I did read the posts... A couple times in fact. I am not a mechanic and I know next to nothing about what's under the hood other than how to change the oil and add some fluids. Oh and I can change a battery. I've never been good at that stuff, nor have I enjoyed doing it. When I want or need something done, I take it to dealer/mechanic. Now, adding accessories and such... ya I can do that and I do enjoy that side of it. Some of the posts on this thread was foreign language to me. And one post said that the factory air filter is a cold air intake. So I'm sorry for my confusion. I was just looking for a strait answer as I am trying to get to know my truck a little. So I'm sorry buddy.

 

T'is true. The factory, OEM air intake system draws cold air from the LH (driver) wheel well behind the inner fender panel. In addition the air box is -closed-. MEANING: It has a lid and therefore does not draw heated air from the engine bay.

The IAT (Intake Air Temperature) of an OEM air intake system and that of an aftermarket air intake system (also with a -closed- lid) will have the same readings (+-2°F). NOTE: COOLer air is denser and allows for better combustion.
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So if this is the case then why would anyone install an aftermarket Cold air intake?

Here's what mine looks like... I bought this truck last week with this already installed. Sits just like that... No cover

 

• engine bay cosmetics.
• increased intake growl.
• believed the hype.
  

What you have is essentially a HAI - Hot Air Intake system.
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That's how I'm starting to understand it. So then what your saying is, since I'm drawing in hot air instead of cold air... And cold air is is better for conbustion then my truck is not performing at its best and I'm losing horsepower?

 

Maybe not losing hp, but not gaining either. the 2 reasons not to buy affermarket air intakes are 1 they are stupidly expensive, and 2 lot of them don't filter as well and can damage the MAF. Reasons to buy one, louder exhaust note.

 

Wouldn't say that you're losing horsepower (since the PCM will adjust based upon the sensor reading), however, it's not as efficient.

Actually ... You're not that bad-off since you didn't make the initial investment ($250-$350) to purchase the aftermarket air intake. *Unless to opt/want to go-back-to OEM and purchase a used set-up - avoid MAF contamination (less HP and MPG - if the element is oiled) and gain more filtration.
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Are MAF's expensive to replace? I do like the added sound, but not if its at the cost of damaging other components. Then I'd rather go back to stock filter and upgrade the exhaust for the sound...

 

I don't know how much MAF's cost, I've never had to replace one. I've been thinking about changing the Muffler. I can't see taking off a perfectly good exhaust to spend $100's for a new one just for some noise.

 

I just looked up a MAF at Tasca Ford. Around $100. This is one thing I wouldn't buy aftermarket