BHAF

Big Honkin' Air Filter

There are several different kits and filters available for assisting Cummins Turbo Diesels to breathe more efficiently. The following are some of my personal findings when considering and using B.H.A.F’s.

Firstly, there are filters on the market that are washable and re-useable. These filters also claim to prolong the life of the filter and save money. I have found this claim to be invalid. When a filter is washed it puts unneeded wear on the media and eventually creates holes in it. These holes in turn allow the passage of dirt. Another issue of washable filters is they need re-oiled once washed. Most people over oil the filters, which causes the turbo to suck oil onto the compressor wheel. Once the turbo wheel gets dirty it can cause damage to the turbo.

There are several good qualities when considering a B.H.A.F. or similar filter. The first quality is it is a completely sealed unit. Being completely sealed there is no way for dirt to pass through the filter into the engine. The second quality of a B.H.A.F. is it is roughly 3x bigger than a stock panel filter. Being bigger allows more air to enter the engine unrestricted. The third quality of a B.H.A.F. is the media used in it is a dry paper element. Dirt will not stick to this type media, thus almost eliminating the potential of premature plugging.

An accessory to consider with using a B.H.A.F. is the Outerwear for it. The outerwear is and works as a pre-filter for the B.H.A.F. It will protect the filter from heavy dust and water, as well as prolongs the life of it. The outerwear is also washable.

I have been very happy with my B.H.A.F as I now have 109K miles and 5 years on it, and it is just now starting to show dirt.

Listed below are the different part numbers used for a B.H.A.F’s:

Fleetguard
NAPA
WIX
Donaldson
Baldwin
Hastings
Afe

AH19037
2790
42790
B105006
PA2820
AF1012
20-40044

Carquest
John Deere
Big A
Caterpiller
Fleetrite
Luber-Finer
Fram
UNI

87790
PMAH19037
93790
3I0005
AHR819037
LAF2531
CA6818
908

How to test the filter minder

Update May 25, 2008 - Alternate BHAF Number

This is copied from smokey burnoutsat
http://www.cumminsforum.com/forum/98-5-02-performance-parts-discussion/65116-bhaf.html#post643174

Well this is just info for all who might be interested:

NAPA BHAF number is: 2790, which most of us know and is priced at about $70-75
But i got a NAPA 6637 which is a very large filter for only $54...might save some folks some cash...and it fits on the factory hose!!!

Mopar1973man...6637 is another you can add to you list of filters

Update April 25 2009 - Cheap Source for BHAF

I found a good source for BHAF at VulcanPerformance.Com. Here is the links for both the BHAF and Outwears.

BHAF - http://www.vulcanperformance.com/product-p/bhaf.htm
Outerwears - http://www.vulcanperformance.com/Outerwears-Prefilter-for-the-Big-Honkin-Air-Filte-p/1085.htm

Also I got a copy of the heat shield designs. Just download and print it out.

BHAF Heat Shield Designs - Download Link

Additional Pictures