K&N Filters vs. UMP filter in a RZR

[akrider]

I bought a new RZR in June and immediately ordered a new K&N air filter just like I had used on my Polaris Scramblers that use standard carburetors. At an ATV Jamboree in Utah, we met a number of RZR and RZR S riders that told me that I should NEVER use a K&N filter on an EFI machine because of the oil used on the filter. Their claim was that the oil get sucked into the injection system and creates big problems. In fact, one of the riders of an "S" had to take his UTV into a local shop and have the injection system cleaned before he could continue riding. I spoke with two different Polaris dealers in the Richfield, Utah, area and they agreed. They strongly urged I get rid of the K&N, and go to a normal paper filter. I then learned that the best paper filter system on the market is the UMP filter that replaces the standard housing and filter in the RZR. They retail for around $320 and can be installed at home if you are so inclined. Everyone I talked to that had changed to the UMP was very, very pleased with its performance. And, the folks that had the UMP were getting better gas mileage than the folks with standard filters or the K&N filters. Any other folks out there experiencing the same findings?

[GRAZOR]

I hate the thought of even getting involved with another RZR air filter discussion but here goes.

I honestly believe it comes right down to "To each his own" where the name brand of filter that you like is the one you will probably decide to go with.

Polaris feels quite differently and they have addressed this issue till the cows came home and learned a bunch of things, not the least important of which is that they will never make some owners happy no matter what they do. If it is Polaris and it is an RZR then it has to be a crappy filter according to many who have heard all the hype. In reality, the Polaris RZR filter is probably one of the best filter mediums money can buy and as long as it is properly maintained and all the seals are correctly fitted you won't see much dust get past it.

I have owned an RZR since they first hit the streets and the inside of my throttle body is as clean today as the day I bought it. I must qualify that I do not ride hard in extremely dusty conditions but I would have complete faith in the stock air system if I did and I would simply keep a closer eye on the connections and filter element. I have seen a few RZRs that were ridden very hard and I have also seen the tube between the filter box and the throttle body separated. This is where 90% of the issues arise and once the rubber tube separates you have a direct path for dust to be suctioned right in to the throttle body with absolutely no filtration. If your stock paper element gets wet then you also have a serious issue.

Grease the maintenance cover, grease the connection of the filter element to the throttle body and be absolutely certain you get the cover on correctly. Tighten up the clamps between the air box and throttle body and always check them before, during and after riding. Polaris has every right to deny warranty claims if you decide to redesign the air system or to use an after market filter.

Just because some company makes a claim their filter is better or their system solves all the issues or because it cost an outrageous dollar amount does not necessarily make it one bit better nor might it impress Polaris when your engine gets toasted. Better fuel economy and better performance instantly tells me less restrictive filtration so the engine breaths easier and is probably digesting more fine particles that will get through the element.

Search this forum way back to near the beginning. I posted some links about actual filter studies that were quite well done and a great deal of effort went in to these studies. Paper elements won the contest hands down over every other medium tested! K&N filters did not filter anywhere near as good and the foam covered oil soaked ones didn't do much better.

As I said, TO EACH HIS OWN and you get to decide which filter or system you want to use. It is after all your machine and your money. I know what I use and I know Polaris approves of it. Until I see contamination inside the throttle body mine will remain Pure Polaris in this department.

Gary

[akrider]

So I guess what you are saying in all that is that you use the standard paper filter in your RZR and you really aren't familiar with the UMP paper filter...Nor are you familiar with the statement that a filter that uses an oil spray is not any good for EFI systems...

[GRAZOR]

I doubt any of those who make the claim that the K&N oil spray clogs injectors really know if it does or does not. K&N filters have been around a long time and many swear by them. I used them myself in my Sportsman and I also have them in my road vehicles that are EFI and they do fine with no apparent clogging.

I am not familiar with the UMP paper filter and at a cost of $320, as you state, I am pretty sure I won't get a hands on experience with them.

I just don't believe most of the hype surrounding this RZR filter issue nor do I believe many of the claims manufacturers make to sell their products. Show me the study where the claim is proven and I might change my mind. Show me proof where the spray K&N uses clogs injectors and I might change my mind. When you tell me a dealer who has a mechanic out back who claims the injectors are clogged because of the K&N spray it means nothing to me. I hired and fired more than a few know it all mechanics who based allot of their claims on anything but good information.

If you like the sounds of the UMP filter and can afford it then go ahead with it. Check with Polaris if you have a warranty in effect to make sure it won't void it.

Let us know what your findings are after you have used it for a while. My stock filter is working fine for my RZR but I am sure there are many here who will be interested. You could even contact K&N and see what they have to say about this clogging issue but again, the studies I have seen and posted show where K&N filters are not up to the filtration standards of the paper.

I have no issue with you stating your opinions here. I certainly hope you will allow me and the others ours.

