The Cessna 120-140 Association Forum

What's the consensus on 120/140 air filters? There's Bracket, Donaldson and Challenger. Each seems to have their own attributes. I'm more interested in performance since I fly at a 5K airport with a C-85. I need every pony I can find. I'm running a Bracket now.

Brackett has worked fine for me...many years, 'though I've been told that they are a bit more restrictive than they "need" to be? Having elements on hand and replacing at inspection time sure is easy/simple/inexpensive (and, other than an AD on the early Brackett bracket...trouble free). It is important to follow their instructions on "blotting" the oil that's in the new elements. That said, I've always flown out of low country (-1500 ft.) runways and never "felt" the need to tweak the air filter for power. Maybe some of the other brand users will share experience. Mac

I doubt you'll find a measurable performance difference between them, but I'm sure my post will spark a vigorous discussion...

6643 wrote: ↑Tue May 14, 2019 11:10 am I doubt you'll find a measurable performance difference between them, but I'm sure my post will spark a vigorous discussion...

I'll race my dyno against yours!

that being said, I'm sure the paper filters are less restrictive, and I'm sure it would net you better engine breathing, will you notice a difference??,

You can be our product "tester!"

I really need to get more performance up here, and it's even hot yet... I'm running a McCauley 1B90CM on a metal wing 120, 1023 lb's empty. Yeah, install an IO-540... I've read some guys get a bit extra with a different air filter than the Bracket. But talk is cheap.

I have tried a K/N type filter on an airplane with a manifold pressure guage and EDM800 never noticed any difference in Manifold pressure or horsepower readout on EDM800. Your results may be different.

4390 wrote: ↑Tue May 14, 2019 12:52 pm I'm running a McCauley 1B90CM

What pitch? You'll get more of a takeoff performance increase from a climb prop than any change of air filter. Or, you can go to an O-200, or an O-200 crankshaft in a C85...

6643 wrote: ↑Tue May 14, 2019 7:59 pm

4390 wrote: ↑Tue May 14, 2019 12:52 pm I'm running a McCauley 1B90CM

What pitch? You'll get more of a takeoff performance increase from a climb prop than any change of air filter. Or, you can go to an O-200, or an O-200 crankshaft in a C85...

I'll have to find the stamp on the prop, the log does not say.

6643 wrote: ↑Tue May 14, 2019 11:10 am I doubt you'll find a measurable performance difference between them, but I'm sure my post will spark a vigorous discussion...

Measurable performance???? Maybe not but, years ago I was a proud owner of a Bracket air filter. I did notice a “seat of the pants” drop in climb out power and a measured drop in fuel economy. One other drawback I also noticed was the fact that the Bracket filter collected dirt without even going anywhere. I guess the oil acted as a magnet for the dust that was blown around. I went to a Donaldson and was happier.
Sorry, no technical test or data, just my 2-cents worth.
Steve

6643 wrote: ↑Tue May 14, 2019 7:59 pm

4390 wrote: ↑Tue May 14, 2019 12:52 pm I'm running a McCauley 1B90CM

What pitch? You'll get more of a takeoff performance increase from a climb prop than any change of air filter. Or, you can go to an O-200, or an O-200 crankshaft in a C85...

The prop is stamped 7144