Some car owners, eager to increase the power of their car and improve dynamics, put a filter zero resistance... It is difficult for an uninitiated person to judge how justified this is. Among motorists, there are directly opposite opinions about such a modernization of the car. Some argue that installing a zero resistance filter significantly increases the power of the engine, strangled by a standard air filter. Others are sure that one "zero" is not enough to improve the power characteristics, and therefore it makes no sense to put it. In addition, there is a widespread belief that such a device is much worse at cleaning the air entering the motor.
The truth is hidden somewhere nearby, or rather, in the middle of these two conflicting opinions. We will tell you what, in fact, a zero resistance filter is, what are its disadvantages and advantages, compared to a conventional filter, and also talk about its maintenance.
Zero resistance filter: what is it?
Air contains many mechanical particles and chemical compounds. First of all, the dust that gets into the cylinders of the engine is capable of disabling it. To prevent possible breakdowns, the air must be cleaned. This requires air filter carrying out mechanical cleaning.
Engine power depends on the amount of air contained in the working mixture. The more the air is filtered, the less it enters the engine, and the more the power is reduced. Standard paper filters are very resistant to air because they are made from a very dense material. As the filter becomes dirty, the pores of the filter become clogged, and, in general, it ceases to let anything through, significantly increasing the air resistance.
Its filter component has several layers of cotton fabric impregnated with a special mixture and installed between an aluminum screen. It allows the air flow into the engine to pass almost unhindered. Dirt particles settle on the filter fibers without affecting the filter's capacity. The zero resistance filter is called so because it practically does not interfere with the penetration of air at the intake. Moreover, this property of the "zero" does not affect the quality of cleaning. It is for this reason that it is installed on sports cars.
Pros of a zero resistance filter
So, let's list the main advantages of a zero resistance filter:
- Firstly, it is an increased power factor without a decrease in the quality of air purification. The filter has a more complex design, which guarantees low resistance, but at the same time, effective filtration, which protects the piston system from wear and the intake system from clogging.
- Secondly, there is no need to change the filter every 15 thousand km. Cleaning component is easy to rinse special liquid, after which it acquires its original properties.
- Third, the zero impedance filter emits the characteristic sound inherent in racing cars and a few additional "horses". And with averages and low revs torque appears.
It is worth noting that in order to obtain a tangible increase in power characteristics and torque, you should remove the standard air filter housing assembly with a filter cartridge and install a cone filter - zero, which is selected in accordance with the diameter of the seat.
Disadvantages of a zero resistance filter
As the saying goes: "Not all the cat is Shrovetide." Unfortunately, the zero resistance filter also has a number of disadvantages, which can override all the advantages of this product. Let's list the main ones:
- The zero resistance filter requires regular maintenance.
- The cost of a high-quality zero filter is several times higher than the price of a conventional filter.
- The driver practically does not feel the increased power of 5-6% when the filter of zero resistance is installed, since physically a person cannot perceive the difference in power less than 5 horsepower.
Feasibility of installing a zero resistance filter
Make no mistake that if you remove the filter with the housing, you will significantly increase the engine power. This is not at all the case, and all sorts of measurements confirm this. The reason is that the developers calculate the valve timing in advance, taking into account the losses for air filtration. In addition, you should not risk the condition of the engine, since it will quickly fail in untreated air.
An obstacle for debris in the form of an air filter is a must. Minimum flow resistance can be achieved only by expanding the passage holes, slightly impairing the quality of filtration.
To summarize, we can say that if your car does not possess sports engine, then spending several thousand on a zero resistance filter is inappropriate. Yet it's a privilege racing cars, but on a regular engine, just a beautiful thing under the hood.
Another conversation, if you decide to comprehensively modify the car engine with a turbo or the installation of sports camshafts, cylinder bore. In this case, the zero will have to be in place. In conjunction with a zero resistance filter, an enlarged throttle valve can be purchased, which will increase the impact of intake system motor.
Maintenance of a zero resistance filter
Installing a zero resistance filter obliges the car owner to regularly rinse it and soak it with a special liquid, which also costs money. Moreover, the processing should be carried out according to a certain technology, instead of a simple algorithm of actions "removed and placed". It is impossible to miss the moment of filter maintenance, since such negligence threatens to increase fuel consumption and reduce the power of the car.
