hey guys, just picked up a 2001, 4.0L SOHC ranger to add to my collection.

I'm either going to order an intake system off of summit racing, or a tuner. I was hoping you guys would be able to give me some feed back if you've had experience with these things or have done them to your trucks.

Pretty much just wanting to know if they work... improved gas mileage and better power

Truck's an auto, with 130,000 on it

Thanks alot in advance!

 

Your truck came from the factory with a cold air intake. The aftermarket ones are good at one thing, they make your wallet lighter.

In theory, the aftermarket ones do flow better, but better flow potential does not equal more power, it supports power. In other words, your engine must be able to take advantage of the change. They only thing that will increase flow is to also open up the greatest airflow restriction, and that usually means port work on the head.

Gas mileage increases are usually bogus claims. If you increase airflow, the vehicles MAF sensor detects this increase, and the computer responds by increasing fuel. This means at best the economy will be about the same, and in many cases actually gets worse.

Most CAIs give a false sense of increased throttle response and performance by eliminating all stock intake mufflers and resonators. This increases the intake noise, which you will perceive to be an increase in power. In reality, its just noise. These same sound deadening devices can easily be removed from the stock system for free.

I know some will swear by them. Again, if you have done any real mods to justify increasing intake flow, then they can work. But on a stock motor with a stock tune, its not really gonna do anything.

 

^ + 1 to Tyranitars post.

The stock SHOC 4.0L isn't wimpy anyway & its breathing is not restricted, but if your determined to throw some money at go fast things, or just want to do so now & then, maybe consider looking into a nitro kit, as its probably the least complicated way to get bolt on performance you can feel.

Otherwise consider taking it to a well known shop with a good reputation & dyno, that knows what their doing with this engine & who can provide past dyno run data for any mods you want & can do runs on your engine, so you know what your likely getting for the considerable gold thats going to be expended!!!!

 

Last two replies give a good answer, just not worth it for the CAI. I had my 4.6 Mustang truly dyno tuned, told him where I wanted the power and on 87 octane. Truly amazed at the difference. Ended up with more power down low and 27 mpg.
Dave

 

yeah i don't really want to dump money into this if it won't help... thanks alot guys!