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View Full Version : Dry Flow Air Filter for PRM Intake? Help!


Kaptain Sloth
02-22-2011, 01:57 PM
I've been running my PRM intake for about a year and a half (loving it btw), but have decided I'd like to switch to a dry flow air filter for the sanity of my CEL ... apparently I have no concept as to how to NOT overoil an air filter. I've thrown 3 CEL's since Christmas and it's getting to be a pain to keep getting it "fixed" every 2,500 kms.

So, my questions are:

1. Does anyone know where I might go about getting a dry flow air filter that would fit a PRM intake? I know AEM makes a dry flow filter (in fact, they're the only ones I seem to be able to find if I do a search online for it). However I want to make sure it fits my intake

That leads to me second question of...

2. Any idea how to check and make sure the filter fits and is compatible with my intake?

I know there are others on here with a PRM intake, so any first hand experience would be great as well!

Thanks!
n00bMeiSter
02-22-2011, 02:08 PM
If I'm not mistaken, all you should need to know is the diameter of the tube you are attaching it to and a hose clamp.
Egierda
02-22-2011, 02:18 PM
If I'm not mistaken, all you should need to know is the diameter of the tube you are attaching it to and a hose clamp.
^^^ This.
Iceman_F1
02-22-2011, 02:19 PM
If I'm not mistaken, all you should need to know is the diameter of the tube you are attaching it to and a hose clamp.

If I recall, the PRM is kinda specialized. It's reversed what most intakes are like for the 3. Instead of the filter being outside to the elements, it's inside the housing and screwed in.

Red dots = mini-screws to keep the filter in place.
http://sdamv.com/Misc/PRM.png

Not only does it screw in like that but the black part around the filter is actually part of the filter too.

So not only do you need to find a filter to fit in there, you need to find one of the same size and that works in reverse. I was looking at one point (not very hard) but never found anything. I believe it's a customized size or something not easily found in a regular filter let alone as a dry filter...
n00bMeiSter
02-22-2011, 02:43 PM
^ From all the pictures I found when I googled it, it looked as though that whole piece comes off (the housing with the filter) and is attached to the rest of the intake tube the same as any other intake; via silicone hose and hose clamps.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3386/3265054243_65a0cb8e1f.jpg
http://www.prmracing.com/images/intakes/mazda3.jpg
Iceman_F1
02-22-2011, 02:49 PM
^ From all the pictures I found when I googled it, it looked as though that whole piece comes off (the housing with the filter) and is attached to the rest of the intake tube the same as any other intake; via silicone hose and hose clamps.


http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3386/3265054243_65a0cb8e1f.jpg
http://www.prmracing.com/images/intakes/mazda3.jpg

That's true, if you ignore the part with the filter in it and just attach a new filter to that pipe, I guess that could work. The only thing I'd worry about is any engine/MAF issues by doing that as I'm not sure if anyone has tested that configuration. Add to the fact there is an air straightener behind the filter that you'd be taking out of the question. If you were going to do a hack job on it, why spend the money on it when you could have gotten a cheaper one to do a hack job on?

All I can say is I've taken the filter out of the housing to make it easier to clean/apply the oil (though it still wasn't that easy due to the shape/style) so I remember what's inside and how it was put together.
n00bMeiSter
02-22-2011, 03:02 PM
That's true, if you ignore the part with the filter in it and just attach a new filter to that pipe, I guess that could work. The only thing I'd worry about is any engine/MAF issues by doing that as I'm not sure if anyone has tested that configuration. Add to the fact there is an air straightener behind the filter that you'd be taking out of the question. If you were going to do a hack job on it, why spend the money on it when you could have gotten a cheaper one to do a hack job on?

All I can say is I've taken the filter out of the housing to make it easier to clean/apply the oil (though it still wasn't that easy due to the shape/style) so I remember what's inside and how it was put together.