- At the first stage of servicing the filter of zero resistance, remove it and, armed with a brush with soft bristles, carefully clean the filter element from coarse dirt.
- After that, a special solution is applied on both sides of the filter and wait 10 minutes until complete impregnation.
- Next, it must be rinsed in a basin with water, and then substituted under a weak pressure of running water.
- They don't dry the zero, they just shake off the water from it.
- The dry filter should be carefully inspected for light spots. If they are present, then the impregnation with a special solution will have to be repeated.
- At the last stage, we put the filter in place.
Conclusion
Now you know what a zero resistance filter is and can conclude that it is advisable to use it. To reinforce the knowledge gained, we recommend watching the following video:
One way to increase engine power internal combustion the car is a decrease in resistance in the air intake - exhaust system exhaust gases... It is known that removing the muffler and catalyst can increase engine power by up to 10%.
Likewise, removing the air filter completely can increase power by up to 8-10%. This is why air filters were simply not installed on many race cars in the 20th century. However, the ingress of dust particles into the intake system significantly reduced the engine life.
Considering that modern racing car engines cost exorbitant money, the task of developing air filters with zero intake air resistance was set before the designers, and it was solved. Now such filters (motorists often call them "zero") are affordable for ordinary car owners and their popularity is increasing.
Why do you need zero and how does it work
When operating an internal combustion engine, it is necessary to protect the air intake duct from dust, small particles, fluff, insects and other substances that are not in a gaseous state. In principle, even gaseous water (steam) also destroys the piston group.
To protect the engine, an air filter is installed in all vehicles equipped with internal combustion engines. Without such a filter, the engine life can be reduced up to 10 times.
On most cars, standard filters are made of a special, as a rule, paper composition. Such material has tiny pores (holes - micropores), which prevent the smallest particles from passing through the filter.
The more such pores, the less resistance the filter will provide to the passage of air. Therefore, most air filters are made in the form of an "accordion" to increase the area and number of pores.
Video - what problems can arise when using the zero-wheel in various modes:
During the operation of the car, such air filters quickly become clogged, as their resistance increases.
The idea of zero resistance filters is that the pore size in them is increased to slightly impede the passage of air flow. The filter material itself (as a rule, a fabric base made of a special material), as it were, attracts dust and small particles to itself, where they settle. This "attraction" is based on the physicochemical processes of electrification and adsorption.
There are two main types of filtration:
- Dry filtration. Filters of this type are less effective. Research shows that the maximum increase in engine power is less than 5%.
- Impregnated filters. Their efficiency is higher (up to 7% increase in power). Dust and particles settle on the oily impregnation.
Where to install zero in a car
Three options are possible here:
1. In an abnormal location, that is, separately from the standard air intake system.
This option allows you to install a filter of any design that will fit under the hood of an existing car.
This installation method has a big drawback. Air will enter the engine from the engine compartment, not from the external intake.
In addition, the air will be warmed up by a running engine, that is, of a lower density, therefore, with a lower oxygen content. This minus eats up almost all the benefits of a zero resistance air filter.
2. In a regular place.
In this case, it is necessary to select a filter of a compatible design. In modern cars, air filters are generally rectangular (trapezoidal).
The maximum efficiency of rectangular filters with zero resistance does not exceed 5% (cylindrical filters - about 7%).
3. Installation on a modified design of the intake system.
Most effective method installation, however, requires certain skills and additional costs for re-equipment of the standard system of air ducts and intakes.
Pros and cons of zero resistance air filters
First about the poles:
- increase in engine power. Specifically, the power increase factor can only be judged on the basis of tests for each installation option. Don't trust advertisements. The efficiency can be from 1 to 8%;
- reduced fuel consumption. For owners passenger cars this characteristic can be decisive when installing an abnormal zero-point;
- for dry filters, the procedures for installing and maintaining the filter practically do not change (it should be remembered that they are less effective than serviced zeroes);
- changing the "sound" of the engine. This plus is more suitable for the younger generation of motorists.
- price. The price can be up to 10,000 rubles. A mediocre zero will cost about 2,000 rubles, but this is more than the cost of a regular consumable.
