Cold Air Intake .

[average-joe]

What is the best Cold Air Intake for the 5.4L,here are some of the most common brands.Feel free add to the list.

K&N

Volant

Banks

S&B

AFE

Airaid

To be fitted on a 08 f150(gryphon will be added also) im not looking for a loud intake,noise must be at a min in the cab.
Chip in with some views...............thanks

[average-joe]

Not towing but i will carry heavy loads in the bed from time to time,sheetrock and lumber,trash, concrete,roof shingles ect ect........it's my DD and my own work truck.The loads can be extreme thats why i had the heavy duty package,transcooler,4.10 rear,uprated frame and suspension and so on.

[johnnyd]

I have a Air Force 1 on my 05 and my father-in-law has one on his 08. :thumbsup:

[MercedesTech]

When people are really set on getting a CAI, we normally recommend two:

The Air Force One 3" or the K&N 57 or 63 series. I have a question, though -- are you doing any heavy towing where you'd need to monitor your cylinder head temps?

What if we do ? Is the sensor somehow connected with the stock intake ? On both the 5.4 and the 4.6 ???

I have been thinking about going with S&B or the Volant. I like the filter INSIDE the box. Will help keep the mud and crud off it.

[average-joe]

Can anyone recommend a intake with a box ,thanks.

[svt2205]

I wouldn't recommend S&B. The first one I recieved had an air flow tube that was poorly molded. The mouting location/surface for the mass air sensor was all screwed up. S&B sent a replacement that wasn't much better. In my opinion they have poor process controls (I'm a manufacturing engineer so I know a little something about this)

When I finally "fixed" the mount so that the mass air sensor sealed on the air flow tube and installed the system. I had 3 problems. The first was the air flow tube hits the firewall. And during the thousand or so miles I put on with the CAI, my fuel mileage dropped 2 - 3 mpg per tank. No resetting of the computer, battery disconnecting, or whatever did anything to correct this. Removal and replacing the CAI with the stock air intake, my mileage returned to normal. Last issue was the annoying drone that came with the CAI.

Don't waste your money on the S&B.

[MercedesTech]

to be honest, thats the FIRST negative thing I have heard about S&B, and I have read lots of reviews.

Anyone else not happy with S&B ??

[Dixie Design]

I've got an S&B in my truck, LOVE IT! The drone bothered me at first but now I can't hear it over my exhaust :)

[OneTomcat]

:fyi: Bill can't totally tune out the drone on the S&B -- I believe it's the only one he can't get to quiet down. :covermouth:

Is tuning out the drone something that Bill does as a regular thing or is it done on request?

[Cajun]

When people are really set on getting a CAI, we normally recommend two:

Do you recommend running the stock set up over a CAI? I was wondering what if any advantage they actually produce over a stock set up with a good filter and a proper tune.

[Power Hungry]

My personal opinion... there's little advantage to running a CAI unless you are a rather aggressive driver. The average person would infrequently be in the RPM range where a CAI would actually make a difference. We've seen dyno numbers both with and without a CAI and they are often identical until you hit about 3500 RPM and then they separate to a final difference of about 8 HP.

You're probably better off just getting a good tune and if you really want to improve airflow, remove the snorkel from the fender to the flex coupling on the intake. That'll give you the same benefit without worrying about lean conditions or water-fouling your filter.

Take care.

[Cajun]

Thanks for the info Bill, I'm thinking that may be the way I go for now. I'd like to improve my truck's response and shifting, but would like to be able to go back to the dealer for service without any issues. I managed to get them to throw in all my regular service as part of the purchase deal as well as the 100,000 mile warranty and don't particularly want to get "the stink eye" from the dealer when I show up with a bunch of bolt on mods.

[kokopellimotorsports]

I have removed the snorkel on my '05 and it has seemed to help. I also do not need to worry about drone and lean conditions. :thumbsup:

[Cajun]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure that's the way I'm gonna go too. I think I'm gonna do the Gotts mod (http://www.f150online.com/forums/exhaust-intake-systems/297846-gotts-intake-pics.html), then yank the new nose off when I go to the dealer and play dumb. My snorkel is missing? Really?!?!? :yesnod:

[SinCityFX4]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure that's the way I'm gonna go too. I think I'm gonna do the Gotts mod (http://www.f150online.com/forums/exhaust-intake-systems/297846-gotts-intake-pics.html), then yank the new nose off when I go to the dealer and play dumb. My snorkel is missing? Really?!?!? :yesnod:

:hehe:

Dang snorkel gremlins:smiley_roll1:

[SinCityFX4]

All you would get is a :lookaround1: while they though about it for a sec. The look alone would be worth it.:rofl:

[average-joe]

Removed flex coupling added a K&N replacement filter.:2thumbs:

[lumpyf150]

My personal opinion... there's little advantage to running a CAI unless you are a rather aggressive driver. The average person would infrequently be in the RPM range where a CAI would actually make a difference. We've seen dyno numbers both with and without a CAI and they are often identical until you hit about 3500 RPM and then they separate to a final difference of about 8 HP.

