Hey guys, new to the forum... I just bought my 2010 FX4 about 2 weeks ago. I'm looking to do some stuff to it, and i know a CAI is a waste of money, but what about just putting in a replacement filter like k&n or afe or something? just wondering and looking for some input. thanks!

 

IMHO replacement (A/M) filters are also a waste of money and may actually be bad for your engine as they allow more fine particulates into the engine. How can the same size filter allow more air without also allowing more dirt?

Just my HO, but stick with MC.

 

Why is a CAI a waste of money...if it gives you even 1 MPG more its not a waste.

 

First of all, it's unlikely you will see a 1 mpg gain from an intake mod.

Second, even if you did how long will it take to pay for itself?

I've averaged 17.32 mpg for the first 7914 miles of my truck (purchased in June 2009).

Average cost/mile = $.1461 ($1156 in gas, 456.853 gallons or average of $2.53 per gallon)

If I change the mpg from 17.32 to 18.32, average cost/mile = $.1381

How many miles to pay for a $200 intake? Over 25,000. Even if gas prices double to $5.06 per gallon, it will take over 12,500 miles to pay for it.

 

Sooo ... Mine is paid for now..and I have alot better throttle response too. BTW...love your math...do you teach ??

 

Thanks! I majored in EE with math minor. Only teaching I get to do is my two sons.

Do you have undisputable proof (gas receipts and mileage logs before and after the intake install) of the MPG gain? I ask because all the user posts I've ever seen state they saw NO increase in MPG.

I also have concerns with the extra dirt that A/M intake filters pass to the engine.

 

Every CAI I have seen comes with a DYNO test results that shows HP and Gas Gains...why else would all the tuners take a CAI into consideration when writing their software.

 

I'm with the shotgunner on this.

I wonder why, if there were any measurable MPG gains with these things, that the manufacturers do not claim such in their ads.

The answer is that they do not claim MPG gains in their ads.

The reason is because there are none. Thanks

 

OK..

 

Dyno tests? Maybe. But most of the manufacturer dyno testing is done with the hood up (unrealistic scenario). Look at the dyno tests for the 09 5.4L (posted on this site). You can achieve the same results by removing the stock snorkel.

MPG gains? I'd love to see a link to a manufacturer's website where they 1) claim (absolutely) the intake will improve MPG and by how much and 2) money-back guarantee if it doesn't.

You will only see a MPG gain if the intake allows more NEEDED air into the engine for the given engine load. Having 1, 2, or even 10x the amount of needed air does nothing for MPG. The issue is maximizing the AFR.

One last thought to ponder; do you really think Ford wouldn't spend $200 per vehicle to gain 1 MPG or 15 hp?