- an abnormal installation of a zero resistance filter can have negative efficiency if heated engine compartment air is supplied to it;
- the need for maintenance (impregnation) of the zero resistance filter after 2 - 3 thousand kilometers at the same time as cleaning. The procedure takes time and additional costs;
- its installation is effective only in the complex of car tuning works. No efficiency gains exhaust system often the installation of such a filter does not make sense at all (especially with a clogged catalyst);
- it is not a fact that the engine management system will adequately perceive the increase in air flow. In the air intake system of each modern car there is a flow meter (). It instantly "calculates" the change in mass air consumption and corrects the engine operation. That is, when installing the zero, it is rational to perform chip tuning of the car engine control unit. This operation is costly;
- there is no 100% proof of the effectiveness of installing zero resistance filters in conventional cars. For racing cars, everything is clear: every additional horse is expensive there, regardless of the costs. The installers are professionals there. Control and adjustment is carried out on professional equipment. At the disposal of ordinary motorists - only advertising;
- in case of an abnormal installation of the Federal Tax Service, questions may arise during the passage of the technical inspection.
Video - does it make sense to install zero, if additional tuning work is not carried out:
How to properly maintain
The sequence of maintenance of the filter of zero resistance:
- cleaning with a special brush (you can use soft clothes, you can additionally use a vacuum cleaner);
- flushing the filter (it is possible with special compounds, even the household "Laska" is suitable);
- drying for 12 hours (not close to the battery);
- application of a special impregnation for the FTS from the air inlet side - two times.
Do not exceed the amount of impregnation, as surplus can enter the engine. The packaging of the Federal Tax Service and care products must contain instructions for use and operation. For some filter models, the maintenance sequence may be different.
I'm talking about filters of zero resistance. To be honest, I myself thought to install one on my car, but despite all the simplicity, it turns out that there are a lot of pitfalls here. Therefore, you need to weigh all the pros and cons, which we will do in this article. In general, really true information from the person who almost bought it (but stopped in time). Looking ahead, this is not at all the "zero" that you thought about ...
To be honest, this is a very controversial tuning of your engine, why you will understand at the very bottom, if you are impatient, immediately scroll down, watch the video, but if you want to get information about what they say “on the shelves”, start from the very beginning.
To begin with, I will repeat a little (there is information in the last article) and remind you - why do you need a filter element at all?
Why do you need a filter in the engine
It's very easy to catch all the filth that flies in the air - fluff, leaves, midges, but especially dust. This whole thing adversely affects the engine inside, since dust is the smallest particles of sand that will simply melt at high temperatures. And they will settle inside on everything and everyone, some clever person figured that without an air filter, the engine's service life drops 10 times! So it is needed in any case - that is, it is not discussed, if you want an axiom.
Why is the staff so bad?
Again, everything is simple - as we all know, an internal combustion unit has only 4 strokes, this is intake, compression, ignition, and exhaust gas removal. The engine, on the intake stroke, sucks the air-fuel mixture into the engine cylinders, if gasoline goes along its own line, then the air is sucked in from the environment. If the filter was not there, it would be sucked in with everything that came across (midges, dust, etc.), but the filter protects from this - however, it is a kind of plug that prevents the air from passing normally, that is, resistance is encountered.
The regular filter element has a significant coefficient of resistance, often taking 5 - 7% of the motor power. This is understandable, it practically does not let dust particles through, it is made of special paper.
This element is far from ideal, it seems - everything is simple, but damn it, there is no solution and that's it! Or is there?
Zero resistance
Of course, there are - filters of zero resistance have long been created, which practically do not delay the air supply, that is, they give the motor "breathe deeply", they simply give 5 - 7% of the power concealed by standard elements, and this indirectly affects both consumption and dynamics overclocking and maximum speed- such a budget tuning.
The principle of such a filter element is a specially selected material from which it is made. As it is assured that these are large pores and a minimum of paper in the structure. Usually a cotton fabric is used, several layers, which is located on a special aluminum screen.
However, "zeroes" are not the same, they can be of two types.
Varieties of filters of zero resistance
At the moment, two structures are distinguished:
- No impregnation or dry - as it is assured, not as effective. It looks a bit like a regular regular filter element, but the materials used are completely different. Gives a power increase of up to 5%.
- Impregnated. The most effective one is made of fabrics (several layers), impregnated with a special oily composition. Dust enters it and settles on the "oil" (grease) and remains there. Power increase up to 7%.
