Did a little test out of boredom on my 5000 mile round trip to San Diego. I have a temp controller that runs a couple of add-on systems on my 2017 RCSB, 5.0L. When I installed the temp sensor I placed it in the intake scoop on top of the core support because this would give me the best representation of outside air temp when moving. It will rise when stationary and the amount of increase is determined by open or closed shutters or fan on or off. Heat soak also plays in to this increase. When moving the temp is always with in .5 degrees F of ambient air temp as displayed by Sync. When you do the math a Coyote engine requires about 90 square inches of filter surface @ 7500 RPM. The factory air filter provides about 100 square inches of filter area. 10% more than is required at 7500 RPM. Somebody explain to me why they spend money on a CAI when ambient air is being fed to the engine through an air cleaner that is big enough to not be a restriction at maximum engine speed.

 

Aftermarket CAI systems look better. What looks good - performs good.

 

My 2021 screw 5.0 has what appears to be a CAI. Yes it does have a few bends and intake air silencing chambers, but I'll bet it works as good as any after market CAI.
Some folks like the looks of an aftermarket, and I can't blame them. The intake sound will be louder,, but my new 5.0 intake noise is pretty loud, but not raspy in the cab when I get on it. The stock sounds and performance puts a smile on my face every time.

 

More dollars than sense.

Effective advertising.

There's a sucker born every minute.

Every vehicle sold in the US since ~1975 has factory CAI. All of them.

 

Add intake honk from a CAI and a louder exhaust note from an aftermarket exhaust and I must be going faster.

 

It was simpler to sound faster with a Holley 4 barrel in the '70s, just reverse the air cleaner top.

 

ha ha it worked on a Rochester monojet too LOL Man that in line 6 sounded tough...

 

Weird because my 1990 mustang had a massively restrictive "since 1975 CAI" and it picked up power verified on a dyno when I put on an after market one.

Anyway CAI are a waste of money. Do you not see the CAI snorkel on the the f150?

 

Quit yer bitch'n if you weren't driving the 5.0 EFI from the early 80's.