I didn't say it would be proper. That looks to be about the only way you could use a DryFlow with the PRM.
Maybe contact PRM and ask if they make a DryFlow that can be used with their intake?
Kaptain Sloth
02-22-2011, 03:30 PM
I didn't say it would be proper. That looks to be about the only way you could use a DryFlow with the PRM.
Maybe contact PRM and ask if they make a DryFlow that can be used with their intake?

Ya, based on what you guys have been saying it sounds like it is a lot more involved than simply swapping the filter out for a dry flow. I'll flip PRM a note tonight and see what they say.

Just as an aside/peace of mind - should I be SUPER concerned about running my car with the CEL light on? I know for a fact it is due to the oil on my maf sensor, and my local shop told me that it isn't doing any harm (just fudging up my sensor), however I'm super nervous driving with a CEL on. Thanks again.
n00bMeiSter
02-22-2011, 03:48 PM
It should be fine. It just means that the sensor is dirty, and as such, it thinks there's not as much air getting in (even though there is).
Unless the reading from that sensor tells the computer to change the air-fuel mixture?
Kaptain Sloth
02-23-2011, 12:00 PM
So I spoke with PRM, and they don't make a dry flow for their intakes. In fact, they recommend against using them period with the PRM intake for whatever reason. That said, my CEL went out last night as well (odd). I think what I might do instead is just buy a back-up filter from PRM so that I can ensure that I'm able to take the time I need to clean it, oil it, soak off any excess oil with a rag etc.
ST3ALTH
02-23-2011, 12:03 PM
I run an AEM dry flow on my PRM intake and have never had a CEL.
n00bMeiSter
02-23-2011, 12:48 PM
So I spoke with PRM, and they don't make a dry flow for their intakes. In fact, they recommend against using them period with the PRM intake for whatever reason. That said, my CEL went out last night as well (odd). I think what I might do instead is just buy a back-up filter from PRM so that I can ensure that I'm able to take the time I need to clean it, oil it, soak off any excess oil with a rag etc.

They're mainly saying that so they can make more money off of you. If they scare you into only using their products they make more money.



I run an AEM dry flow on my PRM intake and have never had a CEL.

What did you do / How did you connect it to the intake? Can you post pics?
ST3ALTH
02-23-2011, 01:29 PM
This is the best pic i have of the AEM fry flow filter on the PRM intake.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu220/ST3ALTH_photo/car/DSC01908.jpg
n00bMeiSter
02-23-2011, 02:57 PM
^^ So you just hose clamped the AEM over the intake?

If that's the case, I could help you install if you live in the gta.
Fuyuzora
03-19-2011, 09:27 PM
This is the best pic i have of the AEM fry flow filter on the PRM intake.

http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/uu220/ST3ALTH_photo/car/DSC01908.jpg

Thanks for posting this! I've been pondering between the PRM and Corksport offerings, and while I liked the sound of the PRM better I wasn't sure about having to clean and oil the filter myself...

Did you simply remove the last/filter part of the PRM and clamp on the AEM?

Also, did the sound change appreciably with the AEM filter?

EDIT: Another thought occurred to me - what is the diameter of the piping for the PRM intake? Would a Corksport dry filter fit on it as well?
Noisy Crow
03-19-2011, 11:21 PM
They're mainly saying that so they can make more money off of you. If they scare you into only using their products they make more money.



How did you come to that conclusion? The PRM filters are washable, oiled filters. They never need to be replaced. So once you have bought one for your car you are done buying stuff from them. The fact that they are uncomfortable with supporting untested modifications to their products doesn't make them greedy........
sp3GT
03-21-2011, 01:34 PM
I run the PRM myself on my Si and I've thought about changing the filter as well as creating a heat shield.

So I've been e-mailing Gerry @ PRM quite a bit.
He told me a heat shield is not necessary because the filter is enclosed. So if you change the filter, you're changing his design.


So in PRM's defence, he's not trying to make you spend money on their products, it's just that it's not part of their intake design.