i've aways been nervous about fwi on cars and haven't put one in mine, where I work we have replaced 2 engines because of them (on one vehicle within 2 months, the guy wouldn't get rid of the intake) we have severe flooding here every spring and fall, i'm just not gonna take any chances, i still owe 6,500 on the car

I would not be concerned about the motor sucking in water, heck I have seen several trucks/jeeps suck in massive amounts of water while mudding and still be ok. however around here they use salt and that red chemical stuff on the roads causing big slush puddles. I dont want salt and such getting on the filter. The 92-99'* are not as isolated in regards to stuff getting on the filter. However if you make something similar to the 00+ to block debris like willwren was saying you should be in the clear.

Casey...I got my fwi in Dec last year and ran it until..... hang in. I'm still running it. I've driven my car nearly every single day. Snow, rain...name it. the fwi is fine.

Pete... sorry in advance buddy But you'd paint your filter and vacuum pack it away forever if you could... j/k with you bud.

I also have no worries on my FWI. When I installed it there was just a little dust in the fender well. Not even a hint of moisture being in the space.

BTW this is a very informative topic that is really revelant going into winter.

I run mine all the time the bottom 2 inches of whch stick out the bottom of the bumper. Never had an isssue.

I run mine year round with no probs

If you're that concerned, spend a couple hours making a shield for it. Not too hard at all and you'll feel better .

I used a small/medium rectangular plastic trash can, used a couple of the sides and chopped the rest of it off to box out an area for the filter.

K&N also makes a prefilter which is a weather resistant mesh netting that goes around the filter, helps keep bugs, small rocks, etc.. out of the pleats while also being water resistant (spray, splashes etc...)