It is the second type that has become widespread, which is "impregnated", because we are fighting for power, and 2% (of the first type) is essential. However, it has much more disadvantages, for example, every three thousand kilometers it needs to be washed, dried, then soaked again - otherwise the dust and other deposits that it retains will clog it tightly, the performance and air flow will drop many times, that is, it will become even worse, than a regular filter. In this regard, the first option is much more effective - it needs to be changed every 10 - 15,000 kilometers, in principle, like a regular filter element.
To a regular place or not?
Often, anyone who thinks about putting such "zeroes" has a choice - to put the air filter in the regular place or put a separate one, that is, bypassing the standard box. Often, many companies make a separate one, it certainly looks impressive, but is its installation justified? Let's take a look at each of the situations:
- ... That is, without regular placement. According to the manufacturer, these options are the most productive, that is, they are capable of delivering just up to 7% of the power. YES and look impressive under the hood. However, there are many controversial points, the whole point is that - a heated engine has a high temperature, and this element sucks air, so to speak, just on top of the engine, there it is about 50 (and in summer all 60) degrees Celsius. The point here is this - the density of hot air is much lower than that of cold air, so such a filter turns out, even loses in power, because it supplied hot air - its density at 50 degrees Celsius - 1.109 kg / cm3 ... Whereas air at 20 degrees has a density of 1.204 kg / cm3 ... The difference is almost 10%, here is your increase in power, you will lose even more and the effect of such an element will be negative than positive.
- To a regular place ... Now they are sold for almost every car, that is, you can throw out the standard one and put a "zero" in your car - square, in general, as we are used to. However, as the manufacturers assure, its performance is lower, that is, it can give up to 5% to power. But such a filter of zero resistance has its advantages, namely - standard system the air intake is usually located either next to the wing or under the engine, where the air is much cooler. Thus, we increase its density (that is, we suck from the bottom), and not from the top hot. It turns out that this is exactly the effect of a 5% increase in power.
That is, the second type in a regular place wins in almost all respects.
Advantages and disadvantages
Needless to say, it seems like some pluses:
- Increases power.
- Due to the passage of a large amount of air, the flow rate decreases, because as an engine is not overstrained.
- It can be installed in a regular place, that is, for almost any car, nothing needs to be redone.
- It can also be changed after 10 - 15,000 kilometers, as standard options.
However, there are also disadvantages:
- It is expensive, if you take branded ones, the price can go up to $ 150 (about 10,000 rubles), when a regular even branded one costs only about 1,500 rubles (maximum), and analogues can be bought for 200 - 300 rubles. In fairness, there are filters of zero resistance, which are cheaper - about 1,500 - 2,000 rubles, but compared to analogues, this is ten times more.
- If you install a separate one, then you not only may not feel the increase in power, but also lose it, due to the suction of hot air from the top of the engine.
- If you take the option with impregnation, you need constant care for it, every 2000 - 3000 kilometers - be sure to wash it, clean it and lubricate it again, otherwise you will not only get power, but also vice versa - it will fall. Very uncomfortable.
- There is still debate about the effect of these filters, some say that they give absolutely nothing, others, on the contrary, but where is the truth? I don’t really want to pay off 2,000 rubles (and even more so for $ 150) for what.
The truth about the "zeroes"
Well, here we come to the most interesting thing, namely, if there is any sense from them at all. After all, you can talk for hours how wonderful they are, but if the effect is zero, then everything is in vain.
One of the most honest tests is a dynamo test, when they drive the car to measure its power before installation, with a conventional element or "stock", as they say now. Then they install a filter of zero resistance and run it again - according to theory, the power should increase by 5 - 7% from the stock one! BUT tests have shown that this is not at all the case, that is, there is either no effect at all, or there is, but insignificant, at the level of 1 - 2% that you will not notice at all.
I will say this - I also thought to put myself such a filter in order to raise the power, but it turned out to be all bullshit, just a marketing ploy or "show off" like tuners. But to overpay for do not understand something - as it does not really want to.
Tuning an engine is an expensive pleasure that not every driver can afford. But there are also inexpensive options for increasing engine power. For example, install a zero resistance filter on the internal combustion engine. It is believed that a zero filter allows you to improve driving performance car, and at the same time it is not very expensive. Within the framework of this article, we will consider what pros and cons the driver gets from installing a zero resistance filter.
