Well, maybe I will try to zoodad mod eventually, but I'd like to try the intake first and see how much it helps on its own. Still have to admit, I'm leaning towards the s&b. To me, the fit and finish of the product is as good as the ais, and I think the cleanable filter will save me money in the long run.

 

If the neck of the air filter housing is a limiting factor, I'd want to see data on how a Zoodad mod is such a big help. Opening another door on the side of the housing to the fender makes more sense to me - and it is incorporated into the S&B.

Since you are leaning toward the S&B, you may find this interesting:

 

Is that the old style s&b rich?

 

I regret the day I installed the 6637. It's a hack job mod and I will never recommend it to anyone. AIS will be ordered within the next 5 business days.

 

Here's one page from another site's member that ran some tests on the zoodad mod. It looks like, to some degree, it helps out. I'm still looking around.

ZooDad Mod Test Data

 

It looks like that is the old style (75-5028). Although, the new style (75-5062) appears to have a much narrower opening at the snorkel.




New style S&B 75-5062




Old style S&B 75-5028

 

Oh yeah... I forgot they change the design shortly after I bought mine. Sorry for the distraction.

In my view - the opening to the fender allows far more air flow than that skinny-*** snorkle, so I can't see it being a detriment if they reduced the size of the neck.

 

Ya I see what you mean. I think that fender opening is far more beneficial on both the ais and s&b. And the 6637 ain't all that bad for the money. Just ain't the fully boxed clean installation I'm looking for. It's a cheap simple way to get more air into the beast that requires very little effort. But it kills me to see that thing just layin on top of the dusty fender every time I open the hood ya know?

 

Have y'all seen this AFE intake? It has some intriguing design features and specs. The filter is 1000cfm according to AFE. Probably have good P/S cap access :-)

Cold Air Intake System Momentum HD Momentum HD Pro-GUARD 7*Stage-2 Intake System;*Ford*Diesel Trucks*99.5-03 V8-7.3L (td) 75-73002 - aFe Power


Installation video provides some perspective to the size:

 

Interesting how they routed the snorkel around the back of the battery, but that would kill the space where I store my fuel additive bottle. Nice looking install, but what's with all the adapter hardware to get to the turbo intake? 4 hose clamps for a tube?

 

Installed a new S&B kit wet filter kit today to replace the 6637 style intake that had the AFE Big Boost filter and a pre-filter. The primary reason to swap was the amount of noise from the 38R. Secondary was to eliminate the ricer look of an open filter laying on the fender well. The noise was noticeable enough that the first time the family went for a drive they all asked "What is that!?" with scowl-like expressions. We weren't even towing the trailer so I knew there was no way that setup could remain. It has been on since October and even I have to admit it's a bit much.

So, I installed the S&B kit after doing some research and decided this would be the kit to get for a few reasons as noted in this thread. After install, went for a short drive and it is much quieter. The 38R's presence is still well known, but it's considerably muted.

Here's my assessment:

Pros: Well engineered, very thick and strong moldings, pulls air from both the fender and the grille into a large filter, professional appearance, clear lid allows quick visual inspections.

Cons: Did exchange some zinc plated for stainless hardware near the battery for corrosion concerns, Cannot remove the P/S reservoir cap, more complex to remove to access the valve cover (and P/S cap).

Overall: I think it was a good purchase and am satisfied I rec'd my money's worth. I do wish the AIS intake could have a 2.0 version for big breathing, but if you need/want a well engineered, quiet, big breather, this is probably a very good choice.

 

Update. I traced the flimsy clear lid and cut a new one out of 1/4" Lucite in an effort to combat both turbo noise and create a better seal with the rest of the box. Both were improved with this approach and is suggested for those interested in the same improvements.

 

I put a foam cover on my lid at one point and that helped. My version 2 will be more permanent - possibly hinged. With my EBP/MAP delta gauge, I don't need a filter minder or a clear lid - the gauge tells me when it's time.

 

I run the AIS on my truck, granted it was a used one and had a few minor blemishes to the case (thankful to the member that sent it to me) and have been checking the filter every so often, the filter has approximatly 5-10 k already on it (perhaps a bit more??) but so far the AIS filter seems to be doing its job, I am not planing for a super power build on this truck, what I plan to so is make a minor build with a programmer to add maybe another 30hp, and build this truck to be a power puller for when I need to tow heavy...or pop the occasional chebby out of a ditch or something like that...

 

You said "ditch" and "pulling". We have forklift drivers with poor judgement in the winter, and somebody always gets one good and stuck here and there. The topper was a couple of weeks back:

One driver got stuck in the mud/snow in the back lot, then another driver tried to pull him out with a strap. So now it's a high-centered train stuck in the mud/snow. If anybody has ever tried to pull a forklift across pavement (let alone mud) in the snow with a 1/2 ton pickup (4X4 or not), you know these pigs are heavy. I won't claim I pulled both forklifts in one haul - I wasn't daring enough to try that when Stinky was on the goop himself. I just thought it was comical that when the lifts were good and stuck, they sought me out to find out if I brought my truck that day. Good ol' Stink - he didn't even grunt or slip.