Cai
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Cai
Living in upstate NY we have some bad winters. Will I need to look at only enclosed CAI systems with the slush that we get in the winter times?
Also I have narrowed my choices down to AF1 3", Volant, or Outlaw.
How is the noise level of each? All are pretty much the same price, but have read good and bad from all. Seeing all the posts on CAI it is hard to determine which is the best for these trucks.
Is there a noticeable difference between any of them or are they so minor its just flip a coin and buy that one.
Also I have narrowed my choices down to AF1 3", Volant, or Outlaw.
How is the noise level of each? All are pretty much the same price, but have read good and bad from all. Seeing all the posts on CAI it is hard to determine which is the best for these trucks.
Is there a noticeable difference between any of them or are they so minor its just flip a coin and buy that one.
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From: MA
I say this all the time, and it falls on deaf ears (yes, I realize I am in the minority)... but why do you want to upgrade? Ford has spent a lot of time and money designing their intake. Not only does it provide superior filtration, but it also is a cold air "style" right from the factory!
5th Wheeling
Joined: Apr 2007
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The stock intake doesn't flow as much or make as much HP as the aftermarket intakes. Plus, the stock one looks like a part that might have fallen off the Millennium Falcon or something 
Seriously, I just got the AF1 and think it is great. You should not have to worry about slush getting up in it. It sits up there pretty high. Just don't go through water deeper than your hood.
Seriously, I just got the AF1 and think it is great. You should not have to worry about slush getting up in it. It sits up there pretty high. Just don't go through water deeper than your hood.
Last edited by alfack; Jun 1, 2007 at 11:58 PM.
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From: MA
The stock unit will flow more air than the engine will ever use... so whether you accomplish this feat with a 4" pipe, or a 12" water main.... the engine will only use so much! You can't force more in without a supercharger or turbo, so the extra flow is never utilized.
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Originally Posted by WheelMA1
The stock unit will flow more air than the engine will ever use... so whether you accomplish this feat with a 4" pipe, or a 12" water main.... the engine will only use so much! You can't force more in without a supercharger or turbo, so the extra flow is never utilized.
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From: Texas
Originally Posted by Cuisinart
Then how do you explain the increases in torque and horsepower than come with the CAI kits? Many of the manufacturer's websites show substantial increase from dyno runs (outlaw power for example).
I'm a little skeptical. I know the aftermarket intakes will make more noise. But more power? I seriously doubt you get much power increase. Why would Ford pass up on so much free power?
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From: MA
Well simply an increase in air, will not net you power. You must maintain the stoichiometric balance. How do you do that? Add more gas. Its all an interplay.
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From: Texas
I would buy a CAI if they truely make more power. I installed a CAI in my 1996 Mustang GT....I truely couldn't tell much of a power increase.
If your truck is stock....a CAI by itself is not going to make much of a difference, except for more intake noise.
Exhaust and a CAI....will probably be good for ~ 15 to 20hp total...mostly in the upper rpm band (3000 rpm+)
If your truck is stock....a CAI by itself is not going to make much of a difference, except for more intake noise.
Exhaust and a CAI....will probably be good for ~ 15 to 20hp total...mostly in the upper rpm band (3000 rpm+)
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From: Fuquay Varina,NC
On an early volant intake we dynoed an 18hp gain at about 3500 rpm before we had to cut the run because it got a little too lean. The new volants wont have this lean condition. But the intakes DO make power on the 5.4, there is no doubt about that.
The Volant is always my favorite. I have sold MANY MANY kits without one complaint. I have recieved many complaints on the build quality of the AF1 kits and no longer sell them. We offer Outlaw intakes on our site but have not sold any. They make large claims but then again so do all of the intake manufacturers. I would stick with Volant. They are a good company that I know for a fact puts a LOT of engineering into their parts, and Ive sold enough of them to know that real world testing has shown the quality.
The Volant is always my favorite. I have sold MANY MANY kits without one complaint. I have recieved many complaints on the build quality of the AF1 kits and no longer sell them. We offer Outlaw intakes on our site but have not sold any. They make large claims but then again so do all of the intake manufacturers. I would stick with Volant. They are a good company that I know for a fact puts a LOT of engineering into their parts, and Ive sold enough of them to know that real world testing has shown the quality.