Bronco Reusable Air Filter Options

[Ninjaroz]

Hi everyone,

I am debating my options for a reusable air filter. There are a few reusable options out now compared to when I was first researching years ago.

Here are 2 that I am looking at:

Magnum FLOW OE Replacement Air Filter w/ Pro GUARD 7 Media

Mishimoto Powerstack Air Filter, Ford Bronco 2.3L/2.7L 2021+, Dry Washable

I am currently using a K&N E-0634 that I picked up years ago which I usually find dust in the intake plumbing when removed for cleaning and re-oiling.

I saw a thread on the Mishimoto already here, but it didnt really cover off road applications. Throughout most of my research, everyone seems to end up recommending disposable paper filters. I like that the Mishimoto doesn't need to be re-oiled like the K&N and Magnum FLOW.

I apologize if there is already an existing thread for the Magnum FLOW, but I wasn't able to locate one. The Magnum FLOW has seven layers and advertises a 99.7% filtration rate, which is better than some paper filter options. I am strongly considering picking one up and using it, then swapping back to the K&N between cleanings when needed.

I use my Bronco as a DD and for some light to moderate off-roading in dusty environments. With the cost of decent disposable filters with an efficiency above 99% being around $20 and the recommendation to replace them every 12,000 miles or after an off-roading trip, it makes sense to me to consider reusable options.

With this, I am wondering if anyone has any off-roading experience with these filters and can share their recommendations.

Thank you!

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[GI_Jo_Nathan]

My personal preference and what I run, is The Donaldson powercore filter, with the hydrophobic outerwears-type cover. There's actually literally no reason to clean it or do anything with it. I stick the shop vac in there every now and then but that's about it.

 

[j_marinelli]

AFE has a decent one. Haven't tried it out on the Bronco platform but did run one on a Mustang I had.


https://afepower.com/afe-power-10-10401d-magnum-flow-pro-dry-s-air-filter

 

[Ninjaroz]

My personal preference and what I run, is The Donaldson powercore filter, with the hydrophobic outerwears-type cover. There's actually literally no reason to clean it or do anything with it. I stick the shop vac in there every now and then but that's about it.

I am assuming its this one? This looks like a good alternative option. I would assume with the cover as long as it doesnt get wet and with the cleaning it might last the lifetime of the car.

@j_marinelli Yes, that is one of the options I am looking at. I am hoping someone has some offroading dusty environment experience with it that they can share. As I mentioned the K&N does let quite a bit of dust through that I was seeing, hoping that the Magnum FLOW is a better alternative.

 

[Valhalla]

I'd ask first if you offroad. I think an oiled filter is a bad idea unless you will clean and oil it after every trip. My problem with reusable is they are usually more material. which means restricted breathing... the other hand is most paper filters will need to be replaced after any more involved four wheeling. If you don't do that you are more restricted than an oiled filter ... Oh snap I need to check my filter...

 

[GI_Jo_Nathan]

I am assuming its this one? This looks like a good alternative option. I would assume with the cover as long as it doesnt get wet and with the cleaning it might last the lifetime of the car.

Yep looks right. And yeah the mesh is so tight on the hydrophobic cover that basically nothing can get in. They aren't exactly like a K&N where it's going to be free flowing or anything, but for me the Bronco is not hurting for power so I'd rather be safe. I do find myself in a lot of dusty, muddy, wet conditions.

 

[GI_Jo_Nathan]

Looks like it's this pre-filter.

Pre-Filter (51920) Protects PowerCore Filters - Volant Performance https://share.google/kF8ruNi8uiWkm9uqJ

 

[Ninjaroz]

I'd ask first if you offroad. I think an oiled filter is a bad idea unless you will clean and oil it after every trip. My problem with reusable is they are usually more material. which means restricted breathing... the other hand is most paper filters will need to be replaced after any more involved four wheeling. If you don't do that you are more restricted than an oiled filter ... Oh snap I need to check my filter...

I go off roading about once a month. Thats why I would like to reuse an air filter vs having to buy one often but without sacrificing to much filtration if possible.

 

[LVS]

My Audi had a filter like that, it works as long as it is cleaned and oiled; If driven before the oil dries then it can clog up the MAF sensor… ask me how I know… Not sure if the Bronco would have the same liability.

 

[Ninjaroz]

@LVS No MAF on the Bronco luckily but still a pita to have to re-oil. Id prefer a no oil reusable filter for the sake of less maintenance. I wonder if the Mishimoto with a prefilter will be just as good as the Magnum FLOW. Not seeing any details about material layers or filtration efficiency on the Mishimoto.

 

[Ducati1098]

@LVS No MAF on the Bronco luckily but still a pita to have to re-oil. Id prefer a no oil reusable filter for the sake of less maintenance. I wonder if the Mishimoto with a prefilter will be just as good as the Magnum FLOW. Not seeing any details about material layers or filtration efficiency on the Mishimoto.

Not sure which year/engine you have, but 25+ 2.3 uses a MAF.

Not really relevant anyway I guess if you’re only looking for a dry filter though

 

[Brian_B]

I'm still using the K&N oiled one.

Yeah, I know it's supposed to be horrible. I clean it out after every off road run, and every oil change. It does seem to pick up a lot of dust, but that's kind of it's job.

 

[CalvinT]

I'm still using the K&N oiled one.

Yeah, I know it's supposed to be horrible. I clean it out after every off road run, and every oil change. It does seem to pick up a lot of dust, but that's kind of it's job.

Be interesting to do an oil analysis running a conventional air filter on one change, then change oil and go with K&N oiled or equivalent and do another analysis when changing oil. See what the difference in silica content is, if any. If the K&N works as well as pleated paper there should be no difference.

 

[RedBeardoh]

My personal preference and what I run, is The Donaldson powercore filter, with the hydrophobic outerwears-type cover. There's actually literally no reason to clean it or do anything with it. I stick the shop vac in there every now and then but that's about it.

I really wanted to go this route but when I reached out to them they said they don’t have a factory drop in option available for the Bronco so I’m still running OEMs.. did you go with an aftermarket air box or did you find one that works with the factory box?

 

[MilesTeg]

None of those things are worth the cost or hassle. Most importantly, as you have noted, they filter poorly compared to a regular filter. That's a big problem, and not worth any of the claimed benefits.

Add in that if you screw up the oiling (not enough or too much) you can damage your engine, and it makes no sense to use them.

One thing you might consider instead is a prefilter for offroading. I've never used one, but have seen things like https://filterwears.com/ talked about a lot. Roush and other makers of aftermarket intakes/filter boxes also come with similar pre-filters, but that's a lot more $$$.

I just buy OE filters in bulk from Rock Auto (about $22/ea shipped for Ford filters for the 2.3L) and replace as needed.

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