Air filters, induction, etc

[Mick K.]

Hi,

I'm coming up to my 45K service, and I had planned to replace my factory air filter with something like a K&N panel - but I'm pretty sure I have heard that doing this with the standard airbox in the Focus is not that good an idea, and can create problems with oil from the filter fouling up some sensors, etc (or maybe this was with my old Golf???)

I have also read that getting a full cold air induction (CAI) system, doesn't really do that much for the car either - especially for the cost - and the positioning of the filter to get a good airflow is difficult and there are problems with heat soak.

What I have read is a good idea is to get the snorkel off an ST170 and put them on the Zetec, and either get an ST170 airbox or cut the original airbox to fit the slightly wider ST170 snorkel.

Anyone who looks at FFOC (Ford Focus Owners Club UK) web forums will see a full step by step on how to do this in the Filters/Induction Kits forum. Here is a link - non-members may not be able to see it:

http://www.ffoc.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?t=49410

Anyone got a panel filter (K&N or otherwise) and either recommend it or not?

What are the chances of Aus Ford dealers stocking ST170 bits like this?

Obviously the auto air deflector fits into this improved air flow equation too.

These will be my first mods - other than tinting - so am looking forward to it :

MK