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Model specific boards => Golf mk7 => Topic started by: Watts on 26 August 2017, 18:21

Title: Replacing the standard air filter
Post by: Watts on 26 August 2017, 18:21
I was toying with a replacement panel filter such as a Pipercross or K&N but the general consensus was that unless you are going for a remap then it wouldn't make any difference. So, if sticking with the OEM one, how often should it be changed? Two services so far and no sign of it being changed so it will be a minimum of three years if left to VW. In the old days when I used to maintain my cars it'd be changed annually. So what do people think? Annually, every couple of years or just leave it to VW?
Title: Re: Replacing the standard air filter
Post by: TwoSheds on 26 August 2017, 18:46
For the UK/USA markets VW schedule its change at 90k.kms or at six years whichever is first.

Its personal choice of course if you want to change it earlier and there will be people here in one or other camp ie changing it earlier or who follow the manufacturers recommended schedule.

A filter costs about £20/£25 if you feel more comfortable changing it earlier.
Title: Re: Replacing the standard air filter
Post by: Watts on 26 August 2017, 19:01
Thanks TwoSheds, I think I might get it out and inspect it next week and replace if mucky. At £20 it's not worth worrying about compared to monthly depreciation!
Title: Re: Replacing the standard air filter
Post by: mcmaddy on 26 August 2017, 21:34
I put the Pipercross panel filter in mine on day 1. The size difference in depth is large to say the least. I haven't remapped mine either.
Title: Re: Replacing the standard air filter
Post by: mattwilko92 on 27 August 2017, 11:22
In my opinion, a high performance air filter is only required when the car demands more air. In standard form the GTI doesn’t require more air intake. Therefore i will just be changing mine with the OEM/Mann filter. In fact i’ve just bought one from ebay for £16 if i remember. I work as an air conditioning engineer, and the air we breath is truely filthy, therefore i go off the basis of changing annually. For £16-£20 every year, you may as well.
Title: Re: Replacing the standard air filter
Post by: Watts on 27 August 2017, 14:45
Thanks for the inputs all, very helpful. I shall stick with standard and get it replaced pronto. Not that I want to replace the air box, but I wonder what effect the narrowing to the entry point makes? Probably overthinking this now, it's not like the car is short of go :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Replacing the standard air filter
Post by: Watts on 27 August 2017, 15:29
Ordered a replacement filter at Eurocarparts, 37% holiday discount and free delivery! Just £14.48 :smiley: Worth a look if anyone needs any basic parts. Discount code on the site but just in case, it was holiday75.
Title: Re: Replacing the standard air filter
Post by: Watts on 31 August 2017, 15:06
New filter arrived today, great service and excellent price from Eurocarparts :smiley:

A five minute job well worth doing, new and old comparison after 18k miles and a smidge over 2 years:

(https://s6.postimg.org/9su2dbdld/20170831_142317.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

(https://s6.postimg.org/n8h32rm35/20170831_142404.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

But what the bloody buggery bo**ocks was this grille for??:

(https://s6.postimg.org/knbif8wpd/20170831_143632.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

Seems designed specifically to disrupt air flow into the air filter! What with the constriction where the air enters I'm surprised the car can breathe at all! Anyway, with a bit of fiddling, that's come out. Should I have left it in? I don't recall having one on any previous car.

Does this site have a naughty words filter? It censored my 'bo**ocks' with a 'nuts'! :laugh: Bloody and buggery was fine though :whistle:
Title: Re: Replacing the standard air filter
Post by: TwoSheds on 31 August 2017, 16:12
That screen looks likes the snow screen which fits in the lower part of the air filter housing.

Fitted to some models.
Title: Re: Replacing the standard air filter
Post by: Exonian on 31 August 2017, 16:30
I tend to find I end up buying a new car instead of a new filter...
 :whistle:
Title: Re: Replacing the standard air filter
Post by: Watts on 31 August 2017, 16:41
That screen looks likes the snow screen which fits in the lower part of the air filter housing.

