Testing AIS with SXE
That boost gauge shoots up quick. Thanks for posting the videos and doing all of the work to log data, convey details and provide evidence to backup what you have observed.
For example, I have never had the 6637 paired with the 363 turbo. I also wanted to show a 65hp comparison between the 2 turbos, but didn't have runs that are equivalent. The 363/68 responds better on the milder tune. The 364.5/73 liked to be in a hotter tune.
You can see from the 1st to 2nd clips that the 6637 does allow more max boost than the AIS. The thing is, this really only happened when running a HOT tune and WOT. This is not the way I normally drive so it's not much of an issue to me. Is there some performance left on the table with the AIS? I think so. But the AIS is so clean looking and SUPER quiet. Those 2 reasons have made me keep the AIS for now. So far I like the setup.
AIS Testing Compilation
I will guess it might have something to do with the way I rolled into the throttle for each run. I didn't just floor it but instead rolled it down. Trying to be a little gentle on that 1-2 shift....
So maybe not the best video comparison after all.

The main point for the testing was to get restriction data for the filters... but recently I thought why not show the clips together just for kicks. Hope this doesn't cause more confusion.
I will say the shifting during normal driving is much better with the 363/68. Can't quite tell you exactly what it is, just better. Basically the timing and feel of the shifts are much improved after just a turbo swap.
It is just easier and much more seamless to go through the gears.
Back on topic...
I have the s&b with dry filter, really debating on tryin an ais to get as quiet as I can. Ais flow enough for the 363/68 and ad30 injectors towing heavy? I had an ais in the past with a kc balanced assembly(ab injectors) and loved its quietness sold to a friend when I went to the 364.5/73 sxe, kinda wishing I kept it. Cleaner fit and look, easier for servicing. Would it have to have a fender sleave mod?
I have the s&b with dry filter, really debating on tryin an ais to get as quiet as I can. Ais flow enough for the 363/68 and ad30 injectors towing heavy? I had an ais in the past with a kc balanced assembly(ab injectors) and loved its quietness sold to a friend when I went to the 364.5/73 sxe, kinda wishing I kept it. Cleaner fit and look, easier for servicing. Would it have to have a fender sleave mod?
The AIS is super quiet. If that’s what you’re after then I don’t think there’s a better option available.
Review the chart on the first post. On second thought I’ll add it here too.
It is staying on my truck with no plans to remove unless something unforeseen comes up. I have a brand new Donaldson blue with RiffRaff wrap in the garage on the shelf…
The vacuum is not that much during normal cruising. This also translates into towing due to the constant load I believe. The steady state tow vacuum readings were much lower than the WOT with the same boost levels. I think this is due to the sudden demand for air when at WOT.
The sleeve mod most definitely helped flow. My test tow with video on YouTube was without the sleeve though. It still towed well.
The box itself posed a decent restriction shown as vacuum. The sleeve mod helped this a good bit. This was seen in testing both with and without a filter.
It is my opinion the AIS should be sleeved if running anything beyond stock defueling boost levels (25psi).
Some items to consider, especially in your case:
1) Dirt roads will obviously fill the filter quicker. These test results were with a used filter, but in fairly good condition. To keep everything in check you may have to swap the filter more frequently than expected. Meaning a 50% dirty filter may not flow well enough.

2) If someone does a lot of WOT then the AIS would not be for them.
3) CCV - One of the limiting factors may be the draw in the CCV. Mine is currently vented to atmosphere so is not an issue. It is possible under heavy load conditions and high rpm that the extra vacuum could pull oil from the engine with a stock CCV. I believe our lower rpm band 363/68 turbos will help prevent this though as we do not have the need for 3000rpm to tow.
4) Your injectors and load are bigger than mine. But this may not matter unless you are under heavy acceleration.
My opinion is that you would love the quietness. Will it work out with your heavy trailer, bigger injectors, and stock CCV? I’m not sure.
My recommendation to you is to do a temporary swap with your friend and see how it works. It would not need the sleeve mod just for this test as I ran mine without it for a long time. If it’s a winner then buy a new AIS and sell off the S&B.
Or maybe I’ll claim my truck has too much power.
Towing at 2000 rpm steady state I did not see any issues. Boost would remain 20-25psi during the hill pulls. I feel like the concern is more during a sudden demand for air type of thing (stoplight racer).
If you look at the numbers, the AIS towing @ 20psi was actually lower vacuum of 0.4inHg compared to the 6637 in a hot WOT run @ 20psi was 0.5inHg, both measured at the CCV. Keep in mind this tow measurement was without the AIS sleeve.
Hot tunes + heavy acceleration + high rpm I think is where you will find issues.
If it’s not pulling oil out of the crankcase, not easily sucking the FM 100%, and not giving you EGT issues then I think it’s fine. Just my opinion.
For me personally if it meets the previous statement then it’s worth any potential power trade off for the quiet and clean look.
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
If I stay with AD sticks, or AD30's like Eric, I think I will need the option to rev and hold 2500-2800 rpm at times, at least until I re-gear (hopefully, one day). I don't know yet if a KC balanced assembly will provide enough air to keep rpms lower where the AIS is comfortable. Lots to think about here, but this sure is a great thread to explore it - thank you again, Jason.
If I stay with AD sticks, or AD30's like Eric, I think I will need the option to rev and hold 2500-2800 rpm at times, at least until I re-gear (hopefully, one day). I don't know yet if a KC balanced assembly will provide enough air to keep rpms lower where the AIS is comfortable. Lots to think about here, but this sure is a great thread to explore it - thank you again, Jason.
I’m not sure how the AIS would handle that situation. On one hand it’s WOT at somewhat higher rpm. On the other hand the same thin air that is making the truck work so hard is probably going to pass through the filter easier.

All I could say is it would be worth trying. Maybe have a backup plan just in case. I took the 6637 and parts/tools needed with me on the first tow.
For the turbo I would imagine a call to KC would be your best bet. They could give real advice instead of my guesses. But seeing how the 363/68sxe performs compared to stock with billet wheel I would imagine the KC63/68 stage 1 would work well as a drop in option.
Thanks for the kind words about the thread. I do wish it was more scientific. I kinda feel like we have some data but still no real answers. But this did evolve from a gee whiz aspect into a bit more with a guy just making some changes here and there when he had time. Closed course back to back testing would be awesome!
If I stay with AD sticks, or AD30's like Eric, I think I will need the option to rev and hold 2500-2800 rpm at times, at least until I re-gear (hopefully, one day). I don't know yet if a KC balanced assembly will provide enough air to keep rpms lower where the AIS is comfortable. Lots to think about here, but this sure is a great thread to explore it - thank you again, Jason.
If I stay with AD sticks, or AD30's like Eric, I think I will need the option to rev and hold 2500-2800 rpm at times, at least until I re-gear (hopefully, one day). I don't know yet if a KC balanced assembly will provide enough air to keep rpms lower where the AIS is comfortable. Lots to think about here, but this sure is a great thread to explore it - thank you again, Jason.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...l#post19587781
I have yet to tow this year with the free flowing exhaust I have now, and the PHP tow tunes. That will help some. With the stock turbo, I will be driving by EGTs and trying to stay out of surge territory.
The trip over Stevens pass is on the books for end of May, so I'll have more data shortly. Still using the stock air box with a new filter - seems to be sealed up pretty well at this time, and I have yet to budge the filterminder at 25psi.














