you know it all....you're right, Rousch knows nothing about performance...
https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/...ect_Truck.html

wonder why they installed one?

 

And what kind of mileage improvements are they worth? More complete combustion is not the issue here. The issue is that there is a ton more air available to combust. Whether it combusts more or less completely is not of much concern.

When someone installs a mod, it has been my experience that they almost always get exactly what they expect. That applies to every vehicle, not just the F-series. An owner wants more power, so they install an exhaust and intake. It's louder and they want more power, so they perceive louder as more power. They will sweat it gained 30 hp even though the dyno and the track disagree. They also typically expect a loss of mileage, which they get because they now have their foot in it all the time to hear their new mods. When someone adds something for mileage, they almost always adjust their driving habits to arrive at that end whether the parts did anything for them or not. These are just my observations after installing mods on a few hundred cars and trucks the last several years.

I think K&N filters are a waste for the most part. I've never seen any substantial gain on the dyno from any kind of high flow filter except on artificially aspirated engines. IIRC, it was worth 1 hp on my wifes SS, and that was with an aftermarket airbox lid on it. I also have fond memories of all the dirt and dust that goes right by a K&N filter without even slowing down.

The manufacturers figured out in the mid-90's that more efficient intake and exhaust systems allowed them to make more power and better mileage without a emmissions penalty. As a result, modern intake and exhaust systems are very efficient and there really isn't much to be gained unless you have substantial modifications already in place.

 

What would compliment a CAI mod? I have heard of programmers + exhaust...but that is old news.

The only thing my CIA did was make my engine bay a little prettier.

 

A blower. If you did a full performance engine build including ported heads, hotter cams, headers, etc. The CAI would probably be worthwhile. I don't know at what point it becomes a restriction, but I doubt you could completely overwhelm the stock intake system with bolt on mods.

 

ive put them on my vehicles before and ive only ever gotten a couple mpg better in cold weather ive noticed they have always ran better