Whats the deal with these power elbows do they make a difference, they say it reduces EGT's better MPG's, Better response. If they make a difference is there some better than others or what should I look for in puchasing one. Thanks!

 

There have been MANY posts on this topic for the two years I have been on these Forums. I do not believe I have seen anyone with a definite answer on this. From what I have read, most seem to feel that IF they do help performance, it is not easily measured.

They certainly do not hurt AND they provide a good location for a boost pressure sensor but I personally think there are better mods for the $$ spent.

 

A coolant filter would be one of them. Cheaper, shouldn't affect warranty and pays back with lower maintenance of cooling and egr systems.

 

Try this article.

http://www.musclemustangfastfords.co...bow/index.html

 

This is the first time I have seen a quantitative analysis of improvements from the power elbow. Thanks for the link Tex.

A 9 hp increase is about a 3% improvement over stock. A 1 mpg increase in fuel economy is at least twice that. I have a hard time believing that the 1-2 mpg increase is possible. That being said, if as little as a 0.5 mpg increase could be obtained, it would come close to paying for the mod in a year and a half or so.

First hand testimonies would be great to hear (and data would be even better).

Maybe I will reconsider the priority of this ?????

 

thinking of getting one but not soon b/c not enought testimonies about if they work/improve anything. but will eventually get something.

 

Ok. I'll speak up since I did this mod almost a year ago. Keep in mind those hp/torque improvement numbers in the article are at the rear wheels vice the flywheel and aren't too shabby for such a small change. As far as the mileage improvement numbers in the article, I'm not sure I buy those. Those are some pretty big numbers for such a small change and I can't say that I experienced that type of gain.

However, what I noticed is that after the mod my engine seemed to "breath" easier as the tone of the motor seemed to increase and it seemed to be more responsive to throttle input. I know that's very subjective and could be more wishful thinking than reality, but you asked for my take so I'm putting it out there. Take it for what it's worth.

Additionally, I live out the country and when I pull out on the road first thing in the morning I always accelerate slowly to give the engine a chance to warm up before I accelerate hard and place strain on the engine. I keep the rpm at 2000 max and boost at 10 lbs max. I do this every time. Several hundred feet down the road from where I pull out is a very poor patch repair that is extremely rough. I always noted that I was hitting just over 50 mph (maybe 51 or 52) when I hit this spot before the mod. After the mod and following the same practice except I noted the boost was just under 10 lb (maybe 8 or 9 lbs) at the same throttle input, I was hitting just shy of 55 mph (probably around 54) when I got to the same spot in the road. As indicated, I also noted less boost at the same throttle input, which indicates to me there is less intake back pressure.

As far as mileage, I noted a 0.2 - 0.3 mpg improvement after the mod based on my mileage log. However, IMO this small a change could be the result of the mod or numerous other variables. As a result, I'm hesitant to tag the increase to the mod alone.

With this said, would I do the mod again? Most definitely.

 

Powerstroke_wannabe:

Good write-up and very objective. A performance gain and a few tenths mpg increase is believable and makes it worth considering.

I try not to be pessimistic but after awhile it is very easy to be skeptical on all these mileage claims. Your post is the kind that has credibility.

 

This is probably one of the cheapest places for the accufab power elbow:

http://www.rpmoutlet.com/diaafe2.htm

 

the main reason i'm considering an elbow is just to have somewhere to mount sensors as well as water/meth or nos nozzles..

although i will probably just end up making my own anyway

 

For the initial cost of these elbows, lowest chances of hurting the engine and the return in HP, I rate this as a "must do" just like the coolant filter or oil bypass filter.

 

Okay now that it seems to make a difference, There are a few companies making these elbows, Banks, Accufab,...etc. Some have large/ small openings, Forgive me when I say this but, is bigger better or does it go by mods and HP?

 

I have the Banks on mine. It had all the stuff on it when I bought it. It is more responsive than my 04 was. I have not driven it enough to get a good hand calculated fuel mileage to make a good comparision. I love this truck more than my 04 though.

Sarge

 

i agree with lowest chance of hurting the engine, but cost is a tad high for the return you get, and as far as HP the verdict is still out as to whether it evens makes a measurable gain at all..

 

in regards to the CFM + , the bigmouth version offers 3 pretapped ports vs. the small mouth which offers only 1.. not sure if the opening itself is larger though.