http://www.mkiv.com/techarticles/filters_test/2/
shows tests regarding air flow and filtering capabilities of 4 different popular air filters.

Then I see that 3A racing air pod filter won Auto Salon best air filter. only saying because its allows more air to flow through. Possibly compromising air cleaning ability? looks nice and cheap but I dont want a sand pit building up in the bottom of my engine.
Any one have experience with this?

i think the answer is right there, certain filters flow more, and yes a better flowing filter will sacrifice a percentage of filtering quality.. especially the cheap ones..

a 100% free flowing filter that would be no filter!

and heres a test done that shows the standard paper (clean) filter contributes hardly any restriction to the intake system

http://autospeed.com/cms/title_Negative ... ticle.html

k&n did alright

I've read a few reviews of filters that are supposed to increase power, and a few reviews show most filters give little to no gain over a factory filter. One of those articles might have been an autospeed article.

Anyway, i run K&N filters on most of my car's anyway. Not because i was looking for power gain, but to stop throwing away dirty filters, when i can clean mine & reinstall it. It takes a few filter changes before you start to save moeny, but it is saving a bit of landfill. Every bit counts.

Cheers

ToranaGuy