So I have been searching around for a good CAI for my 88 F-150 w the 5.0 engine.
I haven't really been too impressed with the ones I have found. I was wondering if someone could make a suggestion. I would like to hear about personal experiences, and if they showed any noticeable hp or mpg gain.

http://carphotos.cardomain.com/ride_...0044_large.jpg

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...something.html Read here for posting pics.

 

The factory airbox has been proven to be quite effective. No reason to waste money on an inferior aftermarket hot-air intake. Use a good quality air filter element, paper works just fine!

Some, including myself, have swapped in the air intake tube from a I6 or 7.5L engine. That tube pulls in air from directly behind the grille instead of the snorkel that runs up between the radiator support and hood on the 5.0/5.8L equipped trucks. Can't say I notice that much of a difference, but in theory the engine should be pulling in cooler air with less restriction.

 

Been there with a CAI, waste of Cash !!!

 

I agree with whats already been said CAI KN etc are a waste of money. I had the KN FIPK and it is a POS. It did not seal up at the throttle body well at all. My friends was the same way. They also just suck in hot air. They offer no gains except worse fuel economy and loss of power. I run the stock air box etc with the I6/460 tube.

More advice: Stay away from chips and throttle body spacers as well as any other snake oil like the Tornado LOL...

 

Lol Texas, remember the Turbonator?

 

You mean that stupid thing that was supposed to spiral the air flow like the Tornado? Man that stuff is total BS. LOL...

 

Ya those throttle body spacers and tornados are a joke. I did a little research on them. in order for a tbs to do anything, it would have to be 6 feet long.

 

I never knew that. Where did you hear or read that?

 

Can't remember, I just googled "do throttle body spacers work"

 

TB spacers actually do work on carb or throttlebody injection systems, both these are considered wet intakes because fuel is mixed with air in the plenum and adding a spacer increases plenum volume and in some cases adds a swirling motion to the air.. both of which help keep fuel in suspension.
But on the tuned runner multipoint EFI systems on our trucks the TB is at the opposite end of 16" long runners from the injectors so the intake is considered dry and adding a relaively small volume to the plenum or adding swirl to the air with a TB spacer accomplishes absolutely nothing.

 

One thing that will help is a heat spacer that goes between the upper & lower intake that keeps the upper intake cooler , dos't transfer heat from the lower manafold ...Lew