So I have to clean the K&N filter on my March Ram Air kit. I've been thinking of throwing my stock airbox back on instead as really I don't think this "Ram Air" kit makes much of a difference in performance. If I stick the stock air box back on and run a paper Motorcraft air filter I'll lose what, 2-3 hp over a K&N in the stock air box? Really is a K&N worth it? I really don't think it is. I don't think any of the aftermarket "intakes" make much if any more power over the stock set up. Any thoughts?
I've never had an aftermarket air intake, but have had a k&n, to me, they are not worth it. Didn't feel a difference in the stock airbox.
Throw the air box back on with a panel K&N filter.CAI right there for you,and yes,they make a difference.
I noticed a difference with my cold air intake and I wouldnt go any other way.
The stock TC airbox is VERY restrictive. Going with a cone filter or CAI is the only way to go. The fox body 5.0 airbox is actually pretty good flow wise. And since it takes in air from outside the engine compartment anyway, what's the point of putting a CAI kit on them? Especially the ones that leave the filter exposed INSIDE the engine bay. Not really sure what the point of those is.
Figure $50 for the K&N vs 10-15 for a paper one. Replace the paper one 3-4 times, and the K&N is paid off. That's a good enough reason for me to get them for the Bird and the truck.
I didn't notice much difference with the CAI kit on the convertible, at least with the ol' butt dyno. On the track...MAYBE it would show just a little improvement, and the same on a real dyno too, but otherwise I can't really say for sure if that $150 was really worth it for performance.
I will say one thing, though. You can always tell when my foot's on the throttle because of the whistle coming from the CAI filter. , that's annoying.
...but then I lift the hood and OOOOOOH IT'S SO SHINY! And all is forgiven again...
Now a few years ago at Carlisle, there was a company showing their K&N alternative product, which used a natural bio oil instead of a synthetic (can't remember the name of the product but it's bright green). Ric's brother bought one on the spot for his Chevy truck, and he reported that his fuel economy on the way home from Carlisle--hauling Ric's car on the trailer--increased by 2-3mpg. And that's going INTO the wind.
So...I do believe there is a precedent for non-paper filters, and that they all probably work better than a stock paper filter, but again it all depends on the situation.
I'd like to try that other company's conical filter on the convertible and see if it really is better. One plus for the product: their oil won't screw with MAF sensors, whereas K&N's oil is sometimes blamed for ruining them. And that kind of makes sense to me. I haven't had a MAF sensor failure yet but if I do...I'll know what to blame if it's all caked up with film...
Even a knock off K&N is better than paper if you don't want to dish out the money for the K&N.
I would not spend money on the CAI kit. Hell, make your own! :]
It's worked for the 3 cars I have owned.
but the filter is a given... if not the K&N, at least a knock off K&N
Yeah, I think CAIs are a waste of money on these cars. Just remove the air silencer jug and put in a K&N, and it'll have plenty of cold air. Plus you don't have to use a wrench to get to the air filter.
Silencer is gone as the car has the March "Ram Air" kit on it. The kit was probably a waste of money. After all how much of a *ram effect* do you get from a scoop under the bumper which is plummed up to the air box through a flex hose? The kit doesn't have an air tight seal so I'm guessing it can't be that much of a help. It does a fine job of sucking up leaves and twigs though :hick:
I guess I'll just get a K&N and throw it in the stock air box. It can't hurt ;)
I ike my MAC CAI on my Sport.I got a great deal from a fellow member here.The eye candy is nice when you pop the hood (as Eric stated).I alsows going Mass Air and needed new intake tubes anyway,so,might as well swap out.If looks are also important to you,why not grab a decent CAI.We ALL have parts on our cars we wanted (didn't NEED).Wheels,interior,whatever.A shiny CAI is just one more little pretty part for the cars,like new valve covers.....not necessary,but nice.
What I really need is the hose that connects the factory air can to the snorkel that dips under the car. Factory CAI ftw.
Just so everyone is clear this is what's on my T-bird right now: (http://www.streetperformance.com/ART/PRODUCTS/100688/M27AIRDM.JPG)
I'm planning on taking it out and putting the stock air box back on with a K&N. I'm tired of sucking up leaves and twigs :hick: I know the BBK/MAC *cold air* kits are pretty but I get the same power with a K&N in the stock air box so I get to keep $150 in my pocket ;)
I like the chrome.It looks great with the other polished parts but not over kill.As I said,if I had to pay full price,no way,but,I got "a deal".
I had a k&N on my Dodge ram truck. A buddy of mine said they let through more dirt so I replaced mine. Not sure if it's true or not. Just what I heard; so don't masacure me for it!
The filters themselves are WAY better than stock.more air,less into the engine.
See if theres anything from Jackson Racing for the mustang. They make the supercharger kits for the miata. this "Ram Air Intake by Jackson Racing" claims to add "up to 14hp in most cases." i dunnoooo about that. the K&N Typhoon CAI is claiming 3.7hp at 6500RPM. 3.7hp at 1000rpm from redline doesnt seem worth it to me. o0oo! they add power!.. about as much as a SuperStreet sticker IMO. look at headers and a cat-back system for noticable power :)
There isn't.
Intakes on the 5.0 I have heard can vary anywhere from 5-15ish hp. Not a whole lot of noticable gain there.
I've pulled all the *Ram Air* stuff out and I'm going to stick the stock air box and a paper filter on. When I get a chance to take it out (ya know when the weather stops being shiznitty and I can get it out) I expect to see no difference. We'll see though but I'm pretty sure I'm right ;)
So after reading this: http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/airfilter/airtest1.htm I'm going with a paper filter. It filters better than a K&N and costs less. Paper filters do flow less than a K&N, a whole 0.14% less for the worst flowing paper filter in the test. I'm pretty sure I won't miss that 0.14% flow ;)
Agree 100%. It's also easier to just pickup paper filters when on sale and drop them in when dirty. There was some seller I saw last year (may have been eBay, may have been craigslist) that had like 30 Motorcraft filters (bulk stock) for like a buck a piece - had to buy them all though. I didn't get them at the time but should have.
So I finally took the car out for a spin after removing the March Ram Air kit with a K&N and putting the stock airbox and paper filter back on. Did I feel a difference? NO. Car felt the same. I now have an extra $37 in my pocket (K&N for stock airbox $45, Motorcraft paper filter $8) :banana: