DWV Intake Mod for 2004-2008 F150 with 5.4L Engine
Member
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 86
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From: Atlanta
I know im a little late but when y'all say cutting off the silencers makes the engine louder, do you mean louder exhaust or louder intake noise or what?
And how many people are actually having the problem with the downspout coupler actually folding over? Is that a pretty regular thing or a rare occurrence?
Thanks
And how many people are actually having the problem with the downspout coupler actually folding over? Is that a pretty regular thing or a rare occurrence?
Thanks
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Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 26,080
Likes: 85
From: Burleson/Athens/Brownsboro, TX
Yes, did it to my 05 and honestly if it did anything, it was not much, but I felt good doing it. One of the tuning companies did a dyno of a 5.4 and posted that it added about 11 or 12 Ho. About the same as a CAI he was testing.
The nice thing is that the MAF is not relocated which can cause the engine to run lean unless you have a custom tune.
The nice thing is that the MAF is not relocated which can cause the engine to run lean unless you have a custom tune.
Last edited by Bluejay; Mar 25, 2013 at 04:53 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 303
Likes: 1
From: Clearwater, FL
Thanks to all the great posts in here! Lot's of great ideas to get rid of the restriction in the stock intake!
I read this entire thread and decided to do this to my truck too. I decided to go with the version 2.0 since it seemed a little easier and required fewer materials. As I was looking at the intake in my truck I noticed a large void behind and below my drivers side headlight. I had an idea to run the intake down there to get cooler air right off the front of the truck. I stopped by Advance Auto Parts and picked up the Spectre 3" air duct hose, then headed to Lowes. As I was looking for the downspout connector I found a 3" PVC elbow that would work perfect. It's a 3" elbow street adapter, it's got a female side and a male side (Lowes item number 182576). All said and done this is what I came up with. I ended up not using the 4"x3" downspout connector and only the two fittings that were included with the Spectre air duct.
I removed the stock flex coupler and used a connector from the air duct kit and stretched it over the stock intake. Then inserted the male end of the elbow into the connector. Then I stretched the second connector over the female end and it was hard as hell, but there is no way it's going anywhere! I ran the air duct under the headlight and over next to the radiator.
I cut a 3" hole in the rubber shroud and put the duct through it. The duct runs up to the elbow and into the intake.
I feel a difference in the throttle pick up, it spools up quicker than it did before. I drove around this morning and my Gryphon was showing air intake temps at 102-104 while at speed and the outside temp was about 79*. After this mod I drove around and the outside air temp was still 79* and I was reading 86-88* air intake temps. A 18* difference ain't too bad. I'll watch my MPG and may change it back to stock to check the MAF with my programmer to see if there is actually more air flow.
I read this entire thread and decided to do this to my truck too. I decided to go with the version 2.0 since it seemed a little easier and required fewer materials. As I was looking at the intake in my truck I noticed a large void behind and below my drivers side headlight. I had an idea to run the intake down there to get cooler air right off the front of the truck. I stopped by Advance Auto Parts and picked up the Spectre 3" air duct hose, then headed to Lowes. As I was looking for the downspout connector I found a 3" PVC elbow that would work perfect. It's a 3" elbow street adapter, it's got a female side and a male side (Lowes item number 182576). All said and done this is what I came up with. I ended up not using the 4"x3" downspout connector and only the two fittings that were included with the Spectre air duct.
I removed the stock flex coupler and used a connector from the air duct kit and stretched it over the stock intake. Then inserted the male end of the elbow into the connector. Then I stretched the second connector over the female end and it was hard as hell, but there is no way it's going anywhere! I ran the air duct under the headlight and over next to the radiator.
I cut a 3" hole in the rubber shroud and put the duct through it. The duct runs up to the elbow and into the intake.
I feel a difference in the throttle pick up, it spools up quicker than it did before. I drove around this morning and my Gryphon was showing air intake temps at 102-104 while at speed and the outside temp was about 79*. After this mod I drove around and the outside air temp was still 79* and I was reading 86-88* air intake temps. A 18* difference ain't too bad. I'll watch my MPG and may change it back to stock to check the MAF with my programmer to see if there is actually more air flow.
