Do-it-yourself air filter of zero resistance. Zero resistance air filter (nulevik), its pros and cons Zero pressure filter

Zero resistance filter is one of the most popular parts for car tuning, including domestic production. This element of car improvement captivates drivers with its availability, ease of installation, and aesthetics of the engine compartment.

The main reason why motorists purchase a zero resistance filter is to improve the driving characteristics of the “iron horse”. Photo: motor.kz

Zero resistance filter functions

The stable operation of the car engine on any fuel is ensured by the supply of a fuel-air mixture to the cylinders in a certain amount. This requires air. Since it is dirty, the air filter performs the function of cleaning from dust, sand and other elements. All modern car engines are equipped with a standard filter, the main task of which is to purify the air. Such a filter is quite effective, but this reduces the power of the motor. The density of the standard filter is quite high. This has a large resistance to the air that enters it and, accordingly, engine power is lost.

An alternative to a conventional air filter is a zero resistance filter. It is installed instead of a standard air filter, and also without a housing. Despite its absence, it completely purifies the air. Due to its open surface, it allows more air flow than a conventional filter.

Installing a zero filter provides an increase in motor power up to 5%.

Made of "nulevik" of organic cotton or synthetic material, which ensures stability in all weather conditions. There are also filters of zero resistance, the surface of which is made of compressed paper. In such filter elements, air is supplied through small holes between the fibers. When they are clogged, air unsuccessfully tries to penetrate through other openings. Accordingly, there is an excessive load on the filter and the engine, the power of which is significantly reduced. Therefore, the paper in the filters should be thick and sufficiently compressed.

The zero resistance filter does not carry destructive functions to the overall system of the internal combustion engine. Its work does not interfere with the full flow of air into the engine, so it runs smoothly.

Types of zero resistance filters

There are two main types of null filters:

1. Conical. Versatility allows you to place them in the engine compartment without a protective case;
2. Panel. Designed for installation in a standard air filter housing.

Efficiency, technical characteristics of these types are approximately the same. However, cone-shaped ones are more popular, which give the engine compartment a sporty look.

Advantages of a zero filter

• Power increase. The design of this filter element allows a large amount of air to enter, which improves fuel combustion;
• Torque increase;
• Changing the sound of the engine. The motor will receive a sound characteristic of sports cars;
• Transformation of the appearance of the engine compartment into a more sporty one.

Cons of Nuleviks

• The efficiency of power increase is noticeable on engines with a volume of 3000 cm3 and more;
• The zero resistance filter has practically no effect on the increase in power on domestic cars;
• Constantly maintained in excellent condition. Zero resistance filter requires careful maintenance;
• Air purification from dust, dirt and impurities is not of sufficient quality. This can lead to clogging of the engine cylinders and call into question its stable operation in the future.

Installing a zero resistance filter (For example, VAZ-2110-12)

A different form factor has almost no effect on the characteristics of the filters. Photo: d-a.d-cd.net

1. Using a screwdriver, disconnect the rubber tube that comes from the air flow sensor;
2. Dismantling the sensor mount located on the standard air filter housing;
3. Negative wires are disconnected from the cylinder head;
4. Mounting to the engine housing of the mounting bracket;
5. Installing the air sensor mounting bolts on the mounting bracket;
6. Mounting the air sensor and connecting the zero resistance filter.

When installing, it is important to take into account the fact that the zero resistance filter should not be installed near the radiator and exhaust manifold. This will contribute to a decrease in the effectiveness of the "nulevik". In addition, it will not be superfluous to install a protective cover on the filter. This will prevent engine oil and other debris from getting on it, and will also increase its service life.

Caring for "zero"

The zero resistance filter needs regular cleaning. To carry it out, it must be removed and, using a brush, carefully clean the entire surface. After that, a cleanser (oil) is applied to the “nulevik”, which should be kept on it for at least ten minutes (until completely absorbed). After the performed procedures, the filter is thoroughly washed.

It should not be forced to dry with a hair dryer or other means - this can lead to deformation of the zero filter.

After the filter of zero resistance is completely dry, you can install it.

Cleaning of this filter element should be carried out after every 10,000 km of vehicle run. If the vehicle is used in adverse conditions (mileage on unpaved, country roads, sandy, rural areas), then the filter is washed every 5000 km of run.

Maintaining the zero filter in proper condition ensures its stable operation and longevity. The resource of a high-quality filter can be exhausted only after the 20th wash.

