ok so I am starting to modify my prius after having it for a while. I purchased a K&N Air Filter for it and after looking into it I decided I would rather stick with paper filters. that being said. who wants a free brand new K&N air filter fits 2012-2013 Toyota prius c. message me and ill ship it to you. 100% free. only have one so first come first serve.
What was it that made you stay with the paper? I personally do not thing a Prius sucks in enough air to benefit from any intake or exhaust mods. But I am not a mechanic. I did put a K&N on my other cars and really liked the performance.
I've been reading on the cold air intakes on Prii'. Everything says it actually hurts gas mileage. After thinking on it a while, it makes sense. The PC likes to be warm, so introducing colder air wouldn't help. I've also read that the K&N oil goes strait into the induction system on the PC engine. On other cars it gets blocked by things in the way, but on this car it is too close to inhibit, therefore it causes a problem. I cannot confirm this, but it was enough of a reason for me to not get it.
K&N definitely caused me to lose MPGs in my Honda Civic Hybrid. I went from 48ish to 43ish. I went back to paper quite quickly as well.
Thanks for posting about the K&N filter. I was looking into it when I purchased mine but realized that the "power gain" is not enough to sacrifice gas mileage. More air = more fuel, easy as that!
Where did you research this and have you talked to K&N about your concerns? I have installed a K&N on my 2013 Prius C and noted increased smoothness, power, and mpg.