CAI worth it?
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New User
Joined: Apr 2016
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CAI worth it?
I have a 1990 f-250 7.3 turbo diesel and i was just wondering if it is worth it to get a cold air intake. Ive heard yes and no but since this is a lot more people with probably more knowledge I would love to hear your opinions for both sides.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 18,488
Likes: 22
From: The Big, Oregon
Depends on climate and use of the truck. A diesel engine really relies on heat to make power, more than a gas engine. In cooler weather, you actually want warmer air coming in. Likewise, if you are running just the truck, and not working it hard, warmer air will give better mileage.
If it is hot, or you are working the truck hard, cooler air is good. Some of the energy will go towards heating the charge before injection, but the air will be slightly denser, so more fuel can be used with it. Downside is higher fuel consumption.
Here is my intake:
It is a modified Airaid intake from a 5.2 Durango. Not much modification, just a bent tab to bolt onto the old a/c compressor mount.
If it is hot, or you are working the truck hard, cooler air is good. Some of the energy will go towards heating the charge before injection, but the air will be slightly denser, so more fuel can be used with it. Downside is higher fuel consumption.
Here is my intake:
It is a modified Airaid intake from a 5.2 Durango. Not much modification, just a bent tab to bolt onto the old a/c compressor mount.
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 3,072
Likes: 48
From: California
Is that true? I always read that the cooler the air, the more oxygen can occupy a certain volume, thus the more combustion and greater power.
Recently I made some modifications to my engine bay in order to get some cooler air to my air filter system. Prior to my mods, I got some moderate performance with engine bay air. But after I ran some 3" hose that pushed cooler air from the grill back to my air filter area, I could definitely tell I was getting greater power at 40+mph speeds (like when passing a car).
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 78
depends on how you define 'worth it'
i still have a stock snorkel and seems to get air from a high pressure / cool area in the stock location ..
from what i have searched you'll not gain a big performance boost on any other config .. but some say increased intake noise ...
some folks have drilled holes into the windshiel cowel area and got some harder charge air there .. so it's an option but again more noise .. from what i hear ..
i haven't heard of a modification that's a big enough game changer to warrant doing it myself ..
i didn't realize that the warmer air aided in combusion but it makes sense .. a less dense charge but easier to ignite .. . better economy is always good .. but i just unhook my snorkel when fording and it's alright ..
i still have a stock snorkel and seems to get air from a high pressure / cool area in the stock location ..
from what i have searched you'll not gain a big performance boost on any other config .. but some say increased intake noise ...
some folks have drilled holes into the windshiel cowel area and got some harder charge air there .. so it's an option but again more noise .. from what i hear ..
i haven't heard of a modification that's a big enough game changer to warrant doing it myself ..
i didn't realize that the warmer air aided in combusion but it makes sense .. a less dense charge but easier to ignite .. . better economy is always good .. but i just unhook my snorkel when fording and it's alright ..
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 867
Likes: 3
From: North Bend
I'd say its worth it. Not much trouble to do, and in my recent experience makes a 100* difference in EGTs vs an under hood intake.
And when I was N/A it was a big enough difference that I could no longer peg the throttle without black smoke and dangerous EGTs. Whereas with the CAI I'd tuned it to ride around 1100* EGTs and very little smoke.
Can't say much about fuel economy as I didn't run it this way very long and most of my commute is at 70mph+ so I am around 13-14mpg on a good day anyways.
I'll also say that the more breathability mods you've done the better it is. My N/A had a true 2 1/4" into 3 1/2" Y-pipe and woke the engine up respectably.
Just don't expect to get thrown back in your seat, it's not that kind of mod.
And when I was N/A it was a big enough difference that I could no longer peg the throttle without black smoke and dangerous EGTs. Whereas with the CAI I'd tuned it to ride around 1100* EGTs and very little smoke.
Can't say much about fuel economy as I didn't run it this way very long and most of my commute is at 70mph+ so I am around 13-14mpg on a good day anyways.
I'll also say that the more breathability mods you've done the better it is. My N/A had a true 2 1/4" into 3 1/2" Y-pipe and woke the engine up respectably.
Just don't expect to get thrown back in your seat, it's not that kind of mod.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 78
Cool .. is it ram air ? open filter ? What filter did u use ?
Did u notice incrased noise with the soup bowl cut mod ?
I'm kinda curious too .. i like to mod stuff but opinions seem all over the map .. so that's why for now i've just kept the tube ..
Did u notice incrased noise with the soup bowl cut mod ?
I'm kinda curious too .. i like to mod stuff but opinions seem all over the map .. so that's why for now i've just kept the tube ..
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 867
Likes: 3
From: North Bend
As for performance, didn't notice any difference once removed. However it was one of my first mods so any gains may have increased later as more air got into and out of the engine.
Ram air, yes. I ran a stiff but flexible 4" dryer duct to the front of the bay, right next to the radiator. This comes off of the stock air cleaner.
There are threads about it already with pictures, just have to cut some of the over-engineered radiator support in the right spots with a sawzall.
It's not supported super well, so not sure how much "ram" effect is going on right now(I'm on a stock ATS kit now, but still same 4" duct cause it fits!), but the cold air at least makes a good difference.
HOWEVER, I'm not sure how much better than the stock snorkel it is. It's been so long since I used it that I have forgotten. Although I have one and could try it...
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Mar 2016
Posts: 1,105
Likes: 78
ahh yes .. it's probably the 'over engineered radiator core support' that is a restriction ..
i did notice awhile back there's a metal plate screwed in blocking the opening somewhat .. i don't know if it's just for bugs or snow or if they thought a bird might get swallowed up by the motor ..
i did notice awhile back there's a metal plate screwed in blocking the opening somewhat .. i don't know if it's just for bugs or snow or if they thought a bird might get swallowed up by the motor ..
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Elder User
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 867
Likes: 3
From: North Bend
Even if you don't cut part of the support the fresh air helps. Just better with more!
And its plenty strong once cut anyhow. Maybe it's in there so more air is forced through the radiator, which makes sense. There's a lot of gaps in the front ends of these things.
And its plenty strong once cut anyhow. Maybe it's in there so more air is forced through the radiator, which makes sense. There's a lot of gaps in the front ends of these things.
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