Filter prices

The cost of eminent models of zero-resistance filters can range from 3,000 to 15,000 rubles. Cheaper options, respectively, of lower quality will cost from 1500 to 2500 rubles. For comparison, the price of a standard air filter is no more than 1,500 rubles. Its analogues - from 200 rubles.

From this video you will learn about the opinion of some motorists about the effectiveness of nulls:

Outcome

Having studied the advantages and disadvantages of a zero filter, we can conclude that the installation of this part on the engine will depend solely on the decision of the owner of a particular car. The installation of a zero filter must be approached very responsibly. When choosing one or another type of “nulevik” engine, you need to consult with highly qualified auto mechanics. In addition, after installation, the filter requires reverent care. Despite the quality of the zero filter and quality service, there is a high risk of dirt, dust and sand entering the engine through it. This can lead to a major overhaul of the motor. It is also important to remember that installing a zero resistance filter and its operation will be effective only with a strong, powerful, possibly modified engine. The installation of this part on domestic-made cars, in particular VAZ, does not affect the increase in the power of its power unit.

Every car owner wants to modify his car so that it is perfect in everything. But the ideal car should be not only externally, but also internally. The engine also needs some work. If you tune the motor, then it is impossible here without a zero resistance filter.

You can’t do without installing such a device, since the new injection, the reworked intake and exhaust system significantly raise the power performance of the power plant, which requires more air for the most smooth operation.

If in such a situation you do not install a filter of zero resistance, then the motor will simply “suffocate”. He will spend and twitch, as the mixture will not be enriched at all. In addition, such filters can be bought at any auto parts store. The so-called "nulevik" very easily replaces the standard one. Mounts are interchangeable. It should also be noted the aesthetic side of the new filter. It will give the engine a sporty look.

Why install a zero resistance filter?

It is important to understand the essence of the question: is it possible to use the nulevik on a regular car, and, if so, which one to choose? In order to fully and with understanding deal with this issue, you need to understand how the zero resistance filter works.

As everyone knows, any air filter must filter the incoming air from unwanted environmental influences, as this air mixes with the fuel to achieve a rich mixture. It was not in vain that the designers came up with the idea of ​​installing air purification tools on motors, as they reduce the wear rate of parts and assemblies of the power plant. In particular, the piston group is protected. If you remove the filter, then microparticles that have abrasive abilities, coming with air, wear out the engine parts in a very short period of time.

But you need to consider the other side of air filters: they are very dense, so it is difficult not only for particles, but also for air to pass through such material. Because of this, the motor loses its power. He cannot give out full-fledged horsepower, as he simply "suffocates". And, in addition, the more resistance the air receives, the less power will be output. Very often, such a phenomenon can be observed in the summer, when the air filter becomes clogged with all sorts of impurities and dust, interfering with the passage of air. But, after dismantling the old one and installing a new filter, something seems to be moving into the engine. Power increases, dips disappear.

In order to minimize the resistance to the incoming air, and to allow the motor to work on all the horsepower, they came up with such special means to purify the air.

Nulevik is specially designed in such a way that the motor can consume as much air as possible. Race car air filters increase engine power by several horsepower.

The main advantages that tuning lovers highlight

Many are wondering, but not everyone knows what the nulevik will do with a conventional motor.

• The power plant capacity increases up to 10%. This is despite the fact that the filter is still there, and the particles will not enter the cylinders along with the combustible mixture.
• Nulevik does not require frequent replacement, unlike a conventional filter.

Such an air purifier, as it gets dirty, is simply washed with a special aerosol. After processing, the unit can be reused. You can install a modern filter in a regular place, depending on the shape, but you can simply put it on and clamp it with a clamp on the air supply line.

How to properly care for the filter?

In order to serve the nulevik, it must be dismantled from the car. Then it is cleaned with a special brush. The cleaning has passed, now a special filter cleaning agent is applied to the entire filter. Now you should wait 10 minutes until the product soaks the filter. Further, after this time, the filter is washed in some container with water. And then you need to rinse the element under running water.

After the filter has been cleaned, it is not necessary to dry it at all. The surest will be to simply remove the remaining water with ordinary shaking. There are cases when the product did not soak the filter well, and light spots appeared on it. In this case, the tool will have to be used again. After completing the entire procedure for cleaning the zero resistance filter, it can be mounted back. According to the factory data, zeros are designed for 20 washes. Further flushing is useless, and replacement is indispensable.

