A closer look at our filter media and the construction of our filter shows the attention to detail that produces the best air filter in the industry.  This is the aFe difference that results in increased airflow, more horsepower, increased torque, improved engine protection and longer filter life.

The special oil-treated surgical gauze filters out contaminating particles with less physical obstruction than typical paper elements. The oil is absorbed and wicked through micro fibers of the surgical gauze.  Suspended particles are filtered out of the air stream through static charge attraction with the gauze/oil media.

Smaller and smaller dust particles are captured by the layered oil-impregnated micro fibers as the air carrying them passes from the more open mesh pattern through tighter and tighter layers of woven gauze.  The result is better filtration without loss of airflow.

Not all pleated material are the same.  Competitive products, while attempting to increase surface area, over pack the filter with excess pleats, thus resulting in the unfortunate side effect of choking airflow. With others, the peaks and valleys are pinched tightly into sharp points that also restrict airflow.  Tight pointed pleats constrict the micro fibers at the face of the filters diverting airflow at point of impact.

See the rounded tips like a dolphin's nose.  This rounded design allows the air to flow more efficiently around the tops of the pleats.  Not only that, because it is rounded, the pleats aren't tightly pinched and lets air flow through the tops and bottom of the pleats.  These features allow our filters to breathe better.

The multiple layers of progressively tighter mesh cotton gauze is sandwiched between two layers of epoxy coated aluminum screen. The aluminum wire mesh serves two purposes: first, it removes and prevents large solid particles from entering or damaging filtration media; and second, it provides a lifetime structural skeleton for the filter.

The unique pleats are made utilizing equipment specially designed for aFe to insure that the pleats are consistent from one roll to the next.  No matter how tall the pleats are, the curvature and spacing of the pleats are constantly monitored and maintained.

Poorly designed seals either permit air leakage or distort the filter housing. Many other filters use plastisol or air/foam seals. Over time, heat and chemical attack cause this material to lose its elastic characteristics, which result in seal failure. On the other hand, foam type seals simply cannot pass the test of time. Use of a foaming agent reduces the amount of polyurethane used in the part. Minimal heat exposure tends to turn this material into powder.  The aFe air filter features a superior seal design with a 100% polyurethane material construction.

Plastic/fiberglass air boxes to the naked eye may seem even and smooth.  However, there are often unevenness that can allow air to flow around the filter rather than through the filter.

To insure that all the air flows through the filter media, aFe incorporates a unique progressive bump seal on our flat, round and cone filters.  As the filter is compressed, theses bump seal made of soft pliable polyurethane is squeeze to fill uneven surfaces for an airtight seal.

The pleated air filter media is enclosed in 100% engineering grade polyurethane construction that is soft and pliable to seal properly to the factory air box but strong and durable to withstand high engine temperatures and multiple use cycles.

To insure that the pleats are evenly spaced and retain their unique pleat geometry, the pleats are held in place during the manufacturing with special spacers.

The aFe air filter uses deeper pleats than the competition. Using deeper pleats means more pleated media, resulting in more surface area for air to flow through while reducing its restriction. The aFe air filter is able to achieve this without choking airflow using a precision crafted pleat pitch, allowing smoother airflow into the engine.

The aFe air filter is simply more efficient than competitive products. Multiple discrete layers facilitate depth filtration, which contributes to efficiency and promotes longevity over paper filters, which depend on quick clogging surface filtration. In addition, oil in the media enables the cotton gauze to filter out particles at a higher degree of efficiency without restricting airflow.