Hey everyone, I'm new to the board and have a question about air intakes. I'm thinking of adding an air intake kit to my 03 F150 5.4L. I'm not sure what kind to go with. I've been looking at a K&N or AirRaid. What are you guys using? Thanks

 

You just open up a can of worms.
Some say they are a waste of money, some say they are great.
I have an Airraid intake, throtle body spacer, and Borla muffler (have pics in gallery). I added them on at the same time, so I can't say which was the best, but the combination has helped. Then there is the whole issue of reusable (oiled) filters and paper filters. Do some research and then decide for yourself. Good luck!

 

I have the MAC intake from motorhaven myself, I like it. It makes a difference at about 4000 rpm's, you can hear it. I picked the MAC because it was about $100 cheaper and I didn't expect to get much more than looks out of it. I think it gives a little power, but like "triton" said, the intake compliments the exhaust and so on.....

The MAC looks really nice, there are pictures in my gallery. (before and after)

Good luck..

 

I just cut the end of my filterbox off and installed an K&N filter. It does the job, and cost less than $50
Ray

 

ChevySniper mentioned he notices the intake at 4000 rpm's. Seems a little higher than I would expect. I've got a flowmaster cat-back dual exhaust already. Do you guys think the air intake will make much of a difference? I've noticed there are some sytems out there for under $200. With these, do you get what you pay for? I would like to get a K&N but only if the extra money is worth it. What does everyone think? Thanks

 

rangerstud620....for about $150 you can get a MAC intake kit or...

for $230 or so, you can get the diablosport chip...which will make a HUGE difference.

my personal opinion I wouldn't spend the extra $100 just because it's K&N...even though I believe they make good products.

 

Thanks ChevySniper, I will have to take a look at the Diablo chip before making any decisions. I clicked on the link to the Diablo chip in your post but I didn't see any chips specifically for the 5.4L V8. Did I just miss it or do I have to look somewhere else? Thanks

 

It's the diablosport chip at the very bottom....I have the 5.4L..it's great.

 

I was just reading about the Diablo chip. If I understand correctly, you have to run premium gas in order to see results. Is that correct? Gas is high enough right now, I'm not real sure I want to being paying that much more for premium. hmm, other than that, the chip looks awesome. I'm not sure what I'm going to do again.

 

you do have to run premium gas, however you will save on gas mileage so overall you will spend about the same in money....for instance:

use to get about 15 mpg...

now I get about 17 to 18 mpg...

I'll let you do the math to see that it adds up about the same dollar wise...I've been working all day, I'm too tired to think..hehe heh

 

First off howdy, I am new to this to here goes. I have an F150 4.2 1999 and want to add some performance goodies. Whats first if you can't do all at once. Also what is a throttle body spacer and what is it for? Be gentle.

 

welcome to the forums...


It all about the money you want to spend. I would recommend the diablo chip. I believe it is the most bang for the buck. I wouldn't waste your money on a trottle body spacer. Just about everyone on here has told me the same thing when I asked...

Intakes and exhausts are pretty common, if you search the forums you will find a lot of good info..

good luck

 

Thanks guys, I did a lot of searching of this site and decided to get one of the cheap intakes off of ebay. I'm going to get it put in this afternoon. I almost ordered a Diablo chip also, but I decided not to do that yet. That may be my next purchase.

 

I'm going to get one of those for my wife's Civic...I didn't want to take the chance on my truck, but I think it will be fine..

 

Thanks for the reply. I am getting ready to buy a camper and want to exercise my F150, bout time it does some work. ha ha