Re: My new Air Filter issue
 

K&N filters are suitable for long life engine operation. A pleated paper filter is sized for twice the air flow requirement of an engine to allow for loading with dirt and other particulate. The only advantage of a K&N is at max engine rpm like in racing.

I demonstrated a K&N filter for a '97 TBird 4.6 liter by holding the filter at eye level and watching a white car passing through the parking lot while peering through the filter medium. This convince other engineers that micron rating of a filter is most important for long life of an engine.

Re: My new Air Filter issue
 

You are better off without any air filter, I believe that they cause more problems than they solve with an updraft carburetor. I've run model A's for over fifty years without a filter and have had no related problems.

Re: My new Air Filter issue
 

Yes and about 75,000 miles was about the most you could get from one. The concept of a filter was a good one, however, the application stinks. Fortunately, Today's roads and the mod.A s that drive on them not experiencing the same conditions.
Terry