AEM and AFE are two totaly different companys and are not simmilar in any way, thanks for trying to look out for me, ive read that post along with many others and thats why I also have my concern on bying a CIA

 

I was just trying to point out the fact that people are still having problems with aftermarket performance intakes causing lean conditions on the 04+ F150s. I didn't mean to imply that you hadn't done your homework.

 

Maybe all the supposed "lean conditons" experienced on stock tuned trucks just proves that these engines shouldn't have performance intakes installed without tunes that are designed to accomodate them. The stock tune doesnt know what to do with all that extra cold air anyway.

Not trying to flair anyones tempers, just makes sense to me. Plus, the combo of the two is AMAZING

 

I have looked at a lot of online pictures of different intakes and it's hard for me to tell how they are actually installed, but it appears to me that most of them are not true CAI's (Cold Air being the key word). In fact the Airforce One system is called a "Stainless Steel Intake" and I didn't see a reference as CAI for the 2004 F-150 unit that I was looking at on their site. Is this one of those things where it's close enough to not make much of a real world difference, or should we be looking for a system that acutally draws air from outside the engine compartment?

 

I went to the AFE site I think, and didn't find any info on the lean condition. Could you provide a link?

Also, don't want to burst bubbles but, the AFE is another non CAI type system that draws hot air from the engine compartment. Sure they have a heat shield but it not a true CAI. Even what they call a Cold Air Intake system dosen't appear to draw air from outside the engine compartment. A lot pf people are running this type of system and seem to be happy with the performance, so I am a little confused as to the benefit of CAI.

 

Using a scangauge to check air intake temps I have found that the stock intake brings in the coldest air since it pulls from the fender. However on a hot day it gets slightly elevated also. I havent tried a volant, but it seems since you can get a ram air intake scoop that it quite possibly could be the coldest intake. Going down the road with a airaid / af1 / or jlt intake the temps are usually two degrees warmer than the outside temp. If that helps you any. Also check the following link as it looks like it may pull from the fender as well.
http://www.stylinconcepts.com/parts..../categoryid/28

 

OK the argument of a CAI is no dought a joke of its true name, However I want to have a less restrictive intake tube and not an open element sitting center of the engine, were the main heat source is. The AFE, if I remember right guarantees no lean condition, and will discuss the new style of MAF known as the MAS, and the engineering of mounting location and tube design to get an accurate measurement. I will look at the article again. i do not know how to post links or do I know if that is allowed

 

If I cant get any feedback on the AFE, looks like I will go with the airaid. troyer has a good article on it

 

The S&B, with the big square hole looks like it would mount on to the front area next to the radiator where cool air could be acquired. It may be a true CAI.

Yes, it's OK to post a link, use the advanced mode to help with the posting.

 

After all this research and debate, I might just go with the Whipple Super Charger and say "Screw It". Pun intended.

 

Yikes...Every thread I read on intakes for the 5.4 3v leaves me more confused...

Would it be correct to say that...

For an 04 motor since they are very sensitive a better choice would be the K&N kit or the Volant, since they seem to be the ones mentioned most that do not throw CEL's on a stock motor/tune?

For an 05+ you have more options, including AEM, AirRaid, TruFlow etc. - All without CEL issues for the most part, especially if you have a tuner.

For any year, an AF1 or JLT will not work unless you also have a custom tune?

And the real question is... :o Can you use an AF1 or JLT on an 04 with Edge tuning, or is other tuning required?

 

i may be wrong but isnt the factory intake a "cold air intake"? it sucks air from outside the engine compartment right? and being that the only part that might be restrictive is the tube. couldnt u just buy the airaid jr. pipe and leave everything else alone? i think thats what im going to do its seems the safest and i can still use a regular filter and not worry about oil on the maf....

 

Your right, I think the factory air intake is the only true cold air intake "on the market". If I am wrong, show me one that dosen't suck air from the engine compartment.

 

The term "cold air intake" is a misnomer, it should be called not as hot air intake.

 

Im really just thinking about staying with the Edge + Airaid JR + KN drop in instead of going with the Xcal2 and AF1. . so many choices.