Important information should be noted: zero-resistance filters perform well on power plants with large volumes. Weak and small engines will not notice the increase in horsepower from such a device.

People's opinions that if the air filter is completely dismantled, then the engine will become much more powerful, completely mythical. In reality, nothing like this happens. When the designers invented the engine, they calculated all the valve timing, taking into account the resistance of the air filter. So, in addition to the fact that the motor will become unusable very quickly, due to the ingress of a large number of "extra" particles into it, removing the power filter will not add.

It is up to the owner to decide whether to use a standard accessory, or try to tune your car.

Video

An air filter of zero resistance, installed instead of a regular filter, is able to increase the power of the vehicle. It does not require any major modifications to the motor.

Zero resistance air filter - why is it needed?

The main task that is set before a conventional air filter is to effectively clean the air that enters the cylinder-piston mechanism of an automobile motor. The purified stream does not carry with it the smallest dust, which means it is not polluted. The need for such an element in the design of the vehicle, given this, of course, is not disputed.

But the problem is that engine power is reduced when using an air filter mounted on a car at the factory.

This knot is usually made of very thick paper that "resists" the airflow. Because of this, there is a loss of power of the "heart" of the machine, which will be the greater, the higher the resistance. And over time, the filter also begins to clog, which leads to a further decrease in engine power.

With the described problem, the zero-air filter, which has a well-thought-out design, can easily cope. It provides the ability to reduce the level of resistance to airflow at the inlet. At the same time, what is important, the filtering potential of such a product is not reduced. It is clear that fans of fast driving do not deny themselves the pleasure of adding a few extra horsepower to the engine of their car.

What gives a zero air filter - the real advantages and disadvantages of its installation

The benefits that motorists get by installing a zero-resistance air filter:

• effective wear protection of the piston system;
• protection against blockages of the intake system;
• increase at low and medium speeds;
• no need to regularly replace the standard filter element, which, according to the recommendations of automakers, should be changed every 15,000 kilometers of the vehicle;
• restoration of the initial characteristics of the zero air filter after its washing and treatment with a special solution;
• ease of installation (the standard air filter is dismantled together with the insert part, and a new one, suitable in size to the landing zone, is placed on the air flow indicator pipe or directly on the indicator).

At the same time, the real increase in car power when installing the "zero" is, as a rule, about 5 horsepower. It is clear that the driver is unlikely to be able to feel such a difference. In addition, the zero filter requires careful personal care.

How to care for the air filter-zero?

Every 10,000 kilometers it must be washed using a conventional soapy composition, and then impregnated with a special agent, which is necessary in order for the filter to attract dust to itself with high quality. Maintenance of the "zero" is performed as follows:

The topic of this test is low-resistance filters, or, as they are also called by the people, “zeros”. As well as installing a zero resistance filter on a VAZ and expert reviews.

They have long ceased to be a curiosity. Now you can find air filters of zero resistance both installed under the hoods of the "collective farm" VAZ 2107, VAZ 2109 or VAZ 2110, and in the bowels of the engine compartments of serious cars, the refinement of which is carried out with the involvement of competent specialists and, of course, tens and tens of not at all " conditional "presidents of the Franklins. But despite such a massive use, the question is" which filter will have "zero" less? open so far. Therefore, we set ourselves the task of determining how much additional kW of power and N.m of torque the “nuleviks” (zero resistance filters on VAZ) can add to the standard characteristics. In order not to become attached to a specific brand of car and not waste time testing samples of the "work of an unknown master", we settled on five universal models from manufacturers that have been on the market for a long time. We will turn to the test results a little later, and now we will touch on the design features of low-resistance filters.

WHAT DOES "NOTHING"

The vast majority of manufacturers come to the "empty space" in two ways. Some use high-quality surgical gauze as a filter element, others use porous (foamed) polyurethane. The first gauze filters appeared almost 40 years ago in the USA, since then the concept of their production has not changed much. Porous polyurethane began to be used a little later, about 30 years ago. It is believed that this material is not so demanding in maintenance and is more durable. However, in the end it all depends on the operating conditions. There is also a third option, also positioned as gauze, but in fact it is a kind of artificial material, very much like a pressed synthetic winterizer. To distinguish it from the "medical tissue" is quite simple, it does not have a pronounced mesh structure inherent in a noble canvas. The real service life of such products is short, and the quality of filtration ... But we will talk about the quality of filtration in the next issues. Here we will only touch on the impregnation procedure.