You're probably better off just getting a good tune and if you really want to improve airflow, remove the snorkel from the fender to the flex coupling on the intake. That'll give you the same benefit without worrying about lean conditions or water-fouling your filter.

Take care.

Bill, I hope this isn't a dumb question but does the same (stock provides enough airflow) hold true for cat-back exhausts? Thanks.

[Power Hungry]

From what I've seen on the dyno, yes. Now, if going to a full dual exhaust with high flow cats, the air demands may change enough to make CAI worthwhile but it's something that we'd need to confirm on a dyno.

[kd4crs]

I'll contribute my personal experience with CAIs on the 04 and 06 F150 with the 5.4L engine. I had the 3in. AF1 on my 04 and it caused horrible drone as well as never ending check engine lights. The AF1 had to go. Next I tried the Outlaw Power intake on my 06 F150 for a couple of months and about 1,000 miles. I had no problems with it other than the intake resonance noise that it produces at certain RPMs. Unfortunately, it makes that noise constantly when towing our travel trailer so it had to go. Nice throttle response and I picked up about 1 MPG. Just couldn't put up with the noise. Some people like the noise, I didn't. Your mileage/results may vary. My personal conclusion is that after market CAIs on the NBS F150 are more trouble than they are worth. The stock intake IS a CAI and it is butt ugly but looks fine with the hood closed. The best modification I have found for it is the DWV intake mod I put together for my 04. It replaces the snorkel tip with a 3.5" piece of black ABS going into the stock fender hole for less restriction. I think Bill and I came up with this idea at about the same time so I can't claim I am the first person to think of it. It does work well and Bill has actually dynoed it and it has a gain of 7 or 8 ponies while still keeping the intake drone quiet. That and an AEM Dryflow replacement filter is what I roll with now.

Man, what a first post! I need a nap. :howdy:

[Power Hungry]

David,

Glad to have you here! :D Make yourself at home. :nap:

I think you're right... we both probably did the same mod at the same time. I never posted it because at the time I wasn't really big on the forum stuff (at least on the gassers) so you really deserve the credit for the original release of the modification.

The silly thing, as I understand it, is that you kinda got heckled for the original modification but then a year later Gotts came out with the same modification and now that's what everyone refers to it as. Unfortunately, we do too but only because I could find the DWV thread.

If you'd like, get me a write-up of the modification complete with pictures, and we'll put it in the technical section of the FAQs (which will be there soon... ;)) so people can see it. We'd like to see you get some credit for the modification as well. :2thumbs:

Take it easy.

[kd4crs]

Thank you Bill, that is very gracious of you. I will put together a write-up with some pictures and send it to you so you can look it over and make any changes or additions you see fit before posting it. The original thread on another forum caused such a controversy that it turned into a nasty argument and I requested the forum administrator to delete it for the good of the site since it wasn't doing anyone any good. Subsequently, I deleted all pictures and references to it in order to let things calm down. I think you deserve credit for the DWV intake mod, though since you actually dynoed it. :bow: Before the original thread went away more than 50 people had tried it and to the best of my knowledge nobody ever got a CEL from it or had any other problems with it.

[lumpyf150]

Thank you Bill, that is very gracious of you. I will put together a write-up with some pictures and send it to you so you can look it over and make any changes or additions you see fit before posting it. The original thread on another forum caused such a controversy that it turned into a nasty argument and I requested the forum administrator to delete it for the good of the site since it wasn't doing anyone any good. Subsequently, I deleted all pictures and references to it in order to let things calm down. I think you deserve credit for the DWV intake mod, though since you actually dynoed it. :bow: Before the original thread went away more than 50 people had tried it and to the best of my knowledge nobody ever got a CEL from it or had any other problems with it.

kd4crs,
I was fortunate enough to see your posting in that other Forum before it was deleted. Did that mod per your instructions a couple years back. Very easy and works well. Thanks.

[lumpyf150]

From what I've seen on the dyno, yes. Now, if going to a full dual exhaust with high flow cats, the air demands may change enough to make CAI worthwhile but it's something that we'd need to confirm on a dyno.

Bill,
Thanks. One last question. If stock intake provides enough airflow, does stock exhaust provide enough as well? Any need for a higher flow exhaust if you're running a stock intake? Thanks.

