S&B Dry Air Filter Review

[CarbonSteel]

@CarbonSteel - yeah, that amount of fuel has me a bit concerned. I’ll be sending in another from the next oil change to see if it was a fluke.

Thanks for the explanation. I was wondering why there was such a discrepancy between 0.5 and 5.0…

S&B went in around the same time as the last oil change around 26k.

I also pushed this round over 6k. So, we’ll see what 5k does.

I will be interested in seeing the silicon levels in your next OCI. I capped my dilution at 2.5% and so a 5K oil change interval (OCI) keeps it around that level, though I saw a spike last time likely due to it happening from December to March in cold CO temperatures combined with short trips and warm up idling. I have another that I should have already sent it (been sitting on my desk).

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[Xterra2Bronco]

any updates on the s&b filters? I am looking at getting the dry expendable one to replace the stock one for my first oil change that is coming up. I'm at 3200 miles.

 

[telenerd]

I just got my S&B filter in. Curious on the results this summer.

 

[JL8jeff]

I have one for sale in the classifieds if anyone is looking for one.

(53) New Jersey - S&B dry filter for 2.3 and 2.7 Bronco 66-5016D $60 | Bronco6G - 2021+ Ford Bronco & Bronco Raptor Forum, News, Blog & Owners Community

 

[tourproto]

any updates on the s&b filters? I am looking at getting the dry expendable one to replace the stock one for my first oil change that is coming up. I'm at 3200 miles.

I just replaced mine at 27K miles with the same Motorcraft one. The filter was definitely dirty, but nothing really bad. No tears or rips in the original one. So was happy to replace it with the same. My local dealer had them on sale for $35.

I figured why pay 2x more if not necessary.... But I am also not doing extreme stuff or going into rivers (small streams maybe...). Just my 0.02

 

[Ogre]

I just replaced mine at 27K miles with the same Motorcraft one. The filter was definitely dirty, but nothing really bad. No tears or rips in the original one. So was happy to replace it with the same. My local dealer had them on sale for $35.

I figured why pay 2x more if not necessary.... But I am also not doing extreme stuff or going into rivers (small streams maybe...). Just my 0.02

If you held the S&B in your hands you would understand the why. I'm only a diesel mechanic, but I've never felt an air filter so insubstantial. Normal operations it's probably fine but anything with extra air moving, especially near the end of it's lifespan, is going to provide a lot of suction on a turbo motor. I'm keeping this vehicle as long as I can so it's worth the extra insurance

 

[tourproto]

If you held the S&B in your hands you would understand the why. I'm only a diesel mechanic, but I've never felt an air filter so insubstantial. Normal operations it's probably fine but anything with extra air moving, especially near the end of it's lifespan, is going to provide a lot of suction on a turbo motor. I'm keeping this vehicle as long as I can so it's worth the extra insurance

The lifespan of my 2 prior vehicles (the Bronco is my 3rd car and I am a senior citizen) is 300K miles (1986 Acura Integra, RIP due to hit from state maintenance vehicle) and 175K miles (2004 BMW 330i, still have it and running great). Both cars were very well maintained, but just with factory recommended stuff, including filters. Never spent a dime on "extra fancy" stuff, and never had a failure of a major engine component.

But I am not road racing or doing major offroad stuff or fjording in waist deep water. I drive "enthusiastically" but nothing that IMO should require anything beyond factory recommended parts, including the filters. But for peace of mind, go for it. It's only a $30-40 diff in price every 2 years. I just don't think it is necessary or worth it.

 

[fourdayoff]

K&N filters are ok for the street and I have noticed on my other street vehicles a slight increase in mileage and HP. This is due to less restriction with a same size, stock filter witch equals les filtering. This is why any off road desert racer worth his salt will NOT use a K&N, They just let in too much dust. I have bought a Donaldson dry replacement for my next change. They are probably the leader in filtering if you do your research. At 10k my stock filter is still very clean and I can't justify changing it yet. Just my 2 cents. I've been into off road racing for many many years. If you hold your old filter up to the sun and can still see light from the inside out it's still got some life left.

 

[Ogre]

The lifespan of my 2 prior vehicles (the Bronco is my 3rd car and I am a senior citizen) is 300K miles (1986 Acura Integra, RIP due to hit from state maintenance vehicle) and 175K miles (2004 BMW 330i, still have it and running great). Both cars were very well maintained, but just with factory recommended stuff, including filters. Never spent a dime on "extra fancy" stuff, and never had a failure of a major engine component.

But I am not road racing or doing major offroad stuff or fjording in waist deep water. I drive "enthusiastically" but nothing that IMO should require anything beyond factory recommended parts, including the filters. But for peace of mind, go for it. It's only a $30-40 diff in price every 2 years. I just don't think it is necessary or worth it.

I think you're confusing the quality of those vehicles OEM filters with the quality of the Broncos. I'm not saying you need anything fancy, I don't think this filter is fancy at all. But have you compared the quality of the filters you're mentioning?

You Sir are an example of what America is forgetting. I salute you. Too many people would rather waste money on the next new thing instead of taking care of what they have.

I'll never own another German car. But that's a separate story.

 

[tourproto]

I think you're confusing the quality of those vehicles OEM filters with the quality of the Broncos. I'm not saying you need anything fancy, I don't think this filter is fancy at all. But have you compared the quality of the filters you're mentioning?

All I can say is that after 25K miles and replacing my OE Ford engine air filter, that it did its job, blocked a lot of crud from entering my engine, and was structurally intact. I don't see why (for how I drive) that I would need to spend any more $$$ for a non-Ford air filter, when the Ford one did its job?

And the same for Honda and BMW filters. Used OE filters every single time. Never had a problem.

I guess S&B could be a "better" filter, but why bother when the Ford one does its job?

 

[Bronc6g22]

Finally received my S&B (2 weeks after order). A couple notes:
1. My OEM paper was fully saturated with dust/debris. However the inside looks pristine with no evidence of dust in the inlet tube. It does its job even though not the prettiest.
2. The S&B certainly looks nicer. You really need to force the end down until it engages behind the angle at the base of the air box. I cannot get it horizontal (although I think OEM was slightly angled up as well). Butt dyno is happy. However may just be because of a clean filter.

In case anyone is curious. I've gone through a few S&B. Quality seems great. They are out of stock currently so decide to try Mishimoto Powerstack dry/washable drop-in for the time being.

Obvious differences between the two (S&B dirty versus Mishimoto new):
1. Mishimoto has significantly less pleats.
2. Mishimoto appears to use a thinner paper/medium
3. Mishimoto has a significantly deeper front recess
4. Mishimoto is less tight in the OEM box

My guess is the Mishimoto has better flow. Not 100% sure if I trust it for dusty offroading. I'll hold onto the S&B for trail since it doesn't seem dirty enough.

 

[telenerd]

Nice review. I ended up going back to the stock filter. I noticed a bit of difference with the S&B dry filter on MPG and sound but it was always sold out when it came time to replace. After sticking the stock one back in my Bronco is quieter which I like. Plus I can get 3 filters for the price of a S&B shipped.

 

[23OBX2.7]

I went to buy one and 30 days away LOL so money flowed to Wix which is performing noticably better than Ford.

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