TezzaRSZ

Good points on the different types of filters. A re-useable K&N (or TRD & others) type filter should have the longest filter life of the filter types (K&N offer a 1,000,000 Mile warranty), however if they are not maintained they can cause considerable damage. The tacky oil traps the particles in the filter, after time it begins to clog and restricts airflow. At this time the filter should be cleaned and reoiled. If they are not kept oiled particles actually start to go through the filter and cause damage. I have seen gouges from particles in the piping of an air intake due to someone not keeping their K&N oiled!.

To be honest if you are putting in a sports panel filter i think that you would struggle to notice a difference between the decent brands, which would be very minimal even on a dyno. Differencecs would be in price and filter life.

My TRD Airfilter has a mesh covering with 4 layers of cotton gauze - pretty much the same as a K&N. This was in the car when it was imported, but i am pretty sure that you can get these in N.Z. I was not aware of a Paper TRD filter and i wouldn't bother getting one if there was. Can show you a photo of it if you want.

Matt the TRD airfilter is a reusable filter that is washed and reoiled when needed, much the same as a K&N, are you saying that it is not effective once it has done 15,000 even when washed and reoiled? I also have a TRD airfilter and which seems good although it does not give the same noise that a K&N (pod & panel) filter gives. I cannot compare it to the factory filter though as it was installed when the car was purchased.

Yip, It does suck! Your avatar is working now though, how did you suss it out? Gareth

Was this ever sorted out cos i'm having the same problem?

Faircall, the covers may make it look a bit like a skline i suppose (Clear boot lenses on a white car remove this effect to some degree). Comes down to personal preference in the end though, do what YOU think looks better! I would advise you to keep the covers even if you dont like them now incase you change your mind.

I'm probably going to offend some people by saying this, but I was going to get rid of the tail light covers on my Tezza when i bought it but it grew on me, now i actually prefer the covers. Half of the new cars that you can buy now have a ripoff of the altezza style lights as well as every 2nd lancer or civic, just not as unique as they were. Nearly everyone now has what was one of the most distinctive features of the car. Just my 2 cents. Altezzas a definately very nice cars though, people are always checking them out - one person pulled up beside me at ~ 105 kph on the motorway to take a photo of my ride! You wont regret buying one. Gareth

That is strange Driftit, same looking car (neo customised bodykit?) and same annoying noise from the thrust bearing as well. The clutch seems to still work ok apart from a few niggles when its cold. I figure that i spent a lot of money on the car, if i wanted a rattly noisy car i would have kept my Familia, the dealer prob thinks that i am a pratt though. Gareth

My RS is getting a new clutch on this week as the thrust bearing is shot and is making a very annoying scraping noise (like a stone in brakes but worse). I was a little alarmed as it has only done 88,000km, but the dealer is replacing it at his cost. I figure the previous owner must have rode the clutch a bit. I actually like the raspy noise of the standard exhaust! Gareth