High Performance Air Filters FAQ – Everything You Need to Know Before You Upgrade

If you are considering upgrading to a high performance air filter, you probably have questions about power gains, filtration, maintenance, and whether it is worth it for your specific vehicle. This FAQ guide answers the most common questions we receive about Boosted Mentality Motorsports high performance air filters and intake systems, while helping you determine which option is right for your platform.

What does a high performance air filter actually do? A high performance air filter improves airflow to your engine while maintaining proper filtration. Factory filters are often restrictive to meet long service intervals and broad operating conditions. Our filters are designed to increase airflow efficiency, which can improve throttle response and overall engine breathing without compromising protection.

Will a high performance air filter increase horsepower? A performance air filter can improve airflow and throttle response, which may contribute to horsepower gains depending on the platform and supporting modifications. On turbocharged vehicles like the Genesis GV70 3.5T and GV80 3.5T, improving airflow to the turbos allows the system to operate more efficiently. Performance horsepower, torque, and fuel efficiency improvements are dependent on numerous factors such as other modifications done to the vehicle, proper vehicle maintenance, fuel type, driving habits, altitude, and other conditions.

Is a drop-in high performance filter better than a full cold air intake? It depends on your goals. A drop-in filter such as our Genesis GV70 3.5T High Performance Air Filter at https://boostedmentality.com/products/2022-2025-gv70-3-5t-high-performance-air-filter keeps the factory airbox, which is excellent for heat shielding and engine protection, while increasing airflow. The same concept applies to our Genesis GV80 3.5T High Performance Air Filters at https://boostedmentality.com/products/bmm-high-performance-air-filters-set-2022-genesis-gv80-3-5t. For owners who want maximum airflow and a more aggressive induction sound, a full intake system like our Infiniti Q50S and Q60S VQ30DDTT Cold Air Intake Kit at https://boostedmentality.com/products/infiniti-q50s-q60s-vq30ddtt-cold-air-intake-kit-boosted-mentality-motorsports or our Nissan 370Z and Infiniti G37 VQ37 Cold Air Intake Kit at https://boostedmentality.com/products/boosted-mentality-motorsports-cold-air-intake-kit-nissan-370z-infiniti-g37-vq37 may be the better choice.

Will a performance air filter harm my engine? No, when properly engineered. Boosted Mentality Motorsports high performance filters are designed to maintain proper filtration efficiency while increasing airflow. This is especially important for SUV platforms that see varied driving conditions, such as our Ford Explorer ST and Lincoln Aviator 3.0L TT High Performance Air Filter at https://boostedmentality.com/products/high-performance-air-filter-ford-explorer-st-lincoln-aviator-3-0l-tt-boosted-mentality-motorsports and our Toyota 4.0L V6 and Lexus 4.6L V8 High Performance Air Filter at https://boostedmentality.com/products/high-performance-air-filter-toyota-4-0l-v6-lexus-4-6l-v8-boosted-mentality-motorsports. These platforms often balance performance with durability, and our filters are engineered with that same philosophy.

Are Boosted Mentality Motorsports filters reusable? Yes. Our high performance air filters are washable and reusable, which reduces long-term ownership costs compared to disposable paper filters. With proper cleaning intervals based on your driving environment, they are designed to provide consistent airflow and protection over extended use.

Will I need a tune after installing a high performance air filter? For drop-in replacement filters that retain the factory airbox and MAF housing geometry, a tune is not required. The system operates within factory calibration parameters. For full cold air intake systems, tuning is not mandatory for safe operation in most applications, but may unlock additional performance depending on your build goals.

Is installation difficult? No. Our drop-in high performance filters are direct OE-fit replacements designed to install in minutes using factory mounting points. Cold air intake systems require basic hand tools but are designed as straightforward bolt-on upgrades.

Why upgrade if the factory airbox is already good? Many factory airboxes are well designed for heat management and filtration, especially on SUV platforms. That is why we often focus on improving the filter element itself rather than eliminating the factory airbox entirely. This gives you improved airflow while maintaining the durability and engineering the manufacturer intended.

Who are these filters best for? Our high performance air filters are ideal for owners who want better throttle response, improved airflow, reusable filtration, and an easy installation without major modifications. They are especially well suited for turbocharged platforms like the Genesis GV70 3.5T, Genesis GV80 3.5T, Ford Explorer ST 3.0L TT, and Lincoln Aviator 3.0L TT, as well as naturally aspirated platforms like the Toyota 4.0L V6 and Lexus 4.6L V8.

If you are looking for an easy, reliable performance upgrade that supports long-term durability, a Boosted Mentality Motorsports high performance air filter is one of the most practical starting points. Whether you drive a Genesis, Ford, Lincoln, Toyota, Lexus, Infiniti, or Nissan performance platform, improving airflow is a foundational step toward unlocking your vehicle’s full potential.