I was looking for suggestions on what to buy. I have an Edge programmer and was thinking of buying either a bull bar or a CAI. Is ther anything else I should be considering. I have a 2005 Lariat 4x4.

 

If I had a spare $300 I would probably buy a CAI. Volant makes a really nice set up, also here is write up on it: How-to: Volant CAI install

 

I would take the money and use it to convert your Edge to a Gryphon with custom tunes. Then with the money you still have left save it for gas!

 

Can they convert the Edge or do you start over with a new tuner. I like thier location, I live in Braselton about 15 mins away.

 

If you do an online search for “air filter test” there is a lot of very good information. IMHO, the CAI units are NOT WORTH THE $$! Unless you are talking about a system that was specifically designed for a specific application there are very little hp/tq gains actually achieved in a street use vehicle and there are very few docs that these mfg’s can produce that actually show an increase in hp/tq in the power-band range of a relatively stock street vehicle.

I would avoid oil impregnated filters. While they have their purpose in off-road applications, Ford/GM/Dodge all have “watch-out” bulletins where the oil has contaminated intake sensors. - they even have a training video for the tech's on this (flatratetech.com) .

If you look at the flow data, WIX HP filters flow 98+% of K&N and have a much smoother flow post filter plus excellent filtering, for a fraction of the price! The OE’s have an excellent air intake system. What many view as an issue (is the plastic intake tube with it’s noise canceling design) actually increases air pressure. It is the same hydraulic concept used by fire fighters creating water supply where psi is low. By having the air cross the path at a 90 degree angle, the pressure is increased proportionally. Fire fighters use what is called a “4-way valve” or “Blake Valve” at the hydrant where the water is cycled through the fire engine (pump) and sent back into the valve crossing the water flow at a 90 degree angle. In this case it also acts as a sound canceling device! At low speeds, this can reduce the flow a tad (which is what most “feel”), but in terms of peak hp/tq, a good high flow filter is all that is needed. You can use a WIX OEM HP replacement filter in the OEM plastic manifold box and either remove the plastic tube and replace it with a piece of pipe/hose, etc or remove the tube completely and replace the tube by building an air ram type intake into the air box manifold (where the pipe use to attach)- make sure ti terminates above the fan shroud to avoid water intake or fan induced pulsations.

 

The last $300 (actually a bit less), I spent was on a powered sub woofer from Crutchfield. Mounted it to the back wall of my XLT, one wire to 12v, one wire to rear speaker and WOW!. What a difference to my radio! The CAI I have didnt make a lot of difference in performance that I could tell, but if you like the sound of a wide open 4bbl at full throttle, you'll want one. The Magnaflow didnt hurt the sound of this truck either. So, more noise out the back?, or more noise in the cab?

 

Yes, just fill out a order form for the custom tunes you want and they will convert your edge.

 

Yes.....save your money if you're considering a CAI......

Instead....stick it in your 401K and in 20 years that 300 bucks will be 10,000.....

LOL