The K&N E-1150 is a round, high-flow replacement air filter with a cotton gauze element that drops into a factory airbox in place of the disposable original. The manufacturer lists it at 8 in inside diameter, 10 in outside diameter, and 3.5 in tall. It is washable, reusable, and covered by a no-hassle lifetime limited warranty, so the cost is paid once rather than with every paper change. It suits owners of older GM-family and Jeep-era engines who want to stop buying throwaway filters.
The case for the E-1150 over a stock paper element is lifetime cost and consistent airflow, not a dramatic horsepower jump. Owners on user forums are candid that gains on a stock airbox are often hard to feel, so buy it for reuse and filtration consistency. Those same owners warn that excess oil or aggressive cleaning can shed oil mist onto MAF sensors on fuel-injected engines, and that the element must dry fully before reinstalling. Reusable cotton gauze filters are a realistic choice for a classic Pontiac, Buick or GMC V8 that is driven on paved roads, while dusty off-road use calls for a more protective paper or synthetic element.
Yes. The manufacturer designs it to be washed and reused. Its cleaning procedure calls for K&N air filter cleaner applied to both sides, a soak of about 10 minutes without letting the cleaner dry on the element, a low-pressure cool water rinse, and a full dry before oiling. The manufacturer warns that other cleaning solutions or methods can damage the filter.
The manufacturer lists a re-oiling amount of 1.49 oz (44 ml). Apply the oil evenly across the pleats, let it wick, and touch up any light spots before reinstalling.
The manufacturer's listing covers Buick, GM, Oldsmobile, Pontiac and Dacia applications from 1963 through 2012. Application details vary across sources, so confirm your year, engine and airbox configuration with the manufacturer before buying.
The E-1150 is a drop-in design, so the swap is typically a matter of removing the factory paper element and seating the K&N in the same airbox position. The manufacturer directs buyers to the instruction sheet included with the filter for the specific steps. Make sure the airbox lid seals fully against the filter frame, since leaks at the edge can let dust bypass the media. Owners on user forums report that a fresh cotton filter can need a little persuasion to seat, and that a thin foam seal at the airbox lip helps when the fit is loose. Clean and oil the filter before the first install, let it dry completely, and avoid over-oiling so no residue reaches the mass airflow sensor on fuel-injected vehicles. No special tools are typically needed beyond the airbox fasteners.