[Power Hungry]

We've seen some benefit to going with a Cat-Back exhaust and the popular choice has been Magnaflow SIDO setups. This setup will usually benefit a little in low and mid RPMs, not to mention it sounds really nice. For some odd reason, Flowmaster mufflers just don't seem to work well in this configuration and have a real "tinny" sound instead of the nice, deep rumble.

As for duals, the thing we've found with full dual exhaust is that it tends to hurt low RPM performance a bit but makes up for it at higher RPMs, especially with high flow cats. However, unless you're really looking for top end performance, we generally recommend avoiding this setup. We've had more than a few customers say that they've actually gone back to the SIDO setup because they didn't like the way the low RPM power felt.

I look at an exhaust change more as a way to change the tone of the exhaust and less as an overall performance modification. There are certainly some gains to be had in each configuration, you just need to decide beforehand what you're looking to achieve with your vehicle.

[lumpyf150]

We've seen some benefit to going with a Cat-Back exhaust and the popular choice has been Magnaflow SIDO setups. This setup will usually benefit a little in low and mid RPMs, not to mention it sounds really nice. For some odd reason, Flowmaster mufflers just don't seem to work well in this configuration and have a real "tinny" sound instead of the nice, deep rumble.

As for duals, the thing we've found with full dual exhaust is that it tends to hurt low RPM performance a bit but makes up for it at higher RPMs, especially with high flow cats. However, unless you're really looking for top end performance, we generally recommend avoiding this setup. We've had more than a few customers say that they've actually gone back to the SIDO setup because they didn't like the way the low RPM power felt.

I look at an exhaust change more as a way to change the tone of the exhaust and less as an overall performance modification. There are certainly some gains to be had in each configuration, you just need to decide beforehand what you're looking to achieve with your vehicle.

Thanks, Bill. I'm just looking to get a little more fun and driveability (and maybe a little better MPG) out of my truck vs. blowing people's doors off or ear-drums out. Great "every day" advice!

[Power Hungry]

I'm right there with ya! When I was in my 20's, Hooker Super Comps and Flowmasters on a 350 Small Block with a 280º Cam was the coolest thing since sliced bread. It didn't matter if I could hear the radio. Heck, half the time I didn't even have a radio!

Nowadays I'd much rather just be able to have a conversation while driving in my vehicle and getting 18-20 MPG. Man, I'm getting old. :geezer: :D

[lumpyf150]

I'm right there with ya! When I was in my 20's, Hooker Super Comps and Flowmasters on a 350 Small Block with a 280º Cam was the coolest thing since sliced bread. It didn't matter if I could hear the radio. Heck, half the time I didn't even have a radio!

Ah, the good ole days...

[chappy]

Which is the best I do not know.But I can say I have the K&N on mine and it has been good to me but it was on the truck when I bought it.Apperently it didn't give enough of an increase on fuel economy to the previous owner because he traded it in on a Chevy Cobalt :smiley_roll1: .I don't know if I would run a K&N in real dusty conditions though.I have had issues with them on my Quad letting dirt through into the carbs even with a pre filter.

[Mark_123]

Bill, I currently have the stock intake with drop in AEM filter. I don't want to do anything drastic to affect my custom tunes. I've read on some forums that the Gotts intake shouldn't be done on 2004+ models?? What's your opinion? Also, what about the Airaid Jr. Modular Intake Tube? Would the MIT cause enough difference in air flow to cause the need for re-calibration? The MIT is relatively inexpensive compared to the other CAI systems. It looks nice and clean too. Opinions anyone???:shrug:

Here's something interesting too. I took the intake tube off, and sure enough the snorkel is only 2" wide into the fender. I also noticed 6 small holes drilled into the intake tube near the snorkel. Each Helmholtz resonator had a hole drilled in the bottom as well. I'm guessing this is to assist in airflow at WOT????? I bet this is where the occasional air intake whistle comes from when starting in cold weather. The holes would seem to defeat the purpose of bringing in cold air from the fender. Hmmmmm.......

[Power Hungry]

We've been doing the "Gotts" mod on the 04+ since they came out and have had no adverse effects whatsoever. AFR is not significantly affected.

[Jackpine]

Here's something interesting too. I took the intake tube off, and sure enough the snorkel is only 2" wide into the fender. I also noticed 6 small holes drilled into the intake tube near the snorkel. Each Helmholtz resonator had a hole drilled in the bottom as well. I'm guessing this is to assist in airflow at WOT????? I bet this is where the occasional air intake whistle comes from when starting in cold weather. The holes would seem to defeat the purpose of bringing in cold air from the fender. Hmmmmm.......

