Just to update and inform everyone of my results....


I used the Fram AirHog (not that it matters much which brand...) and after the first tank since this "free mod" I gained about 1.56 mpg!!

Not too shabby...

Now once my exaust is done (SI/DO Flowmaster) I should see a real boost in HP...

 

Yeah I have the Flowmaster 40 Series, K&N drop in and just removed the silencer last night. It is a very noticeable difference in acceleration and power. It only took me 20 minutes to remove the silencer....I am a DYI girl with no training, so you guys that have not, should definately do it! Did the same thing to my 2000 Wranger back in the day and never had any problems in the 4 years I owned it.

 

OK, I know were beating this one to death here since everyone has done the silencer thing now. BUT, has anyone checked there mileage after they did it? I'm headed out for about a 4000-5000 mile trip in my new 06 and if it helps in mileage I'm going to do the mod also. But if the mileage stays the same I'll keep it on tell I get back. All input would be appreciated as I'm leaving out next week. Do we have any tech's in here that know if it void the warranty?

 

I read through this thread the other day.
And even though its for a 4.6,for grins and giggles,I just pulled my intake out.
Sure enough my '97 5.4 had this.
I say had because in the time it took me to turn the computer on and get here I had it yanked out.Gonna go but it back together now.

Just thought a few 5.4 guys might wanna check it out.
We'll see how it performs in a little bit.


1997 F-150 XLT Supercab 5.4L (330 c.i.)

 

04`s with 5.4`s dont have it .

 

I have read every post on this topic and removing the "silencer" (where did it get that name from anyway?) makes sense as, but, there seems to be some concern about running too lean. I have heard that too lean is also hot in the cylinder and that is not good. I want the extra response and HP like everyone else, but not at the risk of damaging a several $k engine.

Can someone who really knows what he's talking about say if this mod will do any long term damage to the engine??

 

I talked to the car guys at work, they all agree that altering the air intake path is not such a good idea. For one thing, running leaner raises cylinder wall temperature, so changing oil more frequently is a must. Not to mention thermal effects on the metals. Also, given that the engine computer takes inputs from MAF, oxygen, throttle, RPM and other sensors then maps these on a 3D map of engine performance. When changing the air input you are altering the MAF input thus moving to a different point on the map, that is why the low/medium throttle response is different. Further, in modern engines the manufacturer has made a trade off decision between "drive-ability", emissions and economy. Usually they want a flat torque speed curve so may have chosen "slow" low throttle response intentionally and by changing the MAF input this is altered. Lastly, most engines have tuned air inputs to help with the flat torque speed curve, and in fact fast air speed (read air restriction) is desirable to help this out.
So......I don't think I'll risk it. Anybody with an alternate input please chime. We all want to learn. But this idea was very tempting considering how many people tried it with early on favorable results.

 

Has anyone tried this on the 4.2 V6. I'm interested in this . I just did the open air mod with a K&N filter on my 97 flareside. I'll have to try this next.

 

i dont see how it could be any more "dangerous" then puting on an aftermarket intake and ive never heard of anybody wrecking there engine by puting on of those on...

 

Simple. The stock intake was designed to work with that silencer. Simple R&D, Ford didn't spend millions for no reason.

 

Just did this mod with similar results to what others posted. Better throttle response, and definetly gave it a boost when starting from a stop and powering up to 60mph+.

Took around 25min to get the silencer out and install everything back with the K&N drop in filter.

 

I wish I seen this mod yesterday... I just purchased a S&B CAI on 3bay last nite. But the good news is that I got it for $100 new. Otherwise - I would have been out in the garage tonite performing this mod. I have been disappointed in my 05's 4.6L acceleration since I got it - I think my stock 97 V6 F150 had more get up and go. Since I have already have a CAI coming - maybe I can see if there is a difference between removing the silencer and a CAI. I'll get back to you on that.

I did something like this to my 96 4 popper Ranger - I remove the snorkel and the "air muffler" and replaced it with a straight pipe - it just made more noise. I bought a generic cold air intake for my 98 V6 Mustang on 3bay a month ago for $27 + shipping. With that and a Flowmaster 40, I gained 2-3MPG & .5 sec on the 1/4m. Not to mention that car sounds like a Mustang now and not a minivan.

If you're worried about your warranty - wait till its up and then do it - or not. The choice is yours.

 

Kikass is right... Ford did spend millions on R & D.

BUT... Ford didn't spend millions designing a F150 race truck. They spent millions making a vehicle that sells to the ever-unsatisfied bitchy public. "This makes too much noise and this isn't comfortable enough and this isn't safe enough". Remember you own a Ford Truck and not a Ford GT (even those come with a stereo and AC which are NOT essential to racing).

The truth?? This mod may slightly lean out your air/fuel mixture and thus increase cylinder wall temperatures because you are packing more air into the system... Or are you? The air silencer removal does not increase the amount of air flowing into your motor but rather reduces the obstruction created thus allowing your motor to more easily receive the air already in the intake tubing. Its called a "silencer" and not a reducer. Purchasing an aftermarket SRI will most likely cause the higher internal temperatures because you have completely altered the intake system. Improving flow to your stock components still sits within the perameters Ford's R & D team initially set the vehicle up for because you are still using your stock setup.

IMO... I've done the whole "parts junkie" order everything I can in sight that makes my car faster. Here's my experience and you can take it or leave it. Any vehicle with it's stock components has the potential to be better. It is far more satisfying (personally) to DIY than buy... especially when the results are the same. I'll take the Pepsi challenge any day with an aftermarket SRI versus a modified stock intake system (silencer removed/ drop-in filter/ mild air box modification) and say the stock mod lays the same if not better on a dyno. You could use the extra money you saved and buy a Dremel to P & P your stock TB and really see some performance results then.

 

Its been about 6 months - no ill effects of changing my cold air intake. I'm still enjoying the better performance. The best part is when I punch it - it really rumbles. Some may find that undesireable... I love it.

 

Interesting that several have known what a MAF is, but apparently don't know what it does. Its job is exactly what folks have expressed concern about - to change PCM settings based on the amount of airflow it senses. Increased airflow increases the voltage value the MAF sends to the computer, which in turn is used in calculating spark, fuel pressure and injector pulse duration values for the map.

Unless you somehow manage to increase airflow to the point that you exceed the maximum voltage value the MAF/computer can send/calculate (which isn't very likely with a minor change such as this), your computer will adjust fuel/spark to avoid a lean burn condition.