Hello,

I just got a great deal on an AEM Brute Force intake from Summit racing this past weekend. I installed it on a 2004 FX4 screw with the 5.4l. The install directions said it would take 1.5hrs to install, when in all actually, if you have some mechanical ability, it is only about 30 min. I noticed that I have some wide open or even half open throttle hesitation. Is this typical with intake systems on these trucks? Or will the ecm learn the new values and the hesitation will soon go away? Thanks, Matt

 

Did you remove the negative battery cable prior to starting after the mod? If not try that and see if it rectifies the problem

 

+1 on the battery

you must unplug it for at least 30 minutes

this allows the ECM to lose all of it's learned running characteristics. then the PCM can relearn with the new air flow readings from the CAI.

 

+2 on the battery disconnect, but it could also be the throttle-by-wire B.S. that causes that little hesitation in all our trucks. Could just feel more pronounced in yours now that it's breathing better. How I long for throttle linkage! LOL!!

 

I was that way for a while. My Mustang had the cable throttle. It was downright annoying to switch between vehicles.

but now that both of my vehicles have the e-throttle, I don't really notice it anymore.

 

I disconnected the battery during the install. I think it's getting better since I have been driving it. The e-throttle could also be adding to the effect.

 

Just an update. It seems as though I have lost power from idle up. When I had the stock set-up, I barely pushed on the pedal and I was off with great power. I make the engine more efficient with the intake, and I get this dragging *** feeling. I drove my brother-in-law's 2004 f150 and it seemed as though it has more power stock than mine. It has great response of idle. I am confused and looking for suggestions. This intake may end up on ebay if I don't see some improvement.

 

It might need a custom tune? maybe you call AEM and ask them what to do?

 

The new intake should flow more air than the OE intake, but that does not mean it is necessarily better at filling the cylinders at low flow/low rpm operation.

It seems a bit odd that it feels that bad though. Does it have any rough spots or other indications that it may be running lean? I'm wondering if you may have a small leak after the MAF sensor.

 

Sounds like the new intake reduced intake velocity. Folks need to understand that intake velocity for our trucks is much more important than the actual amount of air for low-mid RPM power characteristics. For one, the engine can only ingest a certain amount.

If the intake tubing is much larger than stock then I would presume that is what happened. Bet you have improved high RPM power though.

 

a tuner will take care of you throttle issues and more power obviously, otherwise there are updated flash programs for them through the dealer

 

Ah, now people are starting to think about why Ford designed it like they did....

I'm in the vast, vast minority here, when I say "if it ain't broke, DON'T FIX IT!!!"

EVERYTHING you do to your truck has consequences....both good and bad....

 

Ive read that CAIs really dont help much. But I opened up the snorkel on my intake from 2" to 3" and it REALLY helped. Thats by my SEAt of Pants feelings.

 

I couldn't agree more...

 

The intake tubing is signifigantly larger but it starts out larger at the filter and steps down at the second section that attaches to the throttle body. Those caracteristics "stepping down" usually increase the velocity. I wanted power all over, which probably asking for too much, but I really wanted to keep the low end torque. But keep the discussion going. This could be a vital lesson.