Air Filter for ABY Avant?

[Key Walshe]

I've been scrolling through the archives and as always with this kind of part there's always lots of discussion about what's best to use - better midrange, top end, more noise, less noise, beter DV noise, oiled or not, cone or filter etc.

Firstly, my question is does anybody have the dimensions for the standard ABY air filter? The one currently in mine is ripped on one edge and when I ordered a replacement through Europarts it was listed as an AG430 (I think!) which was the same as an RS2 amongst many others, but when it arrived it was around 1.5" too long and 2.5" too slim to get into my airbox! So clearly they have their info wrong, or the airbox in mine is wrong haha

Secondly, what would people reccomend, seems most go for the obvious being a K&N panel filter? I found this part number thanks to Jas11n though this refers to an RS2 filter - 33-2768 - though he seems happy enough with the fit

Also got this from the same thread:

RS2.............
33-2768 Product Specifications
Product Style: Panel Air Filter
Height: 1.125 in (29 mm)
Outside Length: 12.063 in (306 mm)
Outside Width: 7.188 in (183 mm)

but the K&N (part number 33-2001) for the S2 is stated at>>>>

S2...........
33-2001 Product Specifications
Product Style: Panel Air Filter
Height: 1.625 in (41 mm)
Outside Length: 13.25 in (337 mm)
Outside Width: 5.188 in (132 mm)

Is the K&N S2 part number more for a 3B rather than an ABY? Looking at the measurements it seems so. So does anyone have a definate part number for an ABY panel filter, wether it be K&N or another brand?

[HPmuirt]

The overall outer dimensions of the ABY and RS2 airbox are identical and thus they use the same panel filter used.

The differences between the 2 airboxs lie in the size and position of the inlet trumpet and also the airflow throw the box, as the RS2 box has a very different internal setup, in terms of the volumetric ratio between the 2 chambers.

The RS2 box generates greater mid-range torgue as it flows much better and also creates a greater DV noise without reaching the chav levels of cone filters

Cheers n

Si

[Jamo]

The RS2 box is higher than the standard box, the top half has more volume than the standard ABY

[AquaS2]

Are ABY panel filters from a coupe same dimensions as in the Avant? I've just bought one and it doesnt seem to fit. I would have thought they were the same.

[HPmuirt]

The RS2 box is higher than the standard box, the top half has more volume than the standard ABY

No mate, the external dimensions are the same. They both sit in the same mounting points on the inner wing and are stopped by the heat shield on the inside of the bonnet. They are both the same overall size. The differences are all internal (except the bell mouth)...

Lower Airbox.jpg

The RS2 lower section is smaller so the air filter sits lower, allowing a greater volume in the upper chamber. This means that on the RS2 box, the chamber after the filter has a larger volume than the chamber before the filter, allowing a faster and greater air flow (apparently)

Cheers n

Si

[HPmuirt]

Below you can just see that the RS2 upper chamber (lower one in the picture) is deeper.
Upper Airbox.jpg

The panel filters are the same item. I toom the new one out of my ABY airbox and now use it in my RS2 airbox

Cheers n

Si

P.S. sorry for the crappy picture quality, but I had to compress the hell out of them to get them under the frankly ridiculous limits

[Key Walshe]

Thanks for all the info Si, much appreciated

Looking at the 2 pictures of the airbox from above, I'd guess mine may actually be an RS2 item, but, I'll have to double check on that one as the 2 do look very similar when trying to go off memory alone...

Any reccomendations as to which filter works best? I'm leaning towards the K&N model, mainly as I've used their panel filters on my bikes without issue, and I have a definate part number and rough guess-timate of the price

[MarkT]

Standard Aby air filter is part no 191 129 620, well thats what I have got from Vagparts.
It measures length 312mm, width 185mm and depth 57mm. All measuremnts are max size.

Mark

[HPmuirt]

Any reccomendations as to which filter works best? I'm leaning towards the K&N model

Stick with the OEM paper element matey

All of the wisdom that I have read suggests that the performance gain from a K&N is as little as 3 - 4% when new, with a rapid performance fall off within days, to considerably worse performance than a paper element. On the other hand, paper elements show little to no reduction in performance until they are very old and very clogged up.

Cheers n

Si

[Key Walshe]

Thanks very much Si, always a pleasure to read your replies - it's nice to listen to the voice of reason through ownership

[Rusty]

K&N on mine is fine, if there is a loss in performance then I've never seen or heard of it, same with simply modifying the standard airbox. K&N gives a bit more woosh from the DV too which I rather like.

[HPmuirt]

K&N on mine is fine, if there is a loss in performance then I've never seen or heard of it.

The point is, it is more expensive and gives absolutely no gain in performance what so ever, in fact, if anything it can be slightly worse....ironic for a performance mod eh?

K&N gives a bit more woosh from the DV too which I rather like.

That is because you are a Chav

Officer Chav.jpg

Cheers n

Si

[Rusty]

Have you got a link to this air filter bible that you seem to be quoting from? Be interested to see what's what in so I can maximise my next RR session. I've always gone K&N because I they make a car sound better and I think that's well worth 0.05bhp deficit.

Chav indeed, it's my nickname at work, white Audi, gold jewellery... public school education doesn't quite fit but it's nothing that can't be solved with a few Stellaz...

Anyway Si, if I'm a chav then you should be an avant owner Pipe and slippers time I think, stop resisting!

[Tommen]

A bit OT (sorry), but is it any idè, or much to gain, on a mod with the RS2 airbox? I have seen several boxes with holes drilled in the bottom of it?!

[HPmuirt]

Have you got a link to this air filter bible that you seem to be quoting from?

Read my post again chav boy, I said 'all of the wisdom' which implies many sources rather than 'bible' which would have implied a single source

Try searching the forum, or reading threads such as these: -

http://www.s2forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=16620&highlight=k%26n+panel

http://www.s2forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22608&highlight=k%26n+panel

http://www.s2forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22168&highlight=k%26n+panel

There are many more sources inside and outside this forum. The point is, no one reports more power or better pick up from a K&N, but many people report a noticeable performance increase when returning to OEM.

There is a source which ran flow tests on both and concluded that the K&N is a waste of time and money and just makes a chavvy sound, but I cannot find the link atm. I will post it when I find it.

So chavvy or performance, your choice

Anyway Si, if I'm a chav then you should be an avant owner Pipe and slippers time I think, stop resisting!

Nope, I am the head Coffin Carrier abuser matey, with thousands of abusive posts to my name (mainly all directed to Jamo when he sold out )

You may have secret desires for a fur lined booty transporter, but don't project those onto me

Cheers n

Si