Member
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 15
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I've read the entire thread and even all the links within the thread. My question is, is it ok to do this mod to the 05 5.4 without a tune? My truck is totally stock. Should I do it or not. I have changed plugs, coils, cleaned Throttle body and maf. My truck runs so much better. Still a slight hesitation when getting into it. Also, I had a p0430 code before plugs and coils and it has not came back since. I plan to have new manifolds and cats this weekend.
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 4
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From: Frederick, MD
First post, thanks for the help in advance. I just purchased an 04 and it has the Spectre CAI already installed. After reading this thread I have concerns about it running lean. I have no idea when it was installed or how long it has been there. Just wondering if it would be in my best interest to remove it and replace it with the stock air intake setup. Thank you.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,390
Likes: 10
First post, thanks for the help in advance. I just purchased an 04 and it has the Spectre CAI already installed. After reading this thread I have concerns about it running lean. I have no idea when it was installed or how long it has been there. Just wondering if it would be in my best interest to remove it and replace it with the stock air intake setup. Thank you.
Yes - immediately, if not sooner.
Sphincter intakes are junk.
ETA: More info for you - just fyi ...
https://www.f150online.com/forums/4739726-post9.html
https://www.f150online.com/forums/3912951-post27.html
Last edited by MGDfan; Oct 31, 2013 at 09:21 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,390
Likes: 10
https://www.f150online.com/forums/pa...ock-parts.html
There may be others...
Alternatively - junkyard donor?
===================
PS: 100k maintenance you say? Here's a couple informational linkies if yer interested:
https://www.f150online.com/forums/20...e-up-time.html
https://www.f150online.com/forums/20...ht=maintenance
https://www.f150online.com/forums/20...ht=maintenance
https://www.f150online.com/forums/20...ht=maintenance
https://www.f150online.com/forums/20...ht=2005+issues
https://www.f150online.com/forums/20...ht=2005+issues
https://www.f150online.com/forums/20...ht=2005+issues
https://www.f150online.com/forums/20...ht=2005+issues
https://www.f150online.com/forums/20...ht=2005+issues
https://www.f150online.com/forums/20...ht=2005+issues
https://www.f150online.com/forums/20...ht=2005+issues
https://www.f150online.com/forums/ar...placement.html
https://www.f150online.com/forums/ar...ml#post4213274
The infamous 5.4 3V Plug change sample info:
http://www.fourwheeler.com/techartic...rk_plug_blues/
https://www.f150online.com/forums/ar...y-writeup.html
There are more methods in the Tech section as well - here, under the Engines subsection:
https://www.f150online.com/forums/ar...-articles.html
Removing broken plug pieces requires a strong shop vac and a small hose adapted to it.
Lisle tool #65600 broken plug extractor should be purchased beforehand. Carquest, Napa, online stores, etc sell it.
New plug boots (e.g Belden from Napa - $4/each), silicon dielectric grease, hi-temp nickel anti-sieze, MC carb cleaner also needed.
Jim Allen ( the guy who wrote the 4wheeler article above) - this guy is also a member here. I, like he does, also run the true 1-piece Champion 7989 plugs. The MC SP 515's are STILL a 2-piece plug and can break the next time, just so you know.
Last edited by MGDfan; Oct 31, 2013 at 10:41 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 2
From: League City, Texas
Your setup does look interesting, HOWEVER, I have some engineering thoughts regarding your setup...
Air molecules behave somewhat akin to an automobile, on a nice long straight surface you can really haul, however throw90 r, and the tighter the turn right?
So your use of the 90 degree bend, and the ribbed flex tubing just SCREAM air restriction to me...
A longer, smoother tube / radius would allow the air to flow faster.
Since you are trying to avoid taking the tube to the fender to pull the air, have you considered maybe some 3" black hose in one long arc...
Air molecules behave somewhat akin to an automobile, on a nice long straight surface you can really haul, however throw90 r, and the tighter the turn right?