Mark, I think the holes in the resonators act a bit like "shock absorbers" to dampen out the "springyness" of the air inside. It's possibly like the tuned port in a base reflex speaker enclosure.

As far as the 6 holes in the bottom of the intake, these don't make sense to me at all. We used to see a flapper door in the intake that would pull air off the exhaust manifold during cold weather to aid in cold weather starting and running, but it would close when the engine got warm. These things are always open though. You could be right about them allowing additional air in during WOT at high RPM, but it seems like an odd way to do it. Actually, the Bernoulli effect means that regardless of throttle position, air is ALWAYS being pulled in through these holes and mixed with the air coming from the fender well. Their position is not really over anything "hot" though. I wonder if they are part of the silencer system?

I've never heard the "intake whistle", but we don't get very cold here. ;)

I'm tempted to tape over the holes with aluminum tape to see what happens. :)

- Jack

[Power Hungry]

Mark, I think the holes in the resonators act a bit like "shock absorbers" to dampen out the "springyness" of the air inside. It's possibly like the tuned port in a base reflex speaker enclosure.

- Jack

I think you're spot-on there... Instead of amplifying the offending frequencies, it helps dampen them.

[KIRT]

I was wondering what kind of experiences Bill or any others have had with the volant cai?

[88Racing]

Okay for anyone looking to do an upgrade to their air intake try looking at tru-flo sealed system. It retains stock air box and gets rid of that plastic intake tube, then is replaced with a powder coated tube over to the fender. So you can use any stock filter replacement that you desire or the one it comes with. Just a thought for some of us out there whose parts bins are empty.
-Lars

[Jackpine]

Okay for anyone looking to do an upgrade to their air intake try looking at tru-flo sealed system. It retains stock air box and gets rid of that plastic intake tube, then is replaced with a powder coated tube over to the fender. So you can use any stock filter replacement that you desire or the one it comes with. Just a thought for some of us out there whose parts bins are empty.
-Lars

And, Lars, it sounds like this does not alter the stock MAF sensor enclosure in any way? I'm puzzled now that it would make your engine run poorly.

- Jack

[88Racing]

Jack,
From what I have seen in some of these installs and test drives. It is no different then the stock system except the restrictive intake tube is done away with and a different stock size filter is used. If I was following Bill's description of the "gotts" system correctly or in that system is the MAF sensor relocated also. Another thing that is note worthy is very little to no droning noise. 4.2 and 4.6 have something different in their stock intakes over the 5.4 looked like a restrictive cone shaped funnel insert. Found that in a 05 4.6 STX and forgot what year 4.2
-Lars

By the way Jack great job on the snorkle tube post!!!
Loved the pictures!
For $13?
That is kind of what I meant when I said sometimes our parts bins are empty. There are some of us at sometimes in our lives that the packaged product looks like the shure thing, but if we put our mind to it like you did we can take pride in a job well done.

[coggerwayne]

I got the K&N - works OK - only loud when I stomp on the gas otherwise no drone louder than the MBRP mufflers.
Only complaint is the fit between the box and hood - seems to me designed to seal between the top of filter box and hood but it like its not tall enough.

[austinrhea]

Has anyone tried the tru-flow system? I found them for around $130 and they look like they accomplish the same as thing the modified factory intake.

[Jackpine]

Jack,
From what I have seen in some of these installs and test drives. It is no different then the stock system except the restrictive intake tube is done away with and a different stock size filter is used. If I was following Bill's description of the "gotts" system correctly or in that system is the MAF sensor relocated also. Another thing that is note worthy is very little to no droning noise. 4.2 and 4.6 have something different in their stock intakes over the 5.4 looked like a restrictive cone shaped funnel insert. Found that in a 05 4.6 STX and forgot what year 4.2
-Lars

By the way Jack great job on the snorkle tube post!!!
Loved the pictures!
For $13?
That is kind of what I meant when I said sometimes our parts bins are empty. There are some of us at sometimes in our lives that the packaged product looks like the shure thing, but if we put our mind to it like you did we can take pride in a job well done.

Actually, Lars, the real cost is on the order of $8.00 now. It was $6 and some change for the ABS tube and you can buy 3" hose clamps for 99 cents. So, since I didn't use the coupler in the final product, I don't count its cost.

The MAF sensor's environment is not altered in any way in my truck. It sits up above the filter box very near the throttle body and, as you can see, all the modifications took place about two feet from it. I know the filter housing design is completely different on pre-2004 trucks though, so the MAF sensor location might be different too.

I took my truck out for a bit of a spin today because I installed pressure monitoring transmitters on my valve stems. I wanted to see if they upset the tire balance. (They didn't). But, I stepped on the gas pretty hard a couple of times and there's no drone.

- Jack