Every internal combustion engine needs to breathe freely to perform at its best. A high-performance air filter is one of the most effective and straightforward upgrades you can make to improve throttle response and efficiency. aFe Power has built a reputation on engineering advanced filtration systems that deliver measurable gains in horsepower and torque.
This roundup focuses on the best aFe Power air filters and the essential maintenance kits to keep them performing like new. Whether you drive a daily commuter, a weekend cruiser, or a heavy-duty truck, the right filter can make a noticeable difference. We have compiled a selection of their top products to help you make an informed decision for your vehicle.
The Best aFe Power Air Filters for Your Vehicle
- aFe Power Air Filter Cleaner: 32oz Spray Bottle
- aFe Power MagnumFLOW 90-50001 Air Filter Restore Kit
- aFe Power CHM Restore Kit, Squeeze Single Blue
- aFe Power 21-91064 MagnumFLOW Intake PRO Dry S Air Filter
- aFe POWER Magnum FORCE Intake Replacement Air Filter
- NOCO GENIUS1: 1A 6V/12V Smart Battery Charger
- aFe Power 31-10263 Magnum FLOW Pro Dry S Air Filter
- aFe Power 31-10262 Magnum FLOW Pro Dry S Air Filter
aFe Power Air Filter Cleaner: 32oz Spray Bottle
Maintaining your air filter is just as important as the initial purchase. This 32oz spray bottle of cleaner is specifically formulated for aFe POWER Pro Dry S air filters. It is designed to break down and remove embedded dirt and dust without causing any harm to the delicate filter media, ensuring its longevity and consistent performance.
Regular cleaning is a key part of owning a reusable performance filter. aFe Power recommends using this cleaner every 20,000 to 30,000 miles to restore your filter’s airflow and filtration efficiency. This cost-effective solution helps you get the most out of your investment, keeping your engine running smoothly for miles to come.
aFe Power MagnumFLOW 90-50001 Air Filter Restore Kit
For those using aFe’s oiled filters, the MagnumFLOW Restore Kit is an essential maintenance item. This kit includes a highly refined aerosol oil that is crucial for recharging your filter’s media. The oil is what allows the filter to effectively capture small particles of dust and debris that could otherwise enter your engine.
Properly oiling your filter after cleaning is vital for maintaining its protective qualities. This single, blue aerosol can makes the re-oiling process straightforward and mess-free. By using the manufacturer’s recommended oil, you ensure optimal filtration and airflow, protecting your engine’s internals and maintaining performance gains.
aFe Power CHM Restore Kit, Squeeze Single Blue
The aFe Power CHM Restore Kit offers an alternative method for maintaining your oiled air filters. This kit features a squeeze bottle design, giving you precise control over the application of the specialized cleaning and oiling chemicals. The blue solution is formulated to rejuvenate your filter’s media.
This user-friendly kit is perfect for a hands-on approach to filter maintenance. The squeeze bottle allows you to distribute the oil evenly across the filter’s surface, ensuring complete coverage for maximum filtration efficiency. It is a simple yet effective way to extend the life of your performance air filter.
aFe Power 21-91064 MagnumFLOW Intake PRO Dry S Air Filter
The MagnumFLOW Pro Dry S filter is a popular choice for drivers seeking a high-performance, low-maintenance option. This filter uses a state-of-the-art, multi-layer synthetic media that does not require oil. Its dry design means there is no risk of oil contaminating your vehicle’s mass airflow sensor, a common concern with some oiled filters.
Featuring an oval tapered shape and a gray color, this filter is engineered to provide excellent airflow while trapping harmful contaminants. The Pro Dry S technology is designed to offer outstanding filtration efficiency, making it a reliable and durable choice for improved engine performance and protection.
aFe POWER Magnum FORCE Intake Replacement Air Filter
This replacement filter is built with aFe’s proven Progressive 5-layer oiled cotton gauze. This design is intended to maximize air flow into your engine, which can contribute to increases in horsepower and torque. The oiled media is exceptionally effective at capturing fine particles.
Constructed with a sturdy 360-degree polyurethane frame, this filter is durable and provides a secure seal. aFe Power recommends this filter for street use and city driving environments, where its combination of high airflow and superior filtration offers a solid balance of performance and engine protection.
NOCO GENIUS1: 1A 6V/12V Smart Battery Charger
While not an air filter, a reliable battery is fundamental to your vehicle’s performance. The NOCO GENIUS1 is a compact yet powerful smart charger and maintainer. It is engineered to work with a wide range of 6-volt and 12-volt batteries, including lead-acid and lithium-ion types found in cars, motorcycles, and marine applications.
This device features precision charging with an integrated thermal sensor that adjusts the charge based on ambient temperature. This prevents overcharging in hot weather and undercharging in cold, which helps to extend your battery’s lifespan. It also functions as a desulfator, helping to recover and maintain battery health.
aFe Power 31-10263 Magnum FLOW Pro Dry S Air Filter
This specific model of the Magnum FLOW Pro Dry S air filter continues the line of high-quality, non-oiled performance filters from aFe Power. As part of the Pro Dry S series, it utilizes the advanced synthetic filter media that provides excellent filtration without the need for messy oils, safeguarding sensitive engine sensors.
