Has anyone purchased the Borla SS "duals," the Airaid stock air filter and the Airaid modular intake tube and installed it on a 5.4 ?
I had a Gibson duals and did not like it (didn't do anything (not even sound good) on a '98 F150 5.4 and I've used the K&N set up for that same truck and, even without the exhaust, it did improve my mileage by 2 mpg. I would like to try something different. Anybody out there trying the Borla or Airaid products?
Help???

 

I bought the Airaid stock replacement filter approx. two weeks ago. I reset the computer and gave it some time to recalibrate to the different airflow. It actually felt like it lost some power, especially in the lower rpm's. Engine did sound more, for lack of a better word, raspy. I thought the power loss was my imagination so I swapped the Airaid and the stock filter several times. Everytime it seemed like the engine struggled less with the stock filter. This was just by a seat of the pants feeling, no timed runs.

The Airaid sits in the box now. I'll put it back in on a long road trip to check fuel milage sometime. I didnt pay that much for it so it isnt worth my time to return it. Also the felt gasket started to pull off one side of the filter. But it was attached with what looks like sticky tape and can be pressed back in place.

As far as the intake tube, I believe you are referring to the black poly model that attaches to the stock air box, is not neccessary. Just remove the section of intake that goes into the fender wall, leaving the flex boot in place. Either leave it like that or insert a piece of pipe in the flex boot. The boot will flex enough to run the pipe out under the headlight next to the radiator and fasten the pipe to the boot with a hose clamp.

It doesnt look as good as the Airaid intake but does look better than you might think. Plus it saves about $80 and increases the intake opening from 2" to 3.5". On this simple mod ,I did notice a little more power and better sound. If you dont like it, reattach the old tube and your only out a couple dollars.

Maybe some have had better luck with their Airaid replacement filter. However I was very disappointed.

Sorry for the long post.

 

Dont have the Airaid, but Ive ordered the Borla Split Rear catback. As soon as it comes in and I install it, I will post and let you know what I think. I went with the Borla because of prior experience with them, and I like a nice mellow sound. Dont want it too loud.

 

Thanks for your replies mtn msr and grayflare.
I guess our compadres are busy looking for other stuff and not some bolt on performance items. Although I was leaning towards the Borla system because of I put one on a Corvette that I had and have one on my Mustang, Most of the places I tried to order from said they were on backorder. Heard alot of good reports on Troyer Performance; they have a "dual out one side" Magnaflow version in stock and they say it sounds like the Lightning and it is about 100 bucks less so I ordered it today. I will post my results after I install it. Also put myself down for the AF1 intake. I will let you know about that also. keep truckin...biking...

 

Dr Mike,

I, too, am interested in the Magnaflow catback and AF1 intake available from Troyer. I am not in a rush, I have to save up the $$, so I don't kill our budget. I'm looking forward to your review after you get them installed. My sisters don't live too far from Boiling Springs (Mechanicsburg and Dillsburg)...maybe I could come meet you and take a look at your truck after you get these mods installed...?

 

Read this post


Hope this helps.

 

Dr. Mike:

I think the dual out Magnaflow exits in front of the RR tire. The single out exists behind the RR tire. Exiting in front of the RR tire may be exactly what you want & that is cool. I was maybe considering a dual out behind the RR tire from Magnaflow but they said it was not available.

Screwdrive

 

I loved the way a '96 Z71 sounded with a dual Borla system on it. I was wondering if you have installed the system yet? And what it looked like and how it sounded. I really am not the biggest fan of having the duals just come straight out the back, but maybe after I see yours I'll change my mind. Let me know when you get it installed.

 

SuperCrewAg,

Just received the Borla System today and going out of town tonight (wouldnt you know it). Hope to have them installed by Monday and will post then. Couldnt resist opening to see it, and to check to make sure everything was there. It really looks nice and well made. All mandrel bent tubing in T-304 SS. Big Borla SS tips and hardware. Will also try to take pictures (weather permitting) and post them too.

 

The "duals" by magnaflow do come out the side of the truck like the F150 Lightning; I am not sure if it is in front of or to the rear of the rr wheel. My preference was not "out the back with two pipes" since everyone has a set up like that. When I receive the kit and install it, I will let you know if I am still happy with it.

 

SuperCrewAg,

Borla Exhaust installed and pics in my gallery. Was no problem installing and I like the way it looks and sounds. It has a mellow throaty sound now that is subtle compared to others I have heard. It sounds strong now but not obnoxious to the neighbors. Older now so dont really want a loud truck, but I do like the sound of this system. By the way, Borla also has 2 other variations for the 04 F150, one is a single side exit the other is a dual side exit ( both behind the wheel) in case you decide you dont like the split rear. Just check on e-bay for vendors under Borla Exhausts. Hope this helps.

 

grayflare, that looks great! I really like the look of the pipes coming out the back instead of the side. Very sharp looking!

Also, noticed the Auburn licence plate. My wife has applied to go to graduate school there. We were down there a few months ago for her interview, etc. Nice place!! If she gets the position, we'll be moving down there before the middle of the year.

Cheers.

 

Thank you for the kind words. I wish you and your wife the best and hope she gets the position, it really is a nice place.