I am pretty handy and found the parts to piece together a cold air intake at advanced auto parts they are made by spectre so i know they aren't horrible quality. is there any advice on what exactly i'll need beside a filter, some clamps, a maf adapter?

 

I would use the search function on CAI. If you move the MAF or use a larger tube size then what is on the truck stock you may cause issues such as running lean. No clue what engine or truck you have but 04-05's have known to run lean without custom tunes for the PCM.

 

^^^^^^^^

What he said. Anytime you modify the intake you will run lean to at least some degree. The question is will it be lean enough to require additional modification. Some have no issue some require a tuner right away. It really depends on where you live, how you drive, and how much you are opening up the intake.

 

Don't buy that Spectre crap. Get a Airaid or Air Force One kit if you don't plan on custom tuning.

 

This

 

Hey Guys, new to the forum...I did a air intake mod to my 2000 expedition, basically opened the end of the factory intake to 3" PVC with a custom cut at the end to catch the air and then modified an air intake box from a Jeep, put some vents on the bumper and have created a ram air effect. also bought a Edge CS programmer. Best money I spent..Never experienced a CEL for any codes...before I got the programmer, but did a custom program on the Edge and not only brought this 5.4 to life but increased my MPG as well.

 

Stupid question here but, what exactly do you guys mean by running "lean"?

 

You are not alone. Don't feel bad.

 

Personally I like the Gotts mod more than cai. My $0.02

 

I have a Spectra CAI and am very happy with it. At around $150.00 it was the least expensive unit I found and the polished aluminum tube looks pretty good. I modified my MAF to increase the air into it (even though it never threw a code) and it improved response off the line (it was a little flat before) but you really can tell its there above 3000 rpm. I cant think of why you would want to make your own CAI, but the hardest thing would be making the adapter to mount the MAF into the tube if its like mine (the rectangular one that"s attaches with a couple of torx screws) I think they went back to the round one on later models.