I'm looking at buying a new intake and have narrowed it to 4 possibilities: Tymar, AEM Brute Force, AIS, or SB.

Each has their strong points. My question is has anyone recently switched brands and why?

I would also like to here any other opinions on this too.

 

yeah, actually about 90% of the people who have some sort of modification done to their truck have an intake listed above.

the "tymar", kwik, 6636, 46637 filter is all the same thing. instead of paying for the Tymar pipe and hose, they just put the same filter over the stock intake hose. that's what i have done. it's very cheap and can't be beat FOR THE MONEY

the AIS i also believe filters the best. the filtration media is far superior. it also quiets the intake VERY much. however, restriction of sound means restriction of flow, at least to me. i am skeptical of how a airbox with inlet(s) that relatively small to the possible surface area of the tymar filter can flow more than the tymar. sure, take both filters and put them outside of their environments in a flow bench, and sure the Donaldson media in the AIS will flow better, but i dont buy that when you put the airbox around the AIS. i dont see how that massive surface area of the Tymar can be outflowed by that relatively small snorkle area and even with the added area of the fendersleeve. however you can buy about 9 tymar filter elements for the price of one AIS system. that includes the box and snorkle, fender sleeve is extra, and the replacement elements are around $70.

i would do the tymar filter and use that extra money towards something else. i can't get over how that cheap filter looks so cool under the hood, and makes some pretty sweet noises when driving.

 

I too like the way it looks. I just wasn't real sure about sucking all the hot air from under the hood, with egt's and all. I have heard some good things about the AEM, but none of them were from this forum.

 

AIS makes the most sense to me. It is a Ford part so it fits properly, has the best filter for protecting the engine and brings in cool outside air. If the truck is modified with exhaust, chip etc. add a foam fender sleeve and the AIS flows great.

 

dvfd12,

Curious why you didn't list the AFE systems. If you want the max air flow take a look at the Stage II system. If you want the best aftermarket filtration and the max flow get it with the Pro Guard 7 filter element. This system does cost more but it filters better than any washable reuseable filter, shields the intake air charge from hot underhood air which negates some of the benefit of the intercooler as well. If you have any questions on it lets us know.

Mark @ DPPI

 

I thought about that, but it was too pricey. I'm trying to do exhaust, intake, and programer all at once (trying to give my wife a heart attack). If I do all of this I'm gonna have to go with one of these others.

 

do the kwik filter ... cheapest and best there is !

 

Folks have tested and found that underhood temps never get much more than 10-15* higher than ambient outside temps, so pulling in that "hot" underhood air isn't really that big of a concern. Just to help you get past that part of it.

I have a homemade tymar because it was cheap (about $25 total) and works really well. If I ever get tired of it being louder than stock I can always switch to a Ford AIS for $200+ ..... I just don't see that happening too soon, especially considering I've got the chip, straight piped exhaust, and foil wrap gone that all make everything loud and proud and make me feel like more of a man.



edit - argh, these new smilies just don't do it for me.

At least this one's still good:

 

dvfd12,

You're right it is more expensive but it'll be cheaper than replacing something else down the road after your dissatisfied with it. You'll be miles ahead if you do fewer mods now and get the right parts the first time, and your EGT's, spool up and potential MPG will show it too.

Mark @ DPPI

 

I'd kinda agree with Mark - don't just jump on a bandwagon. My vote would be for the AIS.

I went from stock --> AFE stage1 --> 6637 'tymar" --> (and I am getting an AIS in the very near future)!!

There was nothing wrong with my AFE - but a buddy offered to buy it off me - and I figured what the heck... I'll try the 6637 that everyone is always talking about.... Yea I don't like it! The turbo sounds good and all - but it also makes some engine noise louder too, along with a nasty sounding "drone" - and I really don't like it at ALL on a long tow/trip. So on to the AIS with the fender sleeve!! ( I also looked at the AFE stage 2 w/PG-7 - but it's just WAY too much $$$ for me)

I really don't think you can go wrong with the AIS! There are quite a few guys on FTE running them - and I believe a few of them actually swtiched from the 6637 to the AIS Best bang for your buck IMHO

 

I did just that as well. Took the old stock air box out and ran with the 6637 for a while until the droning noise drove me crazy. Then I installed an AIS filter system and love it. I can still very easily hear the turbo spool up and no more drone!

 

Every degree above ambient is another degree you are trying to remove from the intake charge air robs power and increases EGTs. Granted it may not be a big difference, but it does make a difference that is why so many spend good money to replace the aftercooler with a bigger one. Cooler, denser air simply works better.

 

I tried an AEM brute force intake on my 2000 5.4 and was seriously underimpressed; there was a perceptible power gain (I'd wager 5-10 hourse) but lost about 1.5 mpg, and pulled it out after no amount of wiggling and tweaking the location would give me more than about 1/4" clearance between the filter and something to rub upon it--which is worthless on a rig used off road as is mine. Had one bolt break under mild torque (potmetal bolts), directions were incomplete and photos so poor it was ridiculous--spend a hundred bucks at Kinkos, folks, and get some clean copies(!!); was missing 2 nylock nuts and had mismatched bolt/nut. So, it works, but crappy quality control, lousy mileage, and inevitable failure due to lack of clearance. Back to stock for me, boys....

 

I see this is your first post, welcome to FTE.
In the market for a Powerstroke? Not mine, of course, but I see that you mention owning a gas engine.

 

i saw a new thread pop up to the top of the list and i was reading the first post, and i was going to reply, and then the first reply was me. then i realized it was an old thread.

yeah this is a 7.3 topic and i see you talk about a gasser. intakes wont make as much of a difference on a sparkplugger as it will a diesel. these things really gulp air down. at the equivalent of 20,000 gallons of air per 1 gallon of fuel.