I run a 5.0L 1996 f150 with true duels...
I read a post saying that the Volant blank blank has a nice sound...does that mean the sound in the engine, or the exhaust sound??? Maybe a really stupid Q.
Then, to me using common sense, a cold air intake is healthier for the engine, or just better to cool the air for the engine to run off of...is that true? What are the +/- of cold air intakes...? I found some for under $100, will they most likely be trash?? Any intake info helpful!!
Ideal for me would be a cold air intake that sounds good. But what I really need, is a good cold air intake that's compatible with my engine. And these things are pretty easy to install is take it? Thanks everyone!

 

When you install a cold air intake (CAI), you are allowing the engine to breathe better and suck in cold air. Most aftermarket intake tubes are referred to as "cold air" even if they are simply a short ram and leave the filter inside the engine bay. A true cold air intake puts the filter in the fender so that it can draw in cooler air rather than the hot underhood air.

A CAI will make your engine sound throatier when you get on it due to intake noise that is not muffled by the stock air box assembly. The exhaust note may be a little throatier as well, but most of the increased sound comes from the intake itself.

As far as which one to buy, that is up to you. You can make one with some PVC tubing, couplers and hose clamps from your local borg or pick one up online. They are usually a snap to install. Shouldn't take more than 30 minutes.

 

hmm, so it just intakes the air from the fender...I was really stupid and thought it somehow mechanically cooled the air or something...Can I get one under $100 or maybe like $150? The ones I looked at go from cheap to around $700...I just want to make sure I don't by crap!

 

Which ones are you looking at?

You should be able to pick one up for $100-150 depending on how nice you want. There is even the e-bay specials. Post up the link to what you are looking at.

 

They all do the same thing. If you're not worried about underhood appearance, make one yourself. If you want it to look good, any one will do the trick on your nearly stock truck, just get a true "cold air" intake that draws from the fender.