Ok after thinking about this for a while, I finally got the motivation to do this after plotting it out in my head. Ive made a cold air/ram intake by removing the battery box cover and bridging the air flow openings with some sheet metal, forming it so it fits perfectly in the path and seals the tunnel. The opening leads to the front grille behind a plastic plate. Cutting a hole in it where the opening is allows fresh, cold air directly from the open grille, through the battery box and into the filter box. I used aluminum tape to form up the opening in the grille and painted it black (a little red-necky i know, but couldnt think of anything else). Also sealing the tin box I made with tape to make it mostly leak free. Anyway with a K&N filter, this alone brought me 2 additional mpg. Lemme hear some thoughts, good or bad. Anyone foresee problems? Just curious about other input. Seems good so far tho! Pics below

 

ps - don't mind the bugs. thats only 2 days worth here in FL! lol

 

I can't see that you gained anything by doing that. The stock draws cold air from the same place. As far as the K&N I wouldn't use it and would throw it in the trash. Here is one thread about it: https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...n-filters.html

 

why not just go all the way like this genedad that'll get some air in there

 

Wow Gene mutilated that grill. I don't know if he even still has that truck. Steve what kind of K&N do you have? I assume one of the cone ones. I've used the k&n drop in's on other vehicle but people don't seem to recommend them on our trucks.

 

TD- i had no idea about the K&N issue, believe me i'll be looking to the amsoil filters or something better than the k&n. As for the intake, I don't know how much dust and soot was leaking into the air stream through the battery box but I noticed a good amount in the filter box and on the filter. so i wanted to seal it up more. By cutting away some of the grille shroud it lets more air forced in when driving. I don't actually know if it does have an affect or not, seems logical in my head tho. lol

As for genedad's idea, yea im not sure id go that far since it is still visible from the front. good initiative tho! lol

 

Are you talking about the ais set-up? That is a great way to go. If you do a search for air intake that will give you a ton of info. You are probably getting more air flow with your setup but just don't want to dust the turbo/engine.

 

My truck came with a K&N cai and a K&N cone filter. I kept the CAI tube and hung a 6637 on the end of it. Worked great.

 

Gotta give you an A for effort and it prolly does flow a little bit better but like Grant and Steve said, go all the way and ditch that stock setup, expecially the K-N and get a 6637 or a nice cold air setup guys recommend here. More airflow is good but proper filtration is golden. Not baggin yaa, nice custom job but your truck will thank you..