The K&N 33-2133 is a washable, reusable panel air filter built on K&N's oiled cotton-gauze construction. It is sized to replace the factory paper element in the airbox of the 3.0L V6 Honda Accord and the 3.2L V6 Acura TL, with Acura CL application details covered below. The manufacturer describes several layers of cotton gauze treated with a tacking agent to trap contaminants while keeping airflow high. For buyers searching for a K&N 33-2133 Accord 3.0L or TL 3.2L drop-in intake filter, it is a direct replacement with no modification required.
The real case for paying more than a disposable paper element is lifetime cost. Rather than buying a new paper filter at every service, you clean and re-oil this one. The manufacturer rates the cleaning interval at about 75,000 miles of normal highway driving, and harsher conditions shorten that window. The manufacturer says the filter is designed to increase horsepower but does not publish a gain figure, so treat it as an airflow upgrade rather than a guaranteed power number. Warranty terms also vary across published sources, so confirm coverage before relying on it.
Fitment is most reliable for the Accord (1998-2002) and the TL (1999-2003). Acura CL model years are where published details disagree, so confirm your exact application before ordering. Installation is a drop-in swap for the stock element and is pre-oiled out of the box. Owners searching for a 98-02 Accord V6 cold-air-style upgrade should still follow the manufacturer's installation sheet for this part number, paying close attention to seating the element flat and fully closing the airbox lid so unfiltered air cannot bypass it.
The manufacturer's product title lists the CL and TL 3.2L for 1999-2003, but published application details vary across sources for the CL. Confirm your exact year and trim with the manufacturer before ordering.
The manufacturer indicates cleaning about every 75,000 miles under normal highway driving. Other published figures are shorter, and driving conditions affect the interval, so follow the manufacturer's care guidance.
Yes. The manufacturer states the filter is pre-oiled and ready to drop into the factory airbox. When you clean it, the manufacturer lists a re-oiling amount of 1.22 oz (36 ml).
This is a drop-in job. The manufacturer says the filter is designed to fit the factory airbox without modification. Remove the stock element, check that the airbox and sealing surfaces are clean, seat the K&N element in the same orientation, and close the lid fully so the element is held in place. Review the manufacturer's installation instruction sheet for this part number before starting. Gotchas include leaving debris in the box and failing to seat the element evenly, which can prevent a proper seal.