So your use of the 90 degree bend, and the ribbed flex tubing just SCREAM air restriction to me...
A longer, smoother tube / radius would allow the air to flow faster.
Since you are trying to avoid taking the tube to the fender to pull the air, have you considered maybe some 3" black hose in one long arc...
Thanks to all the great posts in here! Lot's of great ideas to get rid of the restriction in the stock intake!
I read this entire thread and decided to do this to my truck too. I decided to go with the version 2.0 since it seemed a little easier and required fewer materials. As I was looking at the intake in my truck I noticed a large void behind and below my drivers side headlight. I had an idea to run the intake down there to get cooler air right off the front of the truck. I stopped by Advance Auto Parts and picked up the Spectre 3" air duct hose, then headed to Lowes. As I was looking for the downspout connector I found a 3" PVC elbow that would work perfect. It's a 3" elbow street adapter, it's got a female side and a male side (Lowes item number 182576). All said and done this is what I came up with. I ended up not using the 4"x3" downspout connector and only the two fittings that were included with the Spectre air duct.
I removed the stock flex coupler and used a connector from the air duct kit and stretched it over the stock intake. Then inserted the male end of the elbow into the connector. Then I stretched the second connector over the female end and it was hard as hell, but there is no way it's going anywhere! I ran the air duct under the headlight and over next to the radiator.
I cut a 3" hole in the rubber shroud and put the duct through it. The duct runs up to the elbow and into the intake.
I feel a difference in the throttle pick up, it spools up quicker than it did before. I drove around this morning and my Gryphon was showing air intake temps at 102-104 while at speed and the outside temp was about 79*. After this mod I drove around and the outside air temp was still 79* and I was reading 86-88* air intake temps. A 18* difference ain't too bad. I'll watch my MPG and may change it back to stock to check the MAF with my programmer to see if there is actually more air flow.
I read this entire thread and decided to do this to my truck too. I decided to go with the version 2.0 since it seemed a little easier and required fewer materials. As I was looking at the intake in my truck I noticed a large void behind and below my drivers side headlight. I had an idea to run the intake down there to get cooler air right off the front of the truck. I stopped by Advance Auto Parts and picked up the Spectre 3" air duct hose, then headed to Lowes. As I was looking for the downspout connector I found a 3" PVC elbow that would work perfect. It's a 3" elbow street adapter, it's got a female side and a male side (Lowes item number 182576). All said and done this is what I came up with. I ended up not using the 4"x3" downspout connector and only the two fittings that were included with the Spectre air duct.
I removed the stock flex coupler and used a connector from the air duct kit and stretched it over the stock intake. Then inserted the male end of the elbow into the connector. Then I stretched the second connector over the female end and it was hard as hell, but there is no way it's going anywhere! I ran the air duct under the headlight and over next to the radiator.
I cut a 3" hole in the rubber shroud and put the duct through it. The duct runs up to the elbow and into the intake.
I feel a difference in the throttle pick up, it spools up quicker than it did before. I drove around this morning and my Gryphon was showing air intake temps at 102-104 while at speed and the outside temp was about 79*. After this mod I drove around and the outside air temp was still 79* and I was reading 86-88* air intake temps. A 18* difference ain't too bad. I'll watch my MPG and may change it back to stock to check the MAF with my programmer to see if there is actually more air flow.
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Spectra Mod
I bought the three inch Spectra intake tubing today to complete the "Gotts", "DMV", etc mod. Having difficulty getting the end of the stock tubing disconnected from the main intake tube.
My other question is does this mod actually flow more air. I know that the snorkel is small where it goes threw the fender wall but then the tube expands into what appears to be a larger pipe than the 3 inch Spectra tubing. I can not locate the proper rubber downspout connector and was wondering if running it like the member with the silver Spectra tubing would further restrict airflow as again it appears that the stock intake tubing is larger than the 3 inch Spectra tubing. This user utilized both of the rubber connectors that come with the Spectra intake tubing and ran it further up the stock intake housing.
I noticed to that there were some small holes drilled on the underside of my stock intake housing. Is this for a condensation release?
