Cold Air Intake?
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 1,366
Likes: 185
From: Frederick, CO
Let's assume you go from 15 mpg to 16 mpg with a new CAI. Diesel costs $2.60/gal on average. Let's assume that a CAI is $350 delivered to your door. We can calculate the break-even point from those data. The cost per mile is ($/gal)/(mpg). You need the difference between before and after states to be $350, the cost of investment:
m = C/((1/B - 1/A)*$),
where m is the miles driven to break even, C is the cost of the CAI, B is the fuel economy with CAI, A is the fuel economy before the CAI, and $ is price of diesel fuel per gallon. Using the numbers above: m = 32,307.
So, assuming those figures, you'll pay for your CAI in about 3 years with average driving. Payback period is reduced (quicker) if diesel costs more, if your fuel economy is worse (e.g., 13 mpg to 14 mpg), or if the delta is larger (e.g., 15 mpg to 16.5 mpg).
Hope this helps.
m = C/((1/B - 1/A)*$),
where m is the miles driven to break even, C is the cost of the CAI, B is the fuel economy with CAI, A is the fuel economy before the CAI, and $ is price of diesel fuel per gallon. Using the numbers above: m = 32,307.
So, assuming those figures, you'll pay for your CAI in about 3 years with average driving. Payback period is reduced (quicker) if diesel costs more, if your fuel economy is worse (e.g., 13 mpg to 14 mpg), or if the delta is larger (e.g., 15 mpg to 16.5 mpg).
Hope this helps.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 3,674
Likes: 51
From: SoCal
Let's assume you go from 15 mpg to 16 mpg with a new CAI. Diesel costs $2.60/gal on average. Let's assume that a CAI is $350 delivered to your door. We can calculate the break-even point from those data. The cost per mile is ($/gal)/(mpg). You need the difference between before and after states to be $350, the cost of investment:
m = C/((1/B - 1/A)*$),
where m is the miles driven to break even, C is the cost of the CAI, B is the fuel economy with CAI, A is the fuel economy before the CAI, and $ is price of diesel fuel per gallon. Using the numbers above: m = 32,307.
So, assuming those figures, you'll pay for your CAI in about 3 years with average driving. Payback period is reduced (quicker) if diesel costs more, if your fuel economy is worse (e.g., 13 mpg to 14 mpg), or if the delta is larger (e.g., 15 mpg to 16.5 mpg).
Hope this helps.
m = C/((1/B - 1/A)*$),
where m is the miles driven to break even, C is the cost of the CAI, B is the fuel economy with CAI, A is the fuel economy before the CAI, and $ is price of diesel fuel per gallon. Using the numbers above: m = 32,307.
So, assuming those figures, you'll pay for your CAI in about 3 years with average driving. Payback period is reduced (quicker) if diesel costs more, if your fuel economy is worse (e.g., 13 mpg to 14 mpg), or if the delta is larger (e.g., 15 mpg to 16.5 mpg).
Hope this helps.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 1,366
Likes: 185
From: Frederick, CO
Correct. The numbers I used do assume a benefit. I'm not trying to suggest that there definitely will be a benefit. I'm only trying to give some guidance on how to monetize a slight mpg benefit. I thought it was obvious that if there were no mileage gains, there would be no payback of the investment. Perhaps I should have explicitly stated that?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 3,674
Likes: 51
From: SoCal
Correct. The numbers I used do assume a benefit. I'm not trying to suggest that there definitely will be a benefit. I'm only trying to give some guidance on how to monetize a slight mpg benefit. I thought it was obvious that if there were no mileage gains, there would be no payback of the investment. Perhaps I should have explicitly stated that?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,563
Likes: 534
From: DFW
You are assuming here.
Modern OEM intakes are supporting an engine making tremendous power. They are not compromising on flow, otherwise those numbers along with maintaining good EGT would not be possible for John Q Public.
Aftermarket products are accessories, nothing more. A CAI is a perfect example of an accessory, and not a performance breakthrough..
Half of an accessory companies job is to make you think you need them, supported by fear of losing out on power. It’s marketing BS.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 3,674
Likes: 51
From: SoCal
While I totally agree with your sentiment, that doesn't deserve facto mean that a CAI actually does anything but make more noise with a stock motor.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 486
Likes: 8
From: Salt Lake City
I have a brand new 2019 Ford F-350. I was so excited to continue my accessorizing, so I stopped by a very reputable Diesel Performace Company here in Salt Lake City, to discuss an intake and a 5" exhaust. The people there were very helpful, and honest. Their answer... "I'd love to sell you a thousand dollars worth of this stuff, but these new Fords are so dialed in from the factory, you would be throwing money away for no gains to your vehicle". They also said in some instances, their clients lost MPG and HP. I've steered away from this, as I trust their honesty, plus I need to stuff a 35" spare under the truck, and I've read they won't fit with a 5" aftermarket exhaust.
I do agree that a better filter could be on the horizon, though.
I do agree that a better filter could be on the horizon, though.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 239
Likes: 10
From: Texas
Can you please post a link or product name to the CAI that you bought. (asking for a friend).
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Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
I ended up putting a k&n intake on my 6.2 at some point. Definitely had better throttle response and also sounded nice around town. I couldn’t take the noise on the highway. I destroyed it and got refunded my money. I don’t know if it was an enclosed system like the Afe or s&b if it would have been more tolerable. Personally I would spend your money on something else.
Hotshot
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 13,834
Likes: 25
From: Middle Tn.
I ended up putting a k&n intake on my 6.2 at some point. Definitely had better throttle response and also sounded nice around town. I couldn’t take the noise on the highway. I destroyed it and got refunded my money. I don’t know if it was an enclosed system like the Afe or s&b if it would have been more tolerable. Personally I would spend your money on something else.
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