Spectre vs K&N Intake Systems: Which is the Best?

Your truck’s intake system provides the requisite oxygen for combustion to occur in its engine. The air intake system is designed to allow air to get to your motor.

An intake method typically requires an air filter, throttle, and air passages in order to enter the cylinders. A healthy air intake system such as Spectre vs K&N enables a safe and constant airflow in the engine to improve the car’s strength and miles.

So many brands offer intake systems for aftermarket vehicles. However, two companies are considered to be at the top of the mountain when it comes to both quality and reputation — namely, Spectre and K&N. 

Many car enthusiasts are disputed over which one to choose between the Spectre and the K&N intake systems. They understandably want to know which company offers a better supply of cold air and air filters so they can be confident that they are making the best buying decision.

In this article, we will carefully go over each system and weigh the pros and cons of each in order to help you choose the right intake system for your own vehicle.

The Main Differences Between Spectre vs K&N

The main differences between Spectre vs K&N include:

• Spectre intake kits are more affordable, whereas K&N air filters are often more expensive
• Spectre use a chrome-finished intake tube, whereas K&N uses a custom tubing system
• Spectre is best suited for more casual builds, while K&N is typically used on high performance sports cars

K&N Filters Cost & Pricing Data

Yes, Spectre filters are more economical than K&N filters. K&N’s filters are more costly, yet surprisingly, Spectre filters provide similar results on a better price tag.

The strength of K&N is the increased airflow due to its high-flow design and the washability of its filters. 

However, the airflow increase can become an inconvenience if you drive high in areas of fine powder. It’s reasonable to say that K&N is suited for high maintenance or racing cars, while Spectre suits for casual usage.

Spectre’s Intake Tube

In contrast to K&N, all intakes made by Spectre use a chrome-finished intake tube, which has a bending mandrel. Cotton gauze air filters are at the top of these tubes, and therefore all have the same essential materials as K&N.

The Tradeoff on Price

Yes, Spectre’s intake kits are more affordable. Furthermore, the acceleration is comparable, and the performance is sufficient. Only a 90 day guarantee is provided, but the vast difference in price segments eliminates this disadvantage. 

A Closer Look at Spectre Cold Intake Systems

Spectre’s cold air intake systems are designed to provide the much-needed horsepower to the car or truck and torque. Spectre air intakes are made of high quality and polished aluminum cast intake tubing and are equipped with a Spectre filter designed to increase airflow and output. 

Spectre’s cold air intake supplies are designed to produce more power and look good under the cap. A red, blue or blue high-power air filter is available for most Spectre air intakes.

Spectre-specific air intake systems have also been designed to replace the stock intake system directly by bolt-on so that installation can be fairly fast and easy. Their cold-air intake systems come with comprehensive instructions and can be easily installed using standard hand tools.

The Spectre intake offers a state-of-the-art chassis dynamometer with diagnostic and gas testing, as well as optimization capabilities and top-quality scientific laboratory equipment — all of which are used for the development of quality products. 

Spectre also boasts a super flow bench with measuring capabilities in both their intake and exhaust modes, checking airflow, pressure, and speed.

What are Their Features?

There are numerous features which set the Spectre air intake system apart from their competitors.

• Efficient and Powerful Air Filters. Innovative production of synthetic oiled filters prevents the engine from pollutants damaging.
• Easier to Install. Their comprehensive instructions will help with a simple installation of their standard equipment. 
• Increased Safety. The engine protection cap drives through by shielding the motor from dangerous pollutants and waste.
• Better Towing. Increases speed and upward efficiency by enhancing the throttle response.

Spectre Intake Pros

• Spectre intakes are budget-friendly.
• It comes with a 10-year warranty.
• All Spectre intakes use a chromium-finished intake conduit with a winding mandrel. 

Without a doubt, Spectre is considered a more affordable option. In some cases, their intakes nearly half the price as K&N products. Furthermore, it does not require regular maintenance and is easy to install without professional help.

Even better, not only do most products come with a 10-year warranty, in some cases, a lifetime warranty is also offered. In addition to the chromium finished intake, cotton gauze air filters are at the tip of these rods. That means that they will all have the same simple components as K&N.

Spectre Intake Cons

• Since they are cheaper than K&N intakes, they don’t offer as much engine performance boost.
• Unfortunately, it also does not sit well with most of the trucks which are noted in the supported list.

This can make them seem much less attractive to some consumers who are looking to boost their performance. When the ultimate goal is the improvement of the air intake, then cost may seem like less of a consideration.

Some of the More Popular Spectre Products

Spectre makes a variety of products for consumers and, depending on what you’re looking for, you may find exactly what you’re looking for with them.

Spectre Spe-9900 Intake Kit for V8 Trucks

Spectre Spe-9900 intake is a great mid-range product from Spectre, which makes the engine stronger. It is much less expensive than its peers. It fits most Chrysler and Dodge 3.6L V6 models, and it can be installed easily in under an hour, as it comes with practical installation instructions. 

It sounds a lot deeper in the engine, so if you like deep engine sounds, this might be a product which you’ll love to use.

Spectre Performance 9976 Air Intake Kit

This product was created to help increase your engine’s torque and power, while protecting it from harmful particles. It is both cost-effective and easy to install, a reusable air filter is used to save money for substitutions. The intake is fitted with a mass airflow sensor, and the Intake air is kept cool by a powder-coated heat shield. 

The Spectre SPE-9976 provides a little improvement over the OE air filter and intake tube, despite its low price. It increases the torque, but it’s also important to not have overly high expectations. It makes the car feel much more robust, and it modifies the sound a lot.

