2012 Ford Focus K&N Intake kit Released.

[troy-knfilters]

Originally Posted by Blarson

Troy,
Thank you very much for the quick and concise response. I totally understand that once the application is submitted you relinquish all control to the "hippy board", and just await their approval or denial. I am very happy that the process has been started.

I know on my old ZX3 had three K&N CAI choices with only one the three having a CARB sticker. So I don't know if you'll be able to answer this or not, but are more CAI designs for the MK3 focus in the works? And if I bought the current CAI system, and a CARB sticker became available at a later date, would K&N ship me the CARB sticker? Thanks in advance.

As far as I know the 00-04 (1st Gen), 05-07 (2nd Gen) and 08-11 (3rd Gen) Focus development is completed, there are no plans to release any further product.

As always if we get C.A.R.B. approval on any of our kits after you have purchased it you can call in at 1-800-858-3333 and speak with customer service, they will be happy to send you a C.A.R.B. sticker free of charge. Keep in mind that we require a copy of your registration and proof of purchase to do that, this is a requirement by C.A.R.B.


Troy.

[VOLDAR]

I finally installed the K&N CAI I bought some weeks ago and here are my impressions:

- if you install it as it came in the box, it is soo loud (WOT or not) that I can't bear (42 y.o. here).
- if you do the two mods that TboneZX3 has done (see here), the CAI becomes acceptable, there is almost no resonance and we can say the sound is not that of a factor if not at WOT. In fact, at 50% of throtle, the car is doing just fine.
- the car sometimes sounds great under light throtle (a little different in growl) but sometimes, at the same throtle, there is a different sound.

I'll try and post some videos with it on traffic. I am still undecided about it. It IS LOUD when at WOT and this is something I have to deal with it. I give it another 3-4 days of test and if I decide not to keep it, it will be on the site for sale.

[TboneZX3]

Originally Posted by VOLDAR

- if you do the two mods that TboneZX3 has done (see here), the CAI becomes acceptable, there is almost no resonance and we can say the sound is not that of a factor if not at WOT. In fact, at 50% of throtle, the car is doing just fine.

I'm glad that worked out for you VOLDAR.

It's amazing how much different (quieter) the sound is when the MAF housing is properly suspended from the heat shield. I didn't mention this benefit when I originally did the mods, but the benefit is real. Just that little bit of contact that the housing has with the shield it has out of the box makes a world of difference.

It is a shame that K&N has done nothing to fix that issue, or at least they haven't contacted me about any design changes.

Originally Posted by VOLDAR

- the car sometimes sounds great under light throtle (a little different in growl) but sometimes, at the same throtle, there is a different sound.

I'll try and post some videos with it on traffic. I am still undecided about it. It IS LOUD when at WOT and this is something I have to deal with it. I give it another 3-4 days of test and if I decide not to keep it, it will be on the site for sale.

The difference in sound at a given throttle position seems directly related to engine load. If you load it up at 2K - 3K rpm, it will "moan" a bit, especially when loaded with A/C on. Give it a while and your driving habits will change slightly, and you'll be able to avoid the moan. If you're anything like me, you'll become really attached to the "wail" from 3.5K RPM to redline @ WOT!

[VOLDAR]

Ok, here is the thing. I think the K&N CAI is a good one, but I decided to get it off. Is it maybe because I am too old for the sound - which is great - or because I drove the car without listening to the radio ? I can't say. But even though it is great to feel its "wrommmm" at take off, I decided to let it be for now. If someone is interested, I'll sell it to him for a fraction of what it cost me. Because I am in Canada, it cost me a total of 350$. I am glad to sell it for 175-200 $, but you have to pay for the shippement if you want it in US. I had it in my car for a week and a total of 300 km.

[Ralliart]

Where in Canada? I'm Kitchener/Waterloo. Considering this but slightly concerned that you've taken it off

[TboneZX3]

Originally Posted by Ralliart

Where in Canada? I'm Kitchener/Waterloo. Considering this but slightly concerned that you've taken it off

IMO, this would be the one to buy since he's already made the improvements for you.

[VOLDAR]

Originally Posted by Ralliart

Where in Canada? I'm Kitchener/Waterloo. Considering this but slightly concerned that you've taken it off

I am in Montréal. I took it off more because I find it a bit too loud for my liking - 42 yo here. For the rest, it is a great CAI.

[BLarson]

Originally Posted by Ralliart

Where in Canada? I'm Kitchener/Waterloo. Considering this but slightly concerned that you've taken it off

I wouldn't be concerned. Plenty of people have it and love it. A few have not liked how loud it is. But others love it. He only took it off because of the increased noise. 175+shipping is a good deal. Esp. Since your within Canada.

[Sonic_HedgeHog]

If you're that concerned, don't buy it... I got mine at a crazy deal for the same reason and I'm happy with it. But it's better to not buy it and find something you're sure about than buy it and have buyers remorse later.

[Focus2.0SEL]

does anyone have any clips/videos on what this actually sounds like? I'm debating on this intake or the AEM 21-702C