K&N 3226 or 3260

[ezrizer]

Hello from South Louisiana, great forum and thanks for all of the help and good advise. I'm looking for a K&N filter to replace the stock S&S for my 2004 107. I've seen a lot or suggestions to use the 3226 on newer bikes however that one measures 6x4-5/8x2-1/2. There's also a common suggestion to grind off the rear tab so the filter fits properly. My exisitng S&S filter measures 6-3/8x5x2-1/2. I found a K&N 3260 which measures exactly those dimensions and wouldn't require grinding the tab. Is the 2004 air cleaner different than newer bikes or is there any reason I shouldn't use the 3260 which seems to be a much better fit?

 

[RRRUFF]

I used the 3226 on my 05 and I ground the tab off the rear of the filter plate to alow the filter to sit down and seal properly.

 

[Five Five]

Glad I read this thread.....I have always struggled to get a good seal on my air cleaner....never occured to me to just grind the damm tab....

:2thumbs:
"Five"

 

[ezrizer]

The tab appears to be there for a reason. It is the 3rd item used to center the filter in place. The other 2 items that center the filter are the front screws. My stock S&S filter with a 5" id fits around the front 2 screws and the tab pretty well. If a filter with a 4-5/8" ID such as the E-3226 were used you would have to grind the tab because it's not big enough to go around all 3. It appears that if the E-3260 (with a 5" ID) is used it will go around the tab just like the original filter was desgined to do and no grinding is necessary. We'll see, I ordered the the 3260 today.

 

[RRRUFF]

I ground the tab off mine and with the 3226 I had no problem what so ever with the filter staying in place and sealing.

 

[V]

No grinder near the intake. I used vise grips to just snap it off

 

[Five Five]

No grinder near the intake. I used vise grips to just snap it off

Primitive but I like your style "V" :2thumbs:

 

[ezrizer]

I ground the tab off mine and with the 3226 I had no problem what so ever with the filter staying in place and sealing.

I'm sure grinding the tab does allow for a good seal with the smaller 3226 filter. My point is if the larger filter was used you wouldn't have to, not to mentioned you'd have the inherent benefits that come with the larger filter. By the way the 3260 cost 20% less.

 

[RRRUFF]

I'm sure grinding the tab does allow for a good seal with the smaller 3226 filter. My point is if the larger filter was used you wouldn't have to, not to mentioned you'd have the inherent benefits that come with the larger filter. By the way the 3260 cost 20% less.

Good point, let us know how it turns out.

 

[Steve1028]

I'm sure grinding the tab does allow for a good seal with the smaller 3226 filter. My point is if the larger filter was used you wouldn't have to, not to mentioned you'd have the inherent benefits that come with the larger filter. By the way the 3260 cost 20% less.

While 3/8" diameter doesn't seem like much, I think you may lose some air flow by placing the outside of the filter that much closer to the inside of cover...just guessing. I use the 3226.

 

[ezrizer]

While 3/8" diameter doesn't seem like much, I think you may lose some air flow by placing the outside of the filter that much closer to the inside of cover...just guessing. I use the 3226.

Notable observation as the stock filter is failry close to the top and bottom of the air box. I'm sure there is somewhat of a trade off in the fact that the smaller filter has less surface area (47.1"sq vs. 50" sq. vs.) to move the same air through. I've been thinking about removing the plain sheild in the front of the box and replacing it with a screen or a louvered part, this should help allow air, cooler air at that enter the filter box.

 

[ezrizer]

Yep the 3260 is the way to go in my opinion, at least for 2004 models. Drop in replacement for the stock with no grinding or modifications necessary. Also cost less than the 3226, best price was through Amazon.

 

[07bigdog]

I got K&N to build me a high air flow filter for $60. It is 1" wider than the stock and the same size around.

 

[ezrizer]

I got K&N to build me a high air flow filter for $60. It is 1" wider than the stock and the same size around.

Interesting, K&N has filters listed on their site 2-1/2" (stock), 3-1/4", 3-5/8", 3-3/4" and 4" high. The 3-5/8" can be bought directly off of the site for $35.99, probably cheaper elsewhere.