I really appreciate everyone's posts about this topic as I just purchased a 06 F150 5.4L and was going to go for the intake but everyone's input has helped me make the correct decision, not only for my truck but for my pocket book.
Now I can save quicker to purchase items to tow behind the Triton.
My other question is does this mod actually flow more air. I know that the snorkel is small where it goes threw the fender wall but then the tube expands into what appears to be a larger pipe than the 3 inch Spectra tubing. I can not locate the proper rubber downspout connector and was wondering if running it like the member with the silver Spectra tubing would further restrict airflow as again it appears that the stock intake tubing is larger than the 3 inch Spectra tubing. This user utilized both of the rubber connectors that come with the Spectra intake tubing and ran it further up the stock intake housing.
I noticed to that there were some small holes drilled on the underside of my stock intake housing. Is this for a condensation release?
I really appreciate everyone's posts about this topic as I just purchased a 06 F150 5.4L and was going to go for the intake but everyone's input has helped me make the correct decision, not only for my truck but for my pocket book.
Now I can save quicker to purchase items to tow behind the Triton.
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 10,390
Likes: 10
I bought the three inch Spectra intake tubing today to complete the "Gotts", "DMV", etc mod. Having difficulty getting the end of the stock tubing disconnected from the main intake tube.
My other question is does this mod actually flow more air. I know that the snorkel is small where it goes threw the fender wall but then the tube expands into what appears to be a larger pipe than the 3 inch Spectra tubing. I can not locate the proper rubber downspout connector and was wondering if running it like the member with the silver Spectra tubing would further restrict airflow as again it appears that the stock intake tubing is larger than the 3 inch Spectra tubing. This user utilized both of the rubber connectors that come with the Spectra intake tubing and ran it further up the stock intake housing.
I noticed to that there were some small holes drilled on the underside of my stock intake housing. Is this for a condensation release?
I really appreciate everyone's posts about this topic as I just purchased a 06 F150 5.4L and was going to go for the intake but everyone's input has helped me make the correct decision, not only for my truck but for my pocket book.
Now I can save quicker to purchase items to tow behind the Triton.
My other question is does this mod actually flow more air. I know that the snorkel is small where it goes threw the fender wall but then the tube expands into what appears to be a larger pipe than the 3 inch Spectra tubing. I can not locate the proper rubber downspout connector and was wondering if running it like the member with the silver Spectra tubing would further restrict airflow as again it appears that the stock intake tubing is larger than the 3 inch Spectra tubing. This user utilized both of the rubber connectors that come with the Spectra intake tubing and ran it further up the stock intake housing.
I noticed to that there were some small holes drilled on the underside of my stock intake housing. Is this for a condensation release?
I really appreciate everyone's posts about this topic as I just purchased a 06 F150 5.4L and was going to go for the intake but everyone's input has helped me make the correct decision, not only for my truck but for my pocket book.
Now I can save quicker to purchase items to tow behind the Triton.
From Post # 159 ...
https://www.f150online.com/forums/4739726-post9.html
This should answer yer flow question. The effect of the small flow increases are minor and occur at upper rpm, high load conditions. A very small bump in power - nothing you will notice without instrumentation on a ~6,000 brick of a truck. But it's there. Remember - the OEM intake already outflows the needs of a stock engine for 99% of the engine's normal operating regime. And unlike an aftermarket CAI / Washoobi, does not affect the MAF transfer function and risk inducing lean conditions.
Refer to this for more info: https://www.f150online.com/forums/20...highlight=2009
Newer model year but the results are still relevant.
All you need is the Spectre tubing (with the collar at each end) - it fits the end o' the intake after the snorkel is removed and the hole in the fender well. It is a tight fit but it does fit (ask me how I know). No downspout, no Schedule 40 pipe, no sanding, whittling, or cursing, lol...
Do not tamper with the balance of the OEM intake assembly. Yes the holes are for condensate and to presumably allow a minute amount preheated air in winter.
Cheers
Last edited by MGDfan; Nov 2, 2013 at 05:13 PM.
