We just purchased a pre-owned 2014 VOLVO S60 T5, with 31,XXX miles.

I am interested in installing a K&N air filter.

I was wondering if I am going to find one of those charcoal vapor barrier filters in the air filter box when I open it up, and if so, could it or should it be removed, and if so, how should it be removed?

Is the K&N filter worth installing on this 5 cylinder Turbo engine? I'm wondering if I will notice any extra performance or fuel economy increase at all?

Thanks, Rick G.

 

I don't think the K&N increases performance. If it does, it won't be noticeable. Paper filters are better at catching crap in the air anyway.

 

OK thanks cwazywazy. I think I'll keep the stock paper filter.

 

I've just been looking at this and have heard a variety of opinions. I don't care much for opinions (unless it's one of the girlfriends) so I stuck to reading stuff with test data.

No, K&N or any other intake modifications will not noticeably increase performance... by its self.

They can allow for larger amounts of air and or cooler air to the engine but the ECU will read it and compensate the air fuel mix, delivering about the same performance. One set of test data showed a 2.5 HP increase on a cold air intake that was hanging out of the car through the headlight. However, you can tune your engine to take advantage of the increased air flow/ cooler air (especially with a turbo) to add performance.

From what I've read Volvo stock turbo engines and transmissions will easily produce and handle 300-350 hp if tuned correctly with few modifications needed... but that's a can of worms you'd have to open yourself.

 

The Volvo intake airbox has a reputation of being very well designed and open. I did a KN on my 850T and couldn't tell any difference. After 50K miles or so, went back to Mann paper (the KN developed a tear in the gasket) - still couldn't tell any difference.