Ok so I am looking for either a CAI or a Drop in air filter such as a K&N.


My last 2 vehicles I have switched to a drop in K&N filter and liked it, it gave me slightly better gas milage and just seemed to run slightly smoother. And of coarse you can clean and reuse it.


My driving is mainly highway. Give me some opinions what is better. Hopefully some feedback on experience with both.


I am sorry if there was a thread on this somewhere but I couldn't find one. I have been on this forum reading posts almost a couple hours a day, I am learning a lot (and getting lots of ideas on mods) and Admiring mods people have done to there trucks.


Thanks

 

You'll definitely have to tell us what motor you're running.. Believe it or not, some engines love CAIs and others don't.

 

Sorry.


2012 xlt screw with 3.5 eco.


Thanks

 

Big difference between a CAI and replaceing your stock filter with a reusable K&N.. A CAI your replaceing your whole Air intake system ...not just a filter. Not sure what you want to achieve ...

 

I have a K&N63 CIA and like it. Very minimal fuel savings, HP barely noticeable, but love the sound. dont know how much of a difference it makes on the 3.5 though.

 

I am not sure the differences on the eco motors, however I do know the 5.4 motors more or less have a cold air from the factory once you remove the snorkel.

 

ALL 2009+ F-150s have CAI from the assembly line no matter which engine. *Air is drawn-in from behind the LH wheel well splash shield.

Removing the snorkel (valid for 5.4L, 4.6L 2V, 4.6L 3V) only increases the growl. *The snorkel for the 3.5L EcoBoost, 5.0L, 6.2L is LARGE and removal is unnecessary).
.

 

OEM, stock .....

• already CAI.
  .
• CFM exceeds engine requirements/needs. *UNLESS über engine modifications are done.
  .
• no contaminating the MAF sensor with oil. *Which reduces performance and MPG.
  .
• there are NO performance and/or MPG gains with aftermarket air intake systems. *If you're looking for performance and/or possible MPG gains, put your $$$$$ towards a tuner+tune(s).

Otherwise - Get an aftermarket air intake ...

• for the engine bay cosmetics.
  .
• for the increase in growl.
  
  Do it for any other reason and you're wasting your $$$$$

• increases the likelihood of oil contaminating the MAF sensor. *Over time even minute oil contamination decreases power and MPG. When it's REALLY EXCESSIVE it will be intuitively obvious.
  .
• any increase in CFM comes at the expense of filtration.
  .
• cleaning is a PITA. *And, Yes, I've done it on MAS equipped vehicles.
  .
• Motorcraft, OEM air filters ...
  • meets|exceeds engine air intake CFM requirements.
  • good for 30,000+ miles (depending upon conditions).
  • ABSOLUTELY NO possibility of MAF sensor oil contamination.
  • dispose and replace maintenance.

 

so.... niether