Table of contents:What is a zero resistance filter
Atmospheric air acts as a working fluid for modern internal combustion engines. The combustion of the fuel varies depending on the amount of air in the cylinders. The more air, the greater the combustion. Accordingly, the more combustion, the greater the pressure during the working stroke of the piston, and thus the engine power and temperature.
But with increasing engine speed, the amount of air supplied becomes less due to the action of the resistance of the intake tract. To make it clearer, you can make the following division:
- At low revs, the filling depends on the throttle valve;
- At high rpm, when throttle open, filling depends on other factors - mechanical features intake system, receiver settings and air filter resistance.
Please note: - an obligatory element of any modern engine, which cleans the air before entering the cylinders, which allows you to maintain the performance of the motor and avoid premature damage. However, even if the air filter is completely removed, it will still not be possible to greatly increase the air flow rate, since turbulence at the cut of the air intake pipe will cause filling losses.
To reduce the resistance of the air filter to the air flow, a zero resistance filter is used. It is a kind of compromise between the cleaning element and the air throughput.
What is a zero resistance filter
The zero resistance filter can be made of cotton or foam rubber (with large pores). An obligatory moment in the filter is impregnation in the form of a special oil that envelops the cells in the filter curtain. She performs the main filtering.
Please note: Foam filters are more durable.
The shutter itself in the filter of zero resistance retains only coarse dirt, having sufficient space for air to pass through. In this case, the oil impregnation acts as a filter for small particles. The air, passing through the “labyrinths” of the zero resistance filter, touches the impregnation and moves on, and the micro-particles of dirt that it contains settle on the impregnation.
Unlike a conventional air filter, a zero resistance filter needs regular maintenance... As can be understood from its principle of operation, when a large amount of debris settles on an oily impregnation, the efficiency of the filter element decreases, respectively, the filter needs to be washed and re-impregnated.
Pros and cons of zero resistance filter
Installing a zero resistance filter is believed to help squeeze more power out of the engine. In fact, the increase is quite insignificant. If you test the vehicle with zero resistance filters on a dyno, you can see that it will only benefit from power when the accelerator pedal is pressed into the floor, i.e. the throttle valve is fully open. But for ordinary city trips, this advantage is insignificant.
Please note: In this case, we are talking about conventional motors. Slightly more, the zero resistance filter gives an increase in power on forced engines, but only on those that are forced not by turbocharging, but by revs. But there are some nuances here, since in addition to the filter, it is required to install wide-phase camshafts, adjust the receiver and inlet valves.
And now about the disadvantages of installing a zero resistance filter instead of a conventional filter:
In addition, in some engines, the installation of a zero resistance sensor can lead to a decrease in maximum power due to the need to dismantle the standard air filter box. Without a box, the air will be transferred heated, that is, less dense, which will “strangle” the motor due to a decrease in the total mass of air.
Almost every car enthusiast has heard of the existence of an alternative to standard air filters, which provides an increase in engine power without any modifications. This is a zero resistance filter. Adding a couple of horses, while replacing only one element, is a tempting prospect. However, as you know, in practice, some difficulties may arise. Therefore, an ordinary driver often cannot answer the question of whether it is worth putting such a part on a car, there are too many controversial points.
To dispel all the myths about the so-called "zeroes" and give an unambiguous answer, consider the design, principle of operation, varieties, service requirements, advantages and disadvantages of such products, and then summarize.
The device of the air filter of zero resistance and the principle of its operation
As you know, for the normal operation of an internal combustion engine, be it diesel, gas or gasoline, it is necessary that the fuel-air mixture in the required proportion enters the cylinders through the intake valves. For this, the engine draws air from the atmosphere. But, the atmospheric air is not clean, with it grains of sand, dust particles and other foreign objects that can cause significant harm, significantly reducing the engine resource, can enter the combustion chambers. To prevent this from happening, the intake air is pre-passed through an air filter. Standard factory filters provide an insurmountable dust barrier, but have significant inlet resistance as air is forced through the dense cellulosic layers. In addition, over time, the micropores of the standard element become clogged with dust and the filling of the cylinders with air deteriorates even more. Such resistance has an extremely negative effect on the operation of the engine, reducing its power.