Gary

[Bigdog800efi]

K&N allows more air through its element. In turn will allow more fine particles through it. So people think if they put more oil on it it will stop more dirt and dust, that is true but the excess oil will get pulled down the throttle body causing other problems. Some air filters perfom better in different conditions. Very dusty- paper filters the best, allows less airand makes less power. faom type filters allow more air and are the best all around filters for all changing conditions, they are washable and will save you money in the long run. Gause type filters allow the most air and will also allow for making the most power but do no work well in dusty conditions.

I have no scientific proof , these are just my opinions backed but 1000's of miles of trying different combos

[akrider]

Thanks Gary and BigDog...I will certainly comment again on this issue if I install the UMP or stay with the stock paper or go back to my K&N and have some interesting finding...I do know a few RZR owners who have installed the UMP filters and are very pleased. It's too bad there is not just an easy answere here...HA!! Like so many other issues I suppose...Riding in Arizona and Utah involved a LOT of dust, so it is a doubly important issue to the folks here...

[Z71]

I read this once and thought it said it all.

If a filter is using "better airflow" as their marketing tool, remember this....Does it flow better? At very high airflow volumes, probably. BUT, Our vehicles CAN'T flow that much air unless super-modified, so what is the point? The stock filter will flow MORE THAN ENOUGH AIR to give you ALL THE HORSEPOWER the engine has to give. And this remains true until the filter is dirty enough to trip the air filter life indicator. At that point performance will decline somewhat. Replace the filter and get on with it.

[GRAZOR]

Good point Z71!

As for the other RZR owners who have installed the UMP systems we have to remain cognizant of the facts. Even if they can't notice any performance or filtration differences what so ever, having spent $320 is a good enough reason to rave about it so they are not the fools.

Almost every car made today comes with a paper element from the manufacturer and this include most of the ridiculously expensive exotics. In extreme dust conditions any engine will suffer a shorter life and it is absolutely imperative that filter maintenance be on the top of the list. A system with an additional pre filter might be the best solution but it will also decrease the air flow and performance.

What ever makes you happy is the real answer here but I have serious doubts you will find a much better filter or system than what is already on your RZR. Looking cool and being expensive has very little to do with the true working performance of these systems. I am pretty sure Polaris has some pretty sharp design engineers who should know better than the $20/hr. mechanic over in your dealers shop.

Gary

[superdutylee]

The ump filter is a complete air filter system that replaces the stock plastic air box with an aluminum box, the factory setup is mounted to the frame so when the engine moves the air box stays mounted to the frame. The ump box mounts to the trans so it moves with the engine. I had 2.9 hours on my 2010 RZRS in the dusty california desert and removed the stock air filter and with a clean white cloth I saw dust did get past the filter, thats when I deceided to install the ump filter. $320 is a high price for a filter kit, but its cheaper than a rebuild.

[GRAZOR]

Thanks SDLEEE. Lets argue this logically.

Did the dust get through the filter element or did it get in from a poor seal around the box to throttle body connection?

You state a fact that the box is hard mounted and when the engine flexes the box does not which might cause a separation that could allow unfiltered dust in.

That being the case, I think all that is necessary is to be 100% positive there is no breech of the AFTER the filter connection. I have seen a few RZRs with the rubber boot between the air box and throttle body separated. This is where I feel the issues arise.

I don't have a problem with the air box or the filter element but I do pay very close attention to the connections and I make very sure they are tight and completely sealed. Unfiltered air entering there is a very bad situation for sure.

Do I need to spend $320 to fix it? Is the UMP filtration element any better than what Polaris provides? I have seen or heard no proof yet! What I have seen is no dust past the stock filter as long as there is a tight seal and all intake air has to come through the filter element. All bets are off if the boot connections allow dirty, unfiltered air in. I have held this belief all along and as I have stated numerous times, do what ever makes you happy. If every drop of air that gets into the throttle body came through a filter than I am fully confident the Polaris filter and air box are doing their job.

Keep in mind one very important fact. If the connections between the UMP air box and the throttle body happen to separate then all the money spent will still result in an expensive rebuild. I do fully agree that the air box mounted to the engine/tranny and independent of the fixed frame mount should make for a more solid connection and be less apt to separate under load. The only time I have seen a real failure of the stock filter that allowed dust to get through was when the paper element got water soaked and blew out or actually got suctioned in. All the other issues I have seen were directly caused by loose connections between the air box and throttle body. I can't stress this enough to get in there and make sure your clamps are as tight as you can get them and to keep a close watch on these connection points.

I welcome any further comments on this subject as long as they are based on factual findings. Just because a UMP or any other filter system costs a bundle does not mean it does a better job at filtration. Filters have a Micron rating and this will tell you what size particles will be allowed through the element. As long as there is no breech allowing dirty air past the filter the Polaris filter is about as good as they come by all the industrial standards. You certainly can get better filtration but it will cost valuable power but this might be a necessary evil in a very dusty condition. Other conditions such as where the intake air is picked up from might have some affect also. Higher intake points such as in snorkeling could result in cleaner air coming in to the filter. All things are relative and the conditions we all ride in should dictate what is best for each of us. On a hot, dry and very dusty ride I don't think it is a good idea to be the third machine back and what comes out of your nose ought to be a true indicator as to what went into your filter.

Gary