CAI causing mileage loss?
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Freshman User
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From: Northeast Nebraska
CAI causing mileage loss?
I installed a Volant CAI on my 05 5.4L last night because I am planning on getting a programmer in the near future. I had just filled up with fuel on Sunday afternoon and reset the odometer. After installing the CAI, I went and took it on a test drive. Typically, I can drive about 50 miles before the fuel gauge even thinks about budging off of Full. I have about 30 miles on this trip and I'm already half way down to a quarter tank. It may be a little early to be making any judgments, but I was just curious if any one noticed a drop in mileage with this kit? Could the MAF be acting up? The truck seems to run fine, and doesn't feel like it is running rich at all. I'll put a few more miles on her and keep everyone posted.
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Joined: Apr 2009
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From: Houston
Did you reset the computer by disconnecting the battery while you installed the kit? More air does mean the computer will feed you more fuel to keep the mix balanced.
Have you been doing a lot of WOT to test the CAI?
Do you have a locking gas cap?
Usual station for this tank of gas?
Have you been doing a lot of WOT to test the CAI?
Do you have a locking gas cap?
Usual station for this tank of gas?
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Freshman User
Joined: Jan 2006
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From: Northeast Nebraska
I did disconnect the battery, but I didn't do it until I had the old intake pulled off. I thought that may have screwed with it a little, but I figured it would reset itself anyway.
I wasn't testing it all that hard, maybe a little more than normal, but it's a pretty significant difference. Like I said, I want to get a few more miles on her until I really make any opinions on it. I do not have a locking gas cap, and yes it was the same station I always go to. I was just curious if any one else had this happen.
I wasn't testing it all that hard, maybe a little more than normal, but it's a pretty significant difference. Like I said, I want to get a few more miles on her until I really make any opinions on it. I do not have a locking gas cap, and yes it was the same station I always go to. I was just curious if any one else had this happen.
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Cypress, TX
I would give it a hundred miles or so and let the computer learn the new settings. Also, keep you foot out of the throttle and you will see a little increase, mostly what you get with an intake is better throttle response and deeper exhaust tone, maybe a 1 or 2 mpg increase.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
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From: SE Georgia
when you disconnect the battery for >30 minutes, it kills the PCM "custom" parameters.
it takes a certain # of key on/off cycles before your PCM relearns the "custom" parameters. During this period, the PCM is operating off the default Ford values...which aren't exactly ideal
in addition, your tranny has an adaptive shift strategy, and the PCM must relearn that as well.
I'd give the truck at least 200-300 miles. Then consider checking MPG's.
oh yeah, how you liking your Volant? I really miss my old one
it takes a certain # of key on/off cycles before your PCM relearns the "custom" parameters. During this period, the PCM is operating off the default Ford values...which aren't exactly ideal
in addition, your tranny has an adaptive shift strategy, and the PCM must relearn that as well.
I'd give the truck at least 200-300 miles. Then consider checking MPG's.
oh yeah, how you liking your Volant? I really miss my old one
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2008
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From: Sunny, Snowy, CO
If you're getting more air, then the computer is going to say "more fuel", won't it? I'm asking since people who have them SWEAR they get ludicrous amounts of power out of them. Air won't give you more power, but more fuel AND air might.
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I thought that CAI may lend to a lean condition, which will provide best power but does come with a price.
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Sick 'n Tired
Joined: May 2006
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From: League City, TX
As was said, the 'puter needs to be reset then needs time to relearn. Disconnect the battery again, depress the brake pedal for about 30 seconds then leave it unhooked for 30min.
You won't get better gas mileage with a CAI...Ever. You will like the sound and get worse gas mileage...Always.
You won't get better gas mileage with a CAI...Ever. You will like the sound and get worse gas mileage...Always.
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Posting Guru
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From: Sunny, Snowy, CO
Ouch...never thought about that one. Possible though.
MMNC (SS)(Ret)
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 11,604
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From: SE Georgia
the OP does have a 2005 model...the 04/05's had a more strict PCM fuel strategy compared to the 06-08's. Less margin for error...luckily the Volant redesign has already taken this into account so they usually don't get CEL's
at a certain point yes. but the only CAI on the market you have to worry about is the AF1 3.5"...or a cheap Chinese knock-off
99% of the reputable CAI's for these trucks only affect the A/F by about maybe .5...and with the factory programming being about a 12:1. There is plenty of room for error.
a CAI will increase the air flow, but unless you do the PCM tuning, it really doesn't affect the A/F ratio. Just adds some underhood noise
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Freshman User
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From: Northeast Nebraska
I like it so far. Sounds real good with my exhaust, and it seems like the throttle response is a little snappier. Not much, though. The main reason I got it is because I will be going with a programmer soon, but wanted to do this first to see the benefits of each step (exhaust, CAI, programmer).
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Culleoka TN
When I got my superchips it picked up my truck more than my cai or exhaust ever thought about. I think you need a programmer to really notice the benefits of exhaust or a cai. I think if I would have done it the opposite way programmer then cai and exhaust I would have noticed them more. I did pick up about 2 mpg's after I lost the thrill of it and kept my foot out of the gas and drove normal again. I picked up about 1-2 mpg's after the programmer as well.
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From: nevada
With the pedal to the floor and hitting a lower gear, mine really howls, like a big ol 4bbl on a big block. Wish it was a little quieter. But while garage cleaning awhile back, I finally tossed the stock intake system. It took up a whole corner, and it IS easier to change the oil filter now...