1. Disconnect the negitave cable (this will reset the computer to adjust for any increase in air flow which may result from this modification). You will need a 8mm wrench for this.

2. Remove the throttle body cover by removing the three 10mm bolts. (One on passenger side and two on the drivers side of throttle body. Drivers side seen here)
3. Loosen the clamp holding the silencer assembly to the throttle body.

4. Remove the silencer assembly from the throttle body and then remove the two vacuum lines from the silencer assembly near the throttle body (the 2 tubes just below & to the right of the clamp in the above photo)

5. Loosen the clamp holding the silencer assembly to the air box and remove the the silencer assembly.
6. Rotate the silencer assembly so as to expose the intake air sensor and unplug the sensor.
7. the entire silencer assembly can now be removed from the engine compartment.

8. Remove the AB flex connector from the silencer assembly by CAREFULLY inserting a long, thin blade screwdriver between the flex connector and the silencer assembly and carefully separating the two. (Caution should be taken during this step to ensure that the screw driver does not penetrate the rubber flex connector and the mechanics skin!!). This part of the process will take the longest, as the bond is quite good!
9. Using a Dremel tool with a standard cutting wheel, carefully make a cut inside the silencer assembly at the larger end. Be careful not to cut to deep or you may cut the outer housing. (See notes at end of article)
10. Make a second cut around the silencer to facilitate the removal of the silencer.
11. Carefully remove the silencer by grasping and twisting slightly to break the bond of the silencer at the small end. The silencer should just slip out.
12. Using the Dremel tool and a sanding barrel, lightly sand the cut on the modified silencer assembly.

13. Make sure to blow out the assembly to remove any cuttings which may enter the combustion chamber.

14. Apply a coating of black weather strip adhesive to both the inside of the flex connector and the modified assembly and reassemble.

Installation of the modified silencer assembly is the reverse of the above directions. Make sure the intake air temperature sensor is reconnected as well as the vacuum hoses and battery.

Webmaster's note: I performed this without using a Dremel tool. I simply pried and twisted the inner silencer with a pair of needle nose pliers. I have also had one report that you DO NOT need to remove the flexible part of the unit, but rather just need to cut it out from the end shown above.



i did this mod and it was fairly easy and it is well worth it

disclaimer: i did not write this article...i simply wanted to share it with everyone.

 

year/engine need to be added...nice find tho

 

or just add a CAI and not only get rid of the silencer but pick up a few extra ponies in the process

 

the article didnt state the year...but it worked on my 03 5.4l...if you have the elbow like in the article i am sure you have a silencer

and spend $300 in the process...this mod in cobination with the snorkel mod will act like a cai and is basically free

 

Okay so....I know this might sounds stupid but I'm still new to all this stuff. Can someone please explain to me what an air silencer is? How it works? And how removing it and adding a "snorkel" mod is the same as a CAI?

 

The air silencer is like a muffler for the air intake. There are baffles to quiet the intake of the air but it restricts air flow in. Just like a muffler quiets the exhaust but is restrictive for exhaust flow out. A snorkel is an extension of the air intake and is usually installed high on the truck for deep water crossings. It prevents water from being drawn into the intake and since it isn't located under the hood it draws in cool outside air. It is totally sealed to the air intake so there are no leaks for water to come in. So removing the restriction and drawing in cool outside air acts like a CAI.

 

Thanks!!

 

yes that is what a snorkel is normally referred to as...but on the 97-03(maybe other years too) there is a tube between the air box and the fender well that some people refer to as a "snorkel"

 

I found a polished aluminum snorkle replacement for $16 on eBay. Works like a charm.

 

what years and engines are these silencers on? ihave a 99 with the 5.4 and just tore my air duct out and didnt find anything abnormal.

Thanks,
Shawn