CAI
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,414
Likes: 22
From: Tucson USA
CAI
we have E450 based rv and the air intake system is really convoluted under the hood. Has anyone found a good CAI replacement for the intake air. Really think it will improve performance as would a good free flow muffler. Gibson has the muffler, just need to find a air intake, even if it keeps the stock air filter and just replaces the intake nozzle.
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 2,182
Likes: 7
From: Saint Augustine, FL
It would help if we knew what model year and engine you have.
As noted above, CAI are more hype than help in most cases. Just depends on the application and the vendor. Banks has some good stuff for vans but most of the stuff is crap.
I had the best results by replacing the OE muffler with a good aftermarket, low restriction, unit.
As noted above, CAI are more hype than help in most cases. Just depends on the application and the vendor. Banks has some good stuff for vans but most of the stuff is crap.
I had the best results by replacing the OE muffler with a good aftermarket, low restriction, unit.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,414
Likes: 22
From: Tucson USA
club wagon, thats why I asked. Yes some CAI are junk some are not. Not looking for hp gains just better performance abd a cai plus muffler well thats it. As to being junk there have been some articles just the opposite. Recent motorhome article recommended improving the intake, but it was on a 3 valve v10 and the performance improvement was worth the effort.
As to the my its a 2012 (11 running gear) E450, 6.8. Small snorkel on top of radiator and many turns to the air filter.
As to the my its a 2012 (11 running gear) E450, 6.8. Small snorkel on top of radiator and many turns to the air filter.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 786
Likes: 26
The problem isn't that some are junk. The problem is they don't work. The air intake is rarely the choke point of performance. It would have to be a very poorly designed factory intake for that to be the case. Can it happen? Possibly, but show me a test done with instrumentation producing hard numbers, not just subjective reports from test driving.
Lead Driver
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 5,505
Likes: 256
From: Woodbridge, Ontario, CA
Gents, let's remember what any internal combustion engine is, a glorified air pump at the end of the day. The more air in, the more air out, the better the performance. To reap the benefits of improved air flow, requires improving it on ALL fronts. This means not only unrestricted air in (without compromising filtration quality of course) and unrestricted air out, but the tools needed to move the greater air flow in the first place, namely the cam profile as well as the size of the intake and exhaust ports in the cylinder heads. I'm fairly certain that the engineers at Ford Motor Company did a fine job in this department on a power plant that dates as far back as 1997 with minimal changes. Having said that, as others above have already posted, you will achieve little to no benefit attempting to source out an aftermarket intake for this. How much more power do you need to move an RV?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 1,414
Likes: 10
From: Thornhill , Ontario
Spend your money on a good shift kit and maybe upgrade the TC TransGo and then get a Tune from these guys https://5startuning.com/got-a-v10-rv/ might be a better way to go....Good Luck
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 786
Likes: 26
More, of course. Always more. 
Your post is right on target. People don't seem to understand that it is a system, not a collection of parts that happen to work together.
Magic bolt-on HP doodads rarely do enough to be worth the trouble, let alone the money.
Your post is right on target. People don't seem to understand that it is a system, not a collection of parts that happen to work together.
Magic bolt-on HP doodads rarely do enough to be worth the trouble, let alone the money.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 103
Likes: 3
From: Kansas City/Overland Park
club wagon, thats why I asked. Yes some CAI are junk some are not. Not looking for hp gains just better performance abd a cai plus muffler well thats it. As to being junk there have been some articles just the opposite. Recent motorhome article recommended improving the intake, but it was on a 3 valve v10 and the performance improvement was worth the effort.
As to the my its a 2012 (11 running gear) E450, 6.8. Small snorkel on top of radiator and many turns to the air filter.
As to the my its a 2012 (11 running gear) E450, 6.8. Small snorkel on top of radiator and many turns to the air filter.
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