Spectre Spe-9028 Air Intake

The Spectre Spe-9028 is is a cost-friendly kit that comes with everything you need to substitute the OE intake kit. Sadly, there are some minor inconveniences associated with it. For example, the hot shield does not match the chassis tightly. Between it and the conical mount, there are huge gaps. 

However, this kit increases performance compared to the original components. It enhances engine performance and comes with a detailed manual, which allows the installation to be done in less than an hour. Despite the low-price tag, it also gives a decent life.

What About K&N Intakes?

K&N intakes are some of the most reliable products on the intake market these days. K&N intake systems deliver proven efficiency advantages with their low cost and implementation effort. They’re also a trusted brand, not only because of K&N’s lengthy history and credibility, but their proven track record of quality.

K&N uses a filter to minimize costs on the road. It also requires the user to clean and re-oil the filter, when the requirements of the area warrant using a reasonably-priced filter oil package and supplies for cleaning purposes. 

Most K&N filters choose a more protected position and use a supplied thermal shell to hold hot air out. However, certain intake sets pull their air from the inner fender or the lower part of the buffer. While this can lead to lower power, this ensures you can drive without thinking about water intakes and significant engine failure if you are facing an unusual amount of rainy or damp weather. 

K&N intakes are shielded by million-mile protection, ensuring that you only ever have to buy a single filter. Many other brands only give warranties for 1 or 2 years, making this a significant improvement over their competitors.

Notable Features

Like Spectre, K&N also stands apart from competitors, making them a reliable and dependable brand for intake systems.

• Boost gasses and engine vibration. It increases your horsepower while also saving on fuel.
• High-quality tube. Made from aluminium, the black tube is durable and reliable.
• Washable and reusable air filter. The ability to reuse it makes it a smart investment choice.
• Goes the distance. It can go up to 100,000 miles before it needs serviced.
• Easy to install. Even better, it’s also easy to maintain.
• NASCAR’s official air filter. It’s trusted on the racecourse but is made for your car.

Pros

• K&N’s package is made of high-density polyethene. 
• It employs an innovative mandrel bending technology.
• The filter can be washed and will last 100,000 miles. 
• A low-restrictive and custom-made tubing system.

The high density polyethylene helps to keep the tube hotter and internal air cooler so heat is not transferred as tubes. This uniform inner shape in their metal tubes causes air to flow through the tube unregulated, offering an advantage over lower intakes.

The reusable filter is innovative and built to last. Factory mounting holes can be conveniently drilled and used with the optimal installation. Each kit includes detailed step-by-step instructions which make installation easier, as well.

Finally, it’s low-restrictive tubing system improves air capacity — up to 50 per cent more airflow than a conventional paper-air filter stock system. More airflow through the throttle is more drivetrain control, a win-win for most people.

Cons

• K&N intakes are costlier when compared to its competitors
• Installation suits several different vehicles and can lead to compatibility problems. 

Sometimes K&N intakes are almost double the price than its competitors. If you are on a tight budget, it can be hard to recommend K&N intakes.

Unfortunately, they can also admittedly be very loud. The airflow sensor connects to the farm, but it requires one optimized to be very accurate for cold air intakes.

K&N Products

Like Spectre, K&N also make several reliable and trustworthy products to suit a variety of needs.

K&N Air Intake Kit 69-2544TP

The K&N 69-2544TP Kit is recommended for vehicles like Dodge or Chrysler. This intake kit consists of all the features of a cold air intake system, and the 69-2544tp will boost horsepower up to 50%, which is definitely a great option.

Chryslers and Dodges with a 3.6L V6 engine blend in well with this intake kit. The air filter doesn’t take a long time to clean and improves overall engine output. Its ten-year warranty is another significant advantage to it, as well.

K&N 71-3070 Blackhawk Induction Air Intake System

This K&N 71-3070 Blackhawk Induction air intake system is even less obstructive than plant ones, so you’ll enjoy having additional ventilation, equal to about 12 more hours. The intake is sleek and comes with a small promise of one million miles.

The tube and case of the aluminum bent mandrel have been designed to maximize ventilation and fill a limited volume. The air filter can last over 100,000 miles and is washable. The factory mounting hole is easy to build and blend in perfectly.

It is suitable with several different vehicles, but it can lead to compatibility problems during implementation. It can be overly loud, and it connects to the mass airflow sensor of factories but needs one that is very reliable for cold air intakes.

K&N 77-2581KP Intake Kit

The K&N 77-2581KP will be a perfect choice both in terms of consistency and expense. This package provides everything you need to maximize the strength of an engine. The product is acceptable for all the 2011-2014 iterations of the Ford F150. The maker has checked it dyno, so you do not have to change it manually. 

The package increases the torque and strength of a car, making it worth updating. 77-2581kp provides impeccable motor debris safety, and it also gives an offensive tone to the Ford F150 engine. Overall, this is a reliable intake solution for your vehicle.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Final Verdict: Spectre vs K&N Instakes

These two brands have a lot to talk about. However, we tried to provide a concentrated summary of information that is simple to read. When filters are involved, K&N and Spectre are solid brands. That said, no, there is no justification for such a large price difference.

Ultimately, our conclusion is that you can and should ideally save money on air filters and can comfortably choose the least costly version. Even if the more expensive alternative improves more, you still can buy Spectre with confidence. Not only will you save money, but you also won’t be missing out on much, either.

Further Reading on Performance Parts:

• Best Cold Air Intake Systems Guide