I installed my SS HX line yesterday. I chose to take off my intake to do this and was glad I did cause I discovered my big filter had popped off slightly! At the same time I flipped the doghouse around and did the CCV mod running a 5/8s" hose through the frame all the way back by my muffler to be bunged in later.

This was also a good time for me to really give my engine a spring cleaning so I put the Simple Green to er, let it sit for awhile, reapplied, and bagged my air filter then gently hosed off my still cold engine. This worked great and I will not see that filthy crud around all the tubes anymore with the CCV mod. Plus I get the added benefit of tearing out the semi restrictive CCv coupling and replacing it with a nice piece of 4 inch SS pipe leftover from my exhaust upgrade.

I took the time to tighten ALL the clamps on all the tubes from filter to exhaust and all intercooler lines as I did this I found many were loose. I also changed oil and filter going with synthetic Rotella for the first time. I`ve gotta say, I dont know if I was loosing boost out of my tubes or what but I feel a big difference in SOP power and I`m still only on my 40 horse tow setting! The biggest difference I saw though was the sound of my engine! These things really made a difference. Quieter and smoother.

One precaution I made when reassembling my Kwik filter to my intake tube was to put a small size ski head band around the joint where these come together in case the two seperate again there will be no dust entering my turbo. I got lucky this time and don`t want to chance it again.I cleaned the inside of all the tube connections before reassembly but didn`t have the hairspray some have suggested so i just used Passload tool degreaser cause it it didn`t eat the rubber but cleaned down to the nitty. I love this site and the inspiration all you enthusiasts have passed on to me to make my truck perform like it should. Can`t wait to do all the other planned endeavors.
Go forged!

 

It's a great feeling of satisfaction have that sort of job completed. Congratulations, you've moved from being a Ford truck owner to being a Ford Truck Enthusiast.

 

Sounds good and makes ya feel good too! A clean engine compartment is sure nicer to work on. Congrats.

Is the 99s intake tube too big to use a piece of that 4" leftover tube between it and the filter? On my 02 I have to put the filter on the floor with one foot on it and really work to get the 4" pipe to come out when I change it.

 

I think I lucked out and have the same intake as 99.5s I may use the internal chunk of SS if this pops off again. Right now my tube is just jammed over the filters` funnel neck with a longer clamp.

 

Actually you will see it for a while longer. It takes some time for the junk in the intercooler to pass, but once it does, it will be gone forever.

 

Cookie, speaking of intercoolers , do you think the smaller diameter tubes on my early 99 make a big difference in power and do you think it is worth the hassle of changing the covers, tubes. and cooler?