The K&N 33-2411 is a drop-in replacement for the stock paper element in the 2008 Cadillac CTS and CTS-V with the 3.6L V6. The manufacturer describes it as a High-Flow filter built from multiple layers of premium cotton gauze treated with a tacking agent, which is meant to raise airflow while still trapping the contaminants that wear down an engine. Its design is aimed at horsepower and throttle response, and the manufacturer says it is designed to increase horsepower and acceleration while still providing excellent filtration. Because the element is washable and reusable, you can clean and re-oil it instead of buying a new disposable filter each service interval, which makes the higher price easier to justify over a stock paper element or a cheaper disposable replacement. Fitment is the main thing to confirm before you buy. The manufacturer's product page lists the 2008-2014 CTS/CTS-V V6-3.6L, while its application article covers select 2008-2015 CTS and 2008-2013 CTS-V models, so confirm your exact year and trim with the manufacturer. For installation, the manufacturer's guidance is that most vehicles only require removing the factory disposable filter and seating the K&N in its place. Owners on user forums should be consulted for CTS-specific airbox notes, such as clip seating and sealing the filter edge to prevent unfiltered air from bypassing the element. Search terms this filter targets include K&N 33-2411 CTS 3.6L V6 drop-in air filter, 2008 Cadillac CTS CTS-V cold air filter upgrade, and washable cotton gauze high-flow air filter.
The manufacturer's product page lists the 2008-2014 CTS/CTS-V with the 3.6L V6, while its application article describes select 2008-2015 CTS and 2008-2013 CTS-V models. Confirm your exact year and trim with the manufacturer before ordering.
The manufacturer describes K&N's replacement High-Flow filters as washable and reusable. Follow the manufacturer's cleaning and re-oiling instructions to maintain filtration and airflow.
Per the manufacturer's general guidance, installation is a simple drop-in swap: open the factory airbox, remove the disposable paper filter, and seat the K&N element in the same position. No tuning or specialty tools are indicated. Check that the filter sits flat and that the airbox cover closes fully so no unfiltered air bypasses the element.