Designed as a direct replacement for your stock air filter, this model offers a simple upgrade path to better engine breathing. The dry media is washable and reusable, making it an economical and environmentally friendly choice over the long term. Always confirm that this part number is a direct fit for your specific vehicle make and model.
aFe Power 31-10262 Magnum FLOW Pro Dry S Air Filter
The aFe Power 31-10262 is another variant in the trusted Magnum FLOW Pro Dry S family. It shares the same core technology, featuring the proprietary dry synthetic media that is designed to deliver high airflow and superior engine protection. This makes it a strong candidate for drivers looking for a maintenance-friendly performance filter.
By allowing your engine to breathe more easily, this filter can help improve throttle response and overall efficiency. Its reusable nature means you can clean and reinstall it many times, providing long-term value. Be sure to verify the compatibility of this part number with your vehicle’s intake system before purchasing.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Right aFe Power Air Filter
When I decided to upgrade my vehicle’s air filter, I knew I wanted something that would actually improve performance, not just make more noise. aFe Power is a solid brand in this space, but they have a few different lines, and picking the right one can be a bit confusing. Here’s what I learned from my own research and experience.
First, you need to figure out what type of filter you need. aFe Power makes two main kinds: oiled and dry. The oiled filters, like their Pro Dry S, use a special synthetic oil to trap tiny particles. They are fantastic for maximum airflow and performance, but they do require a bit more care during cleaning and re-oiling. The dry filters, on the other hand, use a treated media that doesn’t need oil. I find these are easier to maintain—you just clean them and they’re good to go—and they are a great choice if you drive in very dusty conditions or just prefer a simpler upkeep routine.
Next, think about the construction. A good filter needs a sturdy frame that won’t collapse under high airflow. I always look for filters with a durable, rubber-rimmed frame. This not only provides a tight seal to prevent dirty air from bypassing the filter but also makes installation much easier. The pleat count is another big deal. More pleats mean more surface area, which directly translates to better airflow and filtration. It’s a simple equation: more surface area equals less restriction and more power.
Finally, consider your driving style and goals. Are you looking for a slight bump in throttle response and fuel economy for your daily driver? Or are you building a performance machine where every last horsepower counts? For a daily driver, one of their more standard drop-in replacement filters is a perfect, cost-effective upgrade. If you’re after more significant gains, their intake systems, which replace the entire airbox, are the way to go. They are designed to maximize airflow and often include a heat shield to pull in cooler, denser air. Matching the filter to your actual needs will ensure you get the performance you want without any unnecessary hassle or expense. This approach helped me find the perfect 8 Best aFe Power Air Filter for Engine Performance for my truck.
FAQ
What is the difference between an oiled and a dry aFe Power filter?
The main difference is in the filtering media and maintenance. Oiled filters use a cotton gauze material that is saturated with a special tacky oil. This oil is what traps the finest dirt and dust particles. They typically offer the highest airflow but require you to clean and re-oil them periodically. Dry filters use a layered, synthetic media that is statically charged to attract and hold particles. They don’t require any oil, so cleaning is just a matter of tapping them out or rinsing them (depending on the model). I prefer dry filters for my daily driver because the maintenance is simpler.
How often do I need to clean and re-oil my aFe Power air filter?
The cleaning interval isn’t set in stone; it depends entirely on your driving environment. aFe Power generally recommends inspecting your filter every 5,000 miles and cleaning it as needed. If you do a lot of off-roading or driving on dusty dirt roads, you might need to clean it every 3,000 miles. For mostly highway driving, you could probably stretch it to 12,000-15,000 miles. You’ll know it’s time when you can no longer easily see light through the filter media. Always follow the specific cleaning instructions that come with your filter.
Will an aFe Power air filter really improve my gas mileage?
It can, but don’t expect a massive change. The improvement in fuel economy is usually a secondary benefit. By reducing restriction in the intake, the engine doesn’t have to work as hard to draw in air. This can lead to a slight increase in miles per gallon, often in the range of 1-2 MPG. However, your driving habits have a much larger impact on fuel economy. The more noticeable benefit for me was the improved throttle response.
Is a cold air intake system better than just a drop-in filter?
A cold air intake system will generally provide a greater performance gain than a drop-in filter alone. A drop-in filter is a great first step—it’s an easy, budget-friendly upgrade that replaces just the paper filter inside your stock airbox. A cold air intake, however, replaces the entire airbox and intake tube. It’s engineered to draw in cooler, denser air from outside the engine bay, and the tubing is designed to smooth out airflow. If you’re looking for one of the 8 Best aFe Power Air Filter for Engine Performance upgrades that makes a more significant difference, a full intake system is the way to go.
Are these filters legal for street use in all states?
This is a very important question, especially for those of us in California. Many aFe Power products, including some of their intake systems, are marked as “50-State Legal” and have an Executive Order (EO) number from the California Air Resources Board (CARB). This means they are legal for use on public roads in all 50 states. However, not all their products have this certification. Always check the product description or packaging for a CARB EO number if you live in a state that follows California’s emissions standards.
Can I install an aFe Power air filter myself?
In most cases, yes, absolutely. Installing a drop-in replacement filter is one of the easiest mods you can do. It usually just involves opening your airbox, taking out the old filter, and dropping the new one in. The installation for a full cold air intake system is more involved but is still very doable for a DIYer with basic hand tools. aFe Power provides clear instructions, and there are often video tutorials online for specific vehicle models. Just take your time and make sure all the connections are tight.