DeTomaso Mailing List: September 2000, Message #155

I've had one on my Mach I for years... 15 odd years or so.  And this is what I'm
noticing today.  After that many years, the foam is beginning to deteriorate, rapidly.
Yes, the filter breaths like a vacuum cleaner and provides tons of air to the engine.
Just putting one of these on in place of paper is a dramitc improvement.  They are very
messy to deal with though.  Taking it all apart, washing it and re-oiling it are a
pain.  And let me tell you, does it trap dirt?  Oh boy does it trap dirt.  This filter
probably would need to be washed twice or three times as often as you'd typically
replace a paper filter, else it just gets clogged up with fine dust.

It's a great filter, and I've enjoyed the performance, but now mine is starting to come
apart at the foam, as in little bitty chunks coming off.  I'm sure this isn't good and
will need to replace it soon.  I was leaning toward the K&N until I saw the Amsoil
chart, now I'm not too sure, but like everything, I have to take it with a grain of
salt.

Another thing to consider is it's visibility.  In my case, when the hood is open on the
Mach I, you can see the filter element in the Ram Air cleaner.  A nice paper or K&N
element would look much better than this oily dirty black foam piece.  Though that's
not really bothered me till now.  : )

Just my two cents on those things.
Asa Jay

> --  --  --
>    Asa Jay & Shelley Marie
>    Laughton - Spokane, WA
>      1973 Pantera L 5533
>        _______________
>       / \           / \
>      / | \_________/ | \
>     / /_______|_______\ \
>    |---------------------|
>    |_____ [ASASCAT] _____|
>     \__o_o_________o_o__/
>     |    | \_____/ |    |
>     |____|         |____|
> ******************************
> http://www.asajay.com




--  --  --  --  --  --  --  --
   Asa Jay & Shelley Marie
   Laughton - Spokane, WA
     1973 Pantera L 5533
       _______________
      / \           / \
     / | \_________/ | \
    / /_______|_______\ \
   |---------------------|
   |_____ [ASASCAT] _____|
    \__o_o_________o_o__/
    |    | \_____/ |    |
    |____|         |____|
******************************
http://www.asajay.com