Cold air intake
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: Clarksville, TN
Over 2 years and 45K miles, I tested 3 different intakes on my 2003 5.4L... I made an excel spreadsheet to track mpg's over those 2 years. I kept track of mileage at fill up and the number of gallons. Over those 2 years, there was no significant change to fuel economy between stock, the "GOTTS" mod or from a Volant CAI. Later I found the CFM numbers for the stock intake system and found it provided more air than the motor could take in no matter the rpm. Therefore, my determination is that CAI's will do nothing UNLESS it is a component of other mods that will provide significant increases. In that case, I assume the user would know what he's doing.
There was one thing that did change during those 2 years. I did notice a slight, very slight, increase in throttle response with the GOTTS mod but nothing further.
There was one thing that did change during those 2 years. I did notice a slight, very slight, increase in throttle response with the GOTTS mod but nothing further.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
So to answer your question, the air/fuel mixture can be correct but not efficient due to improper air temperature and/or lack of air flow. As an example lets say the air is at 15,000 feet up and thinner; now it is corrected but still not efficient. Less air=less oxygen=less gas=less power and MPG.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
Which is in line with MPG and HP. (mostly mpg). I agree that it is a trade-off.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
Over 2 years and 45K miles, I tested 3 different intakes on my 2003 5.4L... I made an excel spreadsheet to track mpg's over those 2 years. I kept track of mileage at fill up and the number of gallons. Over those 2 years, there was no significant change to fuel economy between stock, the "GOTTS" mod or from a Volant CAI. Later I found the CFM numbers for the stock intake system and found it provided more air than the motor could take in no matter the rpm. Therefore, my determination is that CAI's will do nothing UNLESS it is a component of other mods that will provide significant increases. In that case, I assume the user would know what he's doing.
There was one thing that did change during those 2 years. I did notice a slight, very slight, increase in throttle response with the GOTTS mod but nothing further.
There was one thing that did change during those 2 years. I did notice a slight, very slight, increase in throttle response with the GOTTS mod but nothing further.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
I think this is the Gotts one, but not on an Ex.
http://www.f150online.com/forums/mem...-gotts-mod.jpg
http://www.f150online.com/forums/mem...-gotts-mod.jpg
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: Clarksville, TN
I think this is the Gotts one, but not on an Ex.
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...8iaB380VucwQls
https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/i...8iaB380VucwQls
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Junior User
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
Didnt mean to start such a heated discussion. I know on older push rod motors you could gain 10-15hp with a CAI, and even more if a tune was done. I would think that a tuner like 5star would be able to optimize the addition of a good CAI
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
It's all good because everyone can learn from it. Over 15 HP from cold air? Actually the air going into the Ex is pretty cold since the intake is out of the engine compartment and only a few inches from the grille.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: Clarksville, TN
You just have to install a chest freezer in the back seat and plumb in the intake to it! Easy peazy.
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
From: Clarksville, TN
Guys, this all boils down to flow - CFM's - cubic feet per minute. If the stock system flows 300cfm and the aftermarket flows 310cfm and the motor can only use 290cfm's then its a moot point as to whether CAI's do anything. The claim of "cooler" air than stock is a farce. I mean think about it, seriously, the stock filter is enclosed and the air that enters is as cool as you are going to get. There is nothing for the CAI to capitalize on except surface area and CFM...not "cooler" air.
I used to own a 2006 F150 Roush Stage 3 - 550lbft and the Roush CAI system was only 6 cubic inches larger than a stock 5.4L. It all comes down the the volume of air that the motor requires to function. A CAI by itself does nothing for you. If you have a CAI that flows more air, tune for that air and ensure the exhaust let's the additional air out of the motor, then you have something - otherwise, you're just blowing hot air.
I used to own a 2006 F150 Roush Stage 3 - 550lbft and the Roush CAI system was only 6 cubic inches larger than a stock 5.4L. It all comes down the the volume of air that the motor requires to function. A CAI by itself does nothing for you. If you have a CAI that flows more air, tune for that air and ensure the exhaust let's the additional air out of the motor, then you have something - otherwise, you're just blowing hot air.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 11,798
Likes: 14
From: Mt. Shasta California
I agree, the engine is only going to use so much air even at high RPM's and the Ford engineers weren't so stupid that they shorted themselves on air supply and the people that make the "cold air intakes" are smart enough to know that their false advertising will not get them in trouble and people will keep on buying as long as they keep selling.
So there you have it, save that money for some gas or tires.
So there you have it, save that money for some gas or tires.