Thinking about upgrading air intake. Any ideas which one I should lean toward?

 

For a 6.0 the stock intake is more than adequate. Unless you're running an aftermarket turbo, you won't see any noticeable improvement. As far as performance goes, my X runs slower 1/4s with a K&N FIPK2 than it does with a completely stock intake, both on and off the bottle. That was 4 bills wasted.

The stock system does an excellent job of filtering a large amount of air. Every AM system on the market sacrifices filtration for increased flow.

 

I have a Spectre Cold Air Intake -> Amazon.com: Spectre Performance 9921 Air Intake Kit with Red hpR Filter for Ford Truck 6.8L V10: Automotive
Obviously that is for a gasser, but you didn't specify. I like it, seems to do the job. I did just clean up a dirty MAF sensor, but who knows how dirty it was when I got the truck, it may have never been cleaned. Point is I think the MAF may need more frequent cleaning with a CAI.

At any rate I figure I need the CAI with CAT delete and the Flowmaster on the other end I need to get more air in the front. My results are pretty good, 9.2MPG City 13.3MPG Highway.

Next project is to cut away a bunch of the header panel in front of the CAI and improve the heat seal around and behind the air filter by riveting on some sort of rubber material to seal it off from the rest of the engine completely. The heat shield on the Spectre kind of sucks. My computer tells me that the air intake temps are over 100 degrees, I'm hoping to get that down much closer to the ambient outside temperature and see how it runs. Maybe I'll get some more economy also.

OK I'm rambling, I'll stop now, I think some of my comments were relevant though.

 

I currently run an AFE magnum force. You won't pick up any real gains, but the sound is awesome!

I ran a Volant Ram air prior to that, but it won't work with my new hood so I swapped it out.

 

Sorry, I have the 6.0. Forgot to specify.

 

Everything I've read here on FTE braintrust (that's not me) says to stick with stock (or Donaldson, who makes the stock filters). See post #2 on my other thread about my air intake issue. Part numbers in post #7:

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ir-filter.html

Edit: I should add that I just ordered a stock filter to replace my inherited aFe. Also read to use a silicone based sealant around air filter housing seal (on the end closest to MAS).

 

My truck came with an airaid intake.

According to the masses on here its not needed, and may even decrease the performance when compared to stock. But I am not going to buy stock to get rid of it, nor do I have any interest in doing so.

Along with the free flowing 4" exhaust, my truck has alot of intake/turbo noise along with the tune coming from the exhaust and I love it.