IMPREGNATION

Only gauze or polyurethane will not cope with dust. Despite the fact that high-quality products have a complex multilayer structure, it is not possible to provide an acceptable dropout level by this method. To achieve the goal by increasing the layers means to increase the resistance at the inlet, which contradicts the very idea of ​​\u200b\u200bthe "zero". Therefore, to increase the filtering ability, the materials are impregnated with special oil. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that it is quite thick, sticky, and has good penetrating power. Adhesive properties contribute to the fact that dust particles, falling into a kind of "web" of the fibers of the material, stick and are deposited on them. By the way, there is an opinion that zero-resistance filters on the VAZ 2110 (and other cars) disable mass air flow sensors (MAF). According to statistics, film DMRVs, where the sensitive element is a thin silicon-based membrane, die more often. For filament sensors, where a thin platinum filament serves as a sensitive element, the “mortality” is lower, since they are less sensitive to contamination and have a self-cleaning (burning) mode. The price of sensors of both types is quite high, and it is difficult to include them in the category of consumables. Therefore, the reason why they fail worries anyone who one day loses such an expensive part. On this score, motorists and sellers, of course, have different opinions. The former blame the impregnation for everything and stop treating the element with oil after washing, which reduces the filtration efficiency and causes the motor to swallow dust. The latter talk about non-compliance with the impregnation technology and attribute all the troubles to the carelessness of the car owners themselves. Finding the truth in such disputes is akin to finding a black cat in a dark room. And yet, there is a way out. One of the Moscow companies selling such equipment offers its customers maintenance services for purchased filters, when all the necessary procedures are performed by specialists who know the technology very well. In the end, everyone is happy, and first of all, of course, the sensors themselves.

HOW WE TESTED

We have at our disposal a 2.3-liter engine with multiport fuel injection and a power measurement stand. The first measurement was made with a new regular paper filter in a standard housing. We took the values ​​obtained during the first measurement as 100%, to which each test sample “added” what it could.

WILL IT BE LITTLE?

To some, the numbers of one or two percent will seem ridiculous. They are really small, but they are taken in the truest sense of the word from the air, and nowhere else. In addition, it is worth considering that the laboratory engine is the most common, even the firmware of the control unit is factory.

The use of zero resistance filters on modified engines, of course, gives a more tangible effect.

We found it interesting not so much the numbers as some of the features revealed during the processing of the test results.

First: a failure "in the minus" for three out of five filters at a crankshaft speed of 4000 rpm. Moreover, two of the “failed” ones also had a filter element material - gauze, and the third one turned out to be a sample with an element from “pseudo-gauze”.

While polyurethane and did without an unfortunate "fall". True, at 4000 rpm. flew to "zero" and did not give an increase in either power or torque.

Second: fabric filters of a similar design and have the maximum failure. Instead of a solid front cover (as, for example, at), these samples have a small filter cone directed inside the large one, which makes it possible to increase the total area of ​​the filter surface.

Whether this is a coincidence, or the matter is incompatibility of the standard intake system of this engine with specific samples, we cannot answer these questions, guided only by the results of these tests. Which means the next one will be.

The test of zero-resistance filters on the VAZ 2110 (and other cars) was carried out by Ivan MISHIN.

Test of additives that increase engine power

It is far from a secret that the air filter somewhat affects the power of the car's power unit and its efficiency indicator. The more effective its filtering properties, the more it dampens the engine. In this case, a compromise is necessary: ​​the installation of an effective filter element with less resistance. Does such a filter exist?

What is a zero resistance filter for?

There is an opinion that such a filter is a filter with zero resistance. Even despite the good performance of the filter elements of this design, the attitude towards their installation cannot be called unambiguous. Many motorists note the fact that after changing the usual element to a filter with zero resistance, no changes were noticed.

Figure 1. Zero Resistance Cone Air Filter

On one of the sites I came across an article, it is given below, which talks about all the advantages of such filters and claims their usefulness.

What does the use of a zero resistance filter give

The purpose of air filters is to prevent the ingress of various particles into the working area of ​​the cylinder-piston group of the engine.

