Wanted to change my air filter tomorrow as I have not done so yet since purchasing the H3 and it has been about 24K. What brand do you guys recommend? I would prefer whatever GM puts in from factory but I am not sure what they really use, anyone does ? I know many people here use K&N but I really don't like them as it has been shown that they let in a lot more dirt into the engine then paper filters.
Also do you guys think you need to change the air filter every 15K, I know GM says you do but many manuals say otherwise in the up of 50K.

 

It would help to know what year your truck is? I think I recall that you have an 06.

I would recommend a K&N. The air filter study post here was from a magazine source, and you you really need to understand the data they were presenting. The 06/07 H3 has a canister filter, which is different than the cone size and shape of that test. If you look at other sources of data, K&N fairs better. Additionally, the microns of dirt they were measuring was a rediculous amount of dust that most of us will never encounter while driving?

Having said all that, I am not claiming K&Ns are the best filter, but definitely a good one.

Here are the other optios for the 06/07 also worthy of a close look:

2006-2007 Performance Air Filters:
Brand ... ... Mfg Part # ... Appx. Retail
K&N: ... ... E-0773 ... $48.00
Green: ... ... 2499 ... $63.00
Fram Air Hog: ... PRA9778 ... $45.00
Airaid ... ... 800-142 ... $50.00
True Flow (foam) ... 10297 ... $33.00
AFE ... ... 1010096 ... $47.00
S&B Filters ... W-0773 ... $36.00

For the 08/09s, including Alphas, your only real choice right now is the
K&N #33-2408

Clean them about every third oil change or so and you are good to go.

 

Hey Doc,
You have a good memory bud I indeed have an 06. I do not believe I read anything about air filters here about testing as you stated. I researched online articles more so and pretty much in all I found people concluded that regualar paper filters clean air better. Also I believe if these filters were as good as they state and saved on milage, more hp, etc, the manufacturers would be using them, especially on luxury/exotic vehicles. They all suggest using the paper filters.
I for one owned a Probe GT Turbo back in the day which I did use a K/N filter and the car had about 100K on it when the engine fell apart. Now I can't really prove it had anything to do with the filter but its just another reason why I will not put them in my car. From what I read in extended user K&N's filters allow more engine damage.

 

Guys, I am buying an air filter and I noticed that one a few websites many of the filters for our H3 are cylindrical shaped. However, a few of the more standard, replacement filters show regular rectangular filters ? are these just pictures or what ? I dont see how I could fit both types in there...... but then again I didnt really look under the hood yet.

 

You want the cylinder type.

 

the cylinder ones i think u have to take out the air box and it will let more air
and the rectangular ones are just replacement

 

get K&N

 

I've got an 04 Z/24 (2.2 Ecotec), and I put a K&N cone filter on after I had about 15000 on it, I now have 178000 and it still runs great, I work that engine pretty good and I've had no problems, that filter gave me an extra 2MPG.

I haven't converted my Alpha yet but everything else I own has a K&N, even my 1942 9N tractor.

 

i have a true flow intake and use a k&n filter and think its great and have never had any issues.

 

I have a K&N in my H3 and have always put in K&N in my vehicles. I have never had any engine problems.