2008 Cayenne 6 Cyl. - Mod recommendations?

[grdlaw]

I recently purchased my 2008 Cayenne about 3 weeks ago. So far, I've changed the air filter to a K&N filter, changed the cabin filter and added a portable GPS Bluetooth unit. I considered getting an in dash Alpine GPS unit installed, but couldn't justify spending $2k to add that. Instead, I'm thinking of upgrading my wheels to 20 inch wheels. Attached is the GPS that I added and the wheels I am planning on getting from WheelTechTuning. Does anyone have any positive or negative experiences with this wheel or company? What other mods do you suggest?

[wrinkledpants]

Honestly - I'd go back to the normal paper filter. The oil on the K&N filters can kill your MAF, and they just don't filter as well as the paper ones (demonstrated by a lot of oil analysis reports from various platforms). You gain almost zero HP with it, and given that you have a 5K+ lb car with a small V6, there isn't much you can do for HP mods that will make a real difference (that you actually feel). PAG and VAG cars don't usually have a flow problem when it comes to air boxes unless you're really going beyond stock HP. Lots of high HP cars from VAG and PAG running the OE airbox and paper filter. It's what I run on my CTT, and even when I get it tuned with a modified exhaust, I'll still run the stock air box and filter. Even if you could gain 5 HP from an air filter, we're talking about going from a power/weight ratio of .05 to .051. The Turbo has a power to weight ratio of .085. You're gaining 2% on your power to weight ratio. For comparison, the difference between a full and empty tank of gas is close to 3%. So, if you want a mod that doesn't add wear to your motor, drive around with less fuel.

My favorite mods are preventative maintenance. But, I think 20" wheels are kind of a sweet spot for wheels on this car. You can mount a 275/45/20 tire on there (stock size is 275/40/20) and that really opens up a lot of tire choices, plus it fills out the fenders nicely, IMO. I do like those wheels, and I have found that most replica wheels are pretty strong. So, I wouldn't worry too much about the manufacturer.

Not much else you can do with a V6 Cayenne. Stay on top of maintenance, and use that mod money for road trips.

[grdlaw]

Thanks for your input wrinkledpants. I guess I should have done more research about the K&N filter. I didn't know that it could kill the mass flow sensor. I'll change it back to the original paper filter that the stealer previously installed. Luckily this is an easy fix thanks to these forums.

[grdlaw]

Honestly - I'd go back to the normal paper filter. The oil on the K&N filters can kill your MAF, and they just don't filter as well as the paper ones (demonstrated by a lot of oil analysis reports from various platforms). You gain almost zero HP with it, and given that you have a 5K+ lb car with a small V6, there isn't much you can do for HP mods that will make a real difference (that you actually feel). PAG and VAG cars don't usually have a flow problem when it comes to air boxes unless you're really going beyond stock HP. Lots of high HP cars from VAG and PAG running the OE airbox and paper filter. It's what I run on my CTT, and even when I get it tuned with a modified exhaust, I'll still run the stock air box and filter. Even if you could gain 5 HP from an air filter, we're talking about going from a power/weight ratio of .05 to .051. The Turbo has a power to weight ratio of .085. You're gaining 2% on your power to weight ratio. For comparison, the difference between a full and empty tank of gas is close to 3%. So, if you want a mod that doesn't add wear to your motor, drive around with less fuel.

My favorite mods are preventative maintenance. But, I think 20" wheels are kind of a sweet spot for wheels on this car. You can mount a 275/45/20 tire on there (stock size is 275/40/20) and that really opens up a lot of tire choices, plus it fills out the fenders nicely, IMO. I do like those wheels, and I have found that most replica wheels are pretty strong. So, I wouldn't worry too much about the manufacturer.

Not much else you can do with a V6 Cayenne. Stay on top of maintenance, and use that mod money for road trips.

I took your advice and put back the original air filter. I don't want to take any chances.