An air filter of zero resistance does not have such a disadvantage, since it practically does not interfere with the flow of flow, providing maximum possible expense air in the channel, thereby allowing the motor to operate at the required mode without interruption. The work of the "zero" is especially noticeable at high revs, when it is required to supply significant volumes of air, while the standard filter elements, due to the features described above, cannot cope with such a task.
The design of low-resistance filters is rather complicated, since they must not only not interfere with the movement of air, but also have time to fulfill their main task of cleaning it. Most often, such elements are made either from cotton fabric or from synthetic materials. Moreover, they try to make the number of layers minimal in order to achieve the lowest possible resistance at the input.
Installing a zero resistance filter
You can put a "zero" on any car, since at present not only "zero" filters are produced that are mounted in regular places on specific car models, but also universal products that can be installed using a special adapter that comes most often in the kit for different types of motors, regardless of the design of the standard mount.
You can carry out the installation yourself, without involving service station workers. The procedure is extremely simple and takes a few minutes. All you need to do is remove the standard filter element and install a new one. In the case when a universal filter is installed, it is additionally necessary to dismantle the factory case, which also will not create any problems.
It should be noted that during installation it is very important to ensure the tightness of the pipes in order to completely exclude the possibility of contaminated air entering the engine path. Also, special attention should be paid to the location of the filter. If a conical sports filter with a flexible pipe is installed, then it must be fixed as far as possible from the radiator so as not to spoil the parameters of the inlet air.
Pros and cons of "zeroes"
Summing up the above, we will emphasize the main pros and cons of zero resistance air filters.
The advantages of such tuning parts include:
- low resistance at the input, allowing you to increase the power of the internal combustion engine;
- easy assembly and disassembly;
- compactness, "zero" takes up much less space in the engine compartment;
- a significantly longer service life compared to standard products;
However, in addition to the advantages, there are some disadvantages:
- the need for regular maintenance of the "zero", as well as the need to purchase additional impregnations;
- higher product price;
Types of filters of zero resistance
Before dwelling in more detail on the maintenance of low-resistance air filters, it should be noted that all "nulls" can be divided into two groups:
- "Dry", those that do not need additional impregnation with special substances;
- "Wet" filters, which must be regularly treated with an adhesive that retains even the smallest pollen;
"Wet" filters have a higher filtering ability, but they are more expensive and require more attention than their "counterparts". It is they who are recommended to be installed on motors with film mass air flow sensors that do not tolerate contamination.
Caring for the zero resistance filter
In order to get a guaranteed increase in power throughout the entire service life of the "zero", it is necessary to constantly monitor the condition of the filter. Namely, every five thousand kilometers, and more often if necessary, the surface should be cleaned from dust and dirt using a special technology.
Maintenance of dry "zeroes"
Such products must first be cleaned of adhered particles of dirt, dust, insect remains, using a soft bristle brush for these purposes. You need to act very carefully so as not to damage the delicate filter material. After mechanical cleaning, sprinkle the work surfaces with a special detergent, wait 10-15 minutes, and then rinse the filter under a gentle stream of clean water. In order to remove moisture, the filter must be gently shaken. Drying with a hairdryer or household heaters is strongly discouraged. After the above manipulations, the zero resistance air filter can be put in place and safely used.
Cleaning "wet" filters
The procedure for cleaning the "zeroes" impregnated with a special composition is practically the same as described above, with one exception - after all the manipulations, the surface must be additionally treated with an adhesive recommended by the manufacturers.
Is a zero resistance filter needed?
As a summary, we will answer the question that worries many motorists about whether it is worth installing a low resistance air filter. It is definitely worth it if the engine often runs at high speeds and every horse counts. The benefits of such tuning are especially noticeable if the internal combustion engine has been forced, the revision of the intake and exhaust will allow you to acquire a ten percent increase in power. Installing a lowered filter is useful not only for a sports car, but also for a civilian car, since, albeit insignificantly, it will still improve the engine. Moreover, in this case, practically nothing will have to be sacrificed, and the procedure for replacing the filtering core of a standard filter is quite simple.
However, we note once again that when installing, it is very important to take into account the following nuances:
- firstly, only a certified product can be mounted, which is not inferior to the quality of filtration to factory "colleagues", otherwise the air flow sensors will fail very quickly, and the resource of the motor itself will significantly decrease;
- secondly, if the filter is not regularly maintained, then instead of a positive one, you can get the opposite effect in action.
