filter will only drop wide open throttle performace, do to loss of air flow but will clog even fast and the AFR will be AOK, if ECU and sensors are good. ( This all happens due to the MAP sensor.)
if you are having drive ability problems , post them
post what car does good and bad , both.
Test the CEL lamp; 3 tests to see if ECU is not totally bad.
CLICK >>>
ECU
cars can start and run with a bad ECU, its a feature, called Limphome. every car has it, and to different degress.
EMS cars only. 88 to present , mostly.
most people just start with a tune up.
then look for CEL glowing while running.
and then go from there.....
cheers