Richyrich95

Hello, I have read some of the older forums and still havent had my question answered. I have a 2014 F150 Supercrew with a 5.0 V* engine with custom dual exhaust. If I were to add a CAI such as K&N or another well known would it increase performance in my truck enough to notice it or is it even worth getting?

LuckyDucker

I basically have the same set up, except with a Magnaflow exhaust with stock pipes and resonator. I have the K&N CAI and honestly, I can't really tell a difference in performance, but I run (basically) 35's and only drive 6 miles to work (under 50mph). My speedo is off because I haven't tuned it to reset it, so I don't know my actual MPG. I will say there's a noticeable sound difference when accelerating; it's throatier (is that a word) and louder. When I researched the CAI there were claims of performance improvements, but I haven't seen it in my daily driving, honestly. But, hunting season is coming, so I'll be taking longer trips. So, we'll see then.

Also, I have an Amerihood ram air hood that forces outside air into the CAI box. If I had a stock hood, I probably wouldn't have considered a CAI, in all honesty. I'm still debating on going back to the stock filter box. Just my $.02...

188thFX4

This has been debated before, some people say its well worth the money, some say its a waste. Technically, your F150 already has "cold air intake" as the snorkel that feeds the air box is pulling air from outside the engine bay.. where many of the "cold air intake kits" sold actually pull air from inside the engine bay... thus being Warm air intakes.. I'm sure there are some gains to be had with a tuner, but are they worth $300-400? Thats only a question you can answer, as everyone has a different basis of the value of a hard earned dollar. And if you look at stock dyno charts vs charts with intake.. the gains can be marginal, obviously when they say "20hp gains!" they are taking a snapshot of 200-300 rpm range where the hp spiked and technically can be called a 20hp gain.. So far the consensus has been the most gains your going to get are in sound and not actual hp. I still toy with the idea of getting an intake and having my tunes adjusted.. but to me $300-400 can be used on better things in life than my work truck.. some people can blow 300-400 on a trip to the casino and never bat an eye. Comes down to what your comfortable spending money on for arguable gains I guess.
I know that wasn't a direct answer, but hopefully helped in one way or another.

JoeBlack13

188thFX4 is pretty much spot on with their assessment. A CAI really is just for sound and a minimal performance improvement. I found one for the 5.0L on Amazon for around $100 (stainless steel not plastic) which was just fine with me. I highly doubt there is a measurable difference between my cheap one and a $400 one, besides build quality.

That being said, the sound improvement when i get on the throttle makes it worth it even if I did spend more money. To put it in perspective this video was pretty accurate and helped me make a decision to get one:

gDMJoe

Regarding aftermarket air intake systems ...

Do it for the increased growl.

Do it for the engine bay cosmetics.

Do it for ANY other reason and you're wasting your $$$$$

.

billsr

I had a CAI on my truck and towed our 27 ft. Travel Trailer up to the Upper Peninsula for a weeks trip. It was noisy and irritating when I had to accelerate towing the trailer. When I got home, I took off the CAI and re-installed the OEM air intake. Much quieter now when towing and I'm much happier.