Fitted to some models.

If that's the case then it wouldn't have been tested much around here :rolleyes: Thanks :smiley:

I tend to find I end up buying a new car instead of a new filter...
 :whistle:

You do know a filter is only £15? :grin:
Title: Re: Replacing the standard air filter
Post by: Finglonga on 01 September 2017, 10:10
But what the bloody buggery bo**ocks was this grille for??:

(https://s6.postimg.org/knbif8wpd/20170831_143632.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

Commonly called a snow screen but nothing to do with snow. It evens out the air hitting the filter and if you remove it (Many have) you will notice the filter gets dirtier on the area nearest the intake of the air box.
Title: Re: Replacing the standard air filter
Post by: Watts on 01 September 2017, 12:41
But what the bloody buggery bo**ocks was this grille for??:

(https://s6.postimg.org/knbif8wpd/20170831_143632.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

Commonly called a snow screen but nothing to do with snow. It evens out the air hitting the filter and if you remove it (Many have) you will notice the filter gets dirtier on the area nearest the intake of the air box.

A snow filter doesn't sound right, so the above seems more likely.

No doubt there will be evidence or an article or some strange formula to show otherwise but my car does seem perkier now so whether it was replacing the air filter or removing the plastic grille, something has definitely improved response! I'll be replacing at max 2 years in future and checking annually (replacing if necessary).
Title: Re: Replacing the standard air filter
Post by: monsta on 01 September 2017, 13:13
Did you notice any difference when driving?

Going to swap out my standard filter for a VWR one tomorrow, thinking of removing the snow grille thing and having a look at modding that front panel to increase airflow.

I hope I notice a difference with the new filter after spending £60 on it! - APR Stage 1 so fingers crossed  :laugh:
Title: Re: Replacing the standard air filter
Post by: Watts on 01 September 2017, 13:26
Did you notice any difference when driving?

Going to swap out my standard filter for a VWR one tomorrow, thinking of removing the snow grille thing and having a look at modding that front panel to increase airflow.

I hope I notice a difference with the new filter after spending £60 on it! - APR Stage 1 so fingers crossed  :laugh:

Definitely, felt more like new again, lighter and more responsive. Pretty sure in any test there would be little if any difference but it does feel better so well worth the time and £15.
Title: Re: Replacing the standard air filter
Post by: monsta on 02 September 2017, 15:00
Put the VWR one in.  Definitely feels a bit more lively, nothing earth shattering!  The OEM one was filthy, flies and all sorts in the paper.  So worth doing.
Title: Re: Replacing the standard air filter
Post by: Watts on 02 September 2017, 17:45
Put the VWR one in.  Definitely feels a bit more lively, nothing earth shattering!  The OEM one was filthy, flies and all sorts in the paper.  So worth doing.

Nice one monsta :smiley: I'm away in Dorset now for a couple of days so I've been able to test it a bit more and I'm not imagining it, the car definitely picks up better so I'm a happy bunny too!
Title: Re: Replacing the standard air filter
Post by: kalimon on 02 September 2017, 18:12
Put the VWR one in.  Definitely feels a bit more lively, nothing earth shattering!  The OEM one was filthy, flies and all sorts in the paper.  So worth doing.
Is this the one you've installed ?
https://www.awesomegti.com/shop-by-brand/racingline-performance/racingline-high-flow-replacement-filters-vw-golf-mk7/
Title: Re: Replacing the standard air filter
Post by: monsta on 17 September 2017, 09:13
Put the VWR one in.  Definitely feels a bit more lively, nothing earth shattering!  The OEM one was filthy, flies and all sorts in the paper.  So worth doing.
Is this the one you've installed ?
https://www.awesomegti.com/shop-by-brand/racingline-performance/racingline-high-flow-replacement-filters-vw-golf-mk7/

That's the one, mines actually for sale now if you're interested, picked up an APR intake on eBay so swapping that this week.

http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=281166.0