connecting point and a softer rubber compound.

Davidd_SS · 06-30-2016, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WYKDZL1

The inside diameter is very similar. It's not the same heat shield the K&N is carbon fiber and doesn't go all the way to the fender wall the roto fab boss much closer to the fender wall and also all the way to the front clip. The RF also leaves a mark in the dust on the hood so IMO it seals the engine heat out much better. The RF heat shield is a heavy gauge metal with perfect fitment against the frame. The K&N was very flimsy and held much more heat.

Valid point there hadn't noticed the measurement differences till you pointed them out, Might just throw a rf filter on my k&n an see if there are any differences on dyno numbers.

tonyfred · 06-30-2016, 04:34 PM

Cant beat the RF. I would also suggest relocating the ground stud. That way you can change the filter without taking the assembly apart. And the RF Washer tank relocation kit is a nice addon.

WYKDZL1 · 06-30-2016, 04:48 PM

I ordered the relocation kit and the big gulp it arrives tomorrow can't wait to install. I will then get similar performance with the hood closed as if it were open. I feel it's starving for air the way it only gets what is squeezed around the radiator.

tonyfred · 06-30-2016, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WYKDZL1

I ordered the relocation kit and the big gulp it arrives tomorrow can't wait to install. I will then get similar performance with the hood closed as if it were open. I feel it's starving for air the way it only get what is squeezed around the radiator.

I have the big gulp also. Do yourself a favor and install it and the relocation kit at the same time. Much easier. Neither is very difficult.

06-30-2016, 01:02 PM	#1
WYKDZL1 Drives: Ashen gray zl1camaro Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: So Cal Posts: 145	K&N vs fully stock vs RotoFab This is a update to a thread I wrote a few days ago. I had my car dyno tested stock. Then I added the K&N carbon fiber air intake. Then I added the RotoFab. My initial thoughts on the K&N were good it made a killer supercharger whine. Unfortunately the horsepower #s weren't so good. I actually lost horsepower and gained a little torq. I then ordered a RF and I have to say it is everything they said it is. The quality of the kit is much better IMO. And the dyno #s made me very happy. All runs were done at the same shop on different days the K&N pull and the RF were both done on almost identical weather conditions although they both were about 10 degrees hotter than the stock pull day. Stock best made 488hp 494 torq. K&N best made 482hp 499 torq RF made 509hp 499torq hood closed 519hp 505torq hood open. Attached Images

06-30-2016, 01:14 PM	#2
WYKDZL1 Drives: Ashen gray zl1camaro Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: So Cal Posts: 145	Sorry the RF pictures were wrong direction so I reloaded for easier viewing. Attached Images

06-30-2016, 02:21 PM	#9
WYKDZL1 Drives: Ashen gray zl1camaro Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: So Cal Posts: 145	The inside diameter is very similar. It's not the same heat shield the K&N is carbon fiber and doesn't go all the way to the fender wall the roto fab goes much closer to the fender wall and also all the way to the front clip. The RF also leaves a mark in the dust on the hood so IMO it seals the engine heat out much better. The RF heat shield is a heavy gauge metal with perfect fitment against the frame rail. The K&N was very flimsy and held much more heat. Even the silicone couplers are thicker and a perfect tight fit to each connection. The K&N were a little bigger than each connecting point and a softer rubber compound. Last edited by WYKDZL1; 06-30-2016 at 08:20 PM.

06-30-2016, 04:34 PM	#11
tonyfred Drives: 2013 ZL1-Victory Red-Auto Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Jackson TN Posts: 1,105	Cant beat the RF. I would also suggest relocating the ground stud. That way you can change the filter without taking the assembly apart. And the RF Washer tank relocation kit is a nice addon. Attached Images

06-30-2016, 04:48 PM	#12
WYKDZL1 Drives: Ashen gray zl1camaro Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: So Cal Posts: 145	I ordered the relocation kit and the big gulp it arrives tomorrow can't wait to install. I will then get similar performance with the hood closed as if it were open. I feel it's starving for air the way it only gets what is squeezed around the radiator. Last edited by WYKDZL1; 06-30-2016 at 08:20 PM.

06-30-2016, 01:29 PM	#3
Davidd_SS Drives: LSX FTW Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Florida Posts: 526	Could the difference possibly be in filter size? K&N has been known to run smaller filters.

06-30-2016, 01:34 PM	#4
WYKDZL1 Drives: Ashen gray zl1camaro Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: So Cal Posts: 145	Yes the RF filter is much bigger it is also open ended like a trumpet. And the intake tube itself feels much cooler to the touch after driving.

06-30-2016, 01:42 PM	#5
Davidd_SS Drives: LSX FTW Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Florida Posts: 526	Interesting, could be different composites used to fab the tubing

06-30-2016, 01:50 PM	#7
1troyd23 Drives: ZL1 Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Ca Posts: 223	I have always been a K & N guy when it comes to my other vehicles, but for my ZL1 , Roto-Fab was pretty much the only choice for me !!! Very happy with it !!! Just wish it was CARB legal in CA........

06-30-2016, 02:03 PM	#8
Davidd_SS Drives: LSX FTW Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Florida Posts: 526	Do both filters have the same inside flange diameter? I noticed you used the same heat shield for both?