Greater airflow filtration efficiency inevitably leads to losses in engine power. Standard paper filters manufactured by Bosch, Mann, Champion, Fram, SCT or Hengst are characterized by a significant resistance to airflow due to the fact that the density of the filter material is very high. The stronger the resistance, the greater and more noticeable the loss of power. This is especially evident before the filter replacement period, when it is already quite dirty.

The design of the filter with zero resistance provides the ability to reduce the resistance to inlet flow without compromising the filtering properties and loss of motor power. Zero-resistance filters have become widespread in sports cars where it is important to add a few horsepower to the engine.

At the heart of the “nulevik” filter element is the use of multilayer cotton gauze impregnated with a special oil composition, which is located between pressed aluminum screens.

The standard air filter has the ability to clean the air flow with only one plane. The design of the nuleviks allows for the process of filtering the incoming air with the entire surface, which contributes to the retention of more dust. The impregnation for the zero resistance filter causes the dust particles to settle successively on each layer of cotton fibers.

The resource of standard air filters is very limited and averages about 15 thousand kilometers, after which they must be replaced. Cleaning this filter does not bring the desired effect. But filters with zero resistance have a resource exceeding 100 thousand kilometers.

The economic effect observed after installing a filter with zero resistance:

• the advantage, first of all, is that its installation allows you to save fuel up to 4%, due to the powerful air flow and increased filtration effect;
• there is also an increase in power up to 5%, while maintaining the filtering ability compared to a standard element; a more complex design of the element provides low resistance to air flow and has significant filtering properties, which protects the fuel system from contamination, and the piston group from premature wear.

Many people like the appearance of a unique inductive noise coming from the filter when the engine is running.

The owners of some SUVs quite positively characterize the installation of a “nulevik” on a car. And if we take into account the frequent movement of such cars off-road, then the use of this filter is accompanied by a quick payback.

If you are the owner of a fairly new car that has completed chip tuning and refinement of the exhaust system, then installing a filter with zero resistance will be quite effective.

As for old cars or low-power ones, for example, the classic VAZ model line, the purchase and installation of a filter with zero resistance will in no way affect the increase in power or improvement in efficiency. Such a replacement is not justified and looks like nothing more than a farce of the owner.

It should be noted that the purchase and installation of a low-quality filter will not only not improve the performance of the motor, but can also greatly harm it, since such elements filter even worse than standard filters.

It should be noted that a filter with a conical design is able to add a little more performance to the motor than a filter installed in a regular place.

Figure 2. Air filter of zero resistance in a regular place

Opinion on the inefficiency of nulls

In order not to tire you much with reading, I will not describe the disadvantages of a zero-resistance filter. I think that it will be much more interesting to watch a video test, the conclusion of which is based not on speculation and subjective opinions, but on real measurements taken by a special device. So, let's look.

To believe in the uselessness of the filters we are discussing or not is up to you. However, my opinion is that if such filters were more effective than paper or fluff filters, then car manufacturers would install them regularly, off the assembly line. In general, I am against the installation of filters with zero resistance.

Installing a zero resistance filter on a car

If, after watching the video, you still want to test the effectiveness of zero-resistance filters from your own experience, then proceed as follows. First, dismantle the filter housing itself. Then remove the section with the mass air flow sensor. After that, the filter with zero resistance is attached with clamps to the section with the mass air flow sensor, and the entire structure is attached to the air intake pipe.

The filter must be carefully secured to prevent it from dangling.

Special kits are available for sale, both for mounting the filter on any car, and for installation on a specific model.

How to maintain a zero resistance filter

Filter cleaning, as well as installation, can also be done with your own hands. The filter is dismantled and, using a brush with a soft fluffy coating, gently clean the outer surface of dirt.

Then apply Universal Cleaner to all sides of the filter. After 10 minutes after the complete impregnation of the filter element with the composition, the filter should be washed with water in a container, and then washed again under running water.

Figure 3. Zero resistance filter cleaner

It is not necessary to dry such a filter, it is enough to shake it strongly a small number of times to remove residual water. Drying with heating devices is not recommended, so as not to damage the filter element. If white spots appear on the outer or inner surface of the filter, it can be re-impregnated. After that, the filter is installed in its place.

If you drive a car frequently in very dusty conditions, the oil for the zero resistance filter is reapplied every five thousand km. Under normal operating conditions, impregnation is carried out after 10 thousand kilometers. The filter resource is able to withstand at least 20 washes.