Wondered where the Nebraska boys went too....

 

It's great to see this thread again..

Oh, and for Vader - I would re-think that Volant intake kit, they do not make the power of the Air Force One - period. They really fall of as the rpms start to rise, as has clearly been seen when we've dyno'd it here many times. In fact, a couple of dyno events ago, 2 owners came here wearing Volant kits, and one of them changed to the AF1 right there on the spot once he saw how it was chocking off the power once the engine was turning any kind of rpms - the torque curve dropped off like a boat anchor. Yes, it's a neat looking kit and well made, I DO agree with you there - but no, it's not a good performer compared to the AF1. If it were, we'd be recommending the Volant instead - it's not, so we don't.

It's a complete myth to think that because something is enclosed it automatically delivers colder IAT's - that is pure myth, we've debunked this many times. Remember, the air filter element is not taking it's air in from anywhere near the top of the engine, so it's not getting the kind of heat-soak characteristic that you see in old carbureted engines. No manner what type of intake kit you have on, up to about 30-35 mph in these trucks you are going to have hotter-than-ambient IAT's - and after that, it's a matter of how quickly those IAT's drop (as well as how resistant to heat soak the intake kit is in the first place) - and we have never seen anything like the AF1's performance in that regard.

It's very simple - we sell what works best, not what someone thinks or what some manufacturer claims - just like all the claims of those plastic intake kits delivering colder IAT"s - well, we datalogged that too on many occasions, as well as doing hour-long idle in gear heat-soak tests, dyno testing, track testing, you name it - and the 3.25" AF1 clearly shows the lead there - if something else did, we'd be telling everyone that and recommending something else.

Vader, this is all just some food for though, my friend - you do whatever makes you happy, of course. It's always the assumptions that get you, and only actual properly controlled testing that gives you the actual facts - and that is what we do, and because of that we are well known for our customer's trucks running quicker & faster (and towing better, and having better overall day in and day out driveability, etc.) than others at the same basic level of modification, all else being equal - and that is what we are about, whatever does the best job, and then next, what the best bang for the buck is.

Anyway, just some quick FYI for you, and I hope you & your truck are doing well!

 

Thanks Mike....we are doing better...

awww heck I don't care about power...I need to make the thing a submarine.

Actually I've been emailing Neil and he mentioned a pre-filter for the AF1 so I'm gonna call call him about that. Not sure what it is.

I trust what you say about the AF1 vs Volant I just liked the way the Volant looked and thought that in my situation it might provide better protection from my escapades.

Thanks again.

Jim

 

Thanks, regarding the STX...I really get irritated locking them on our dealers lot at closing, I have to go all the way around and lock each door because they're not powered, hah. I really appreciate your appreciation and keep posting your kills, I enjoy them myself.

Troyer, while I am not completely happy with my products your dedication to dyno'ing various mods on the F150 are intriguing to read. Not many of us have the access to a dyno that you have.

Vader, the Volant would definitely help prevent water intake, I've had my AF1 doused with mud before and I get out and wash it on the spot. As you know it can be a dangerous thing.

 

Josiah,

If there is something you are not happy with, then all you need to do is pick up the phone and we can discuss it - however, your dyno numbers are nothing less than stellar for the mods you have on that vehicle, and it is in fact performing very well. Making 274 RWHP with your minor mods is nothing less than excellent. Additionally, I have spent quite a bit of time on the phone with you, and it's interesting to note that we have in your file numerous emails from you praising us. And one email that also clearly shows a lack of proper before & after comparisons or attention paid to our documentation that came with your tunes regarding how to do proper before & after comparisons. Given all of that, your carping here that you are not happy makes no sense, as it is in complete contradiction with what you have said and emailed to us. So if you claim to have a problem, I suggest that you pick up the phone and call us, and we'll be happy to discuss this with you.

And no, at the age of 18 of course you don't have the kind of access to a dyno that we have - you don't own a dyno. Or a shop. Or have a staff that tens of thousands of people rave about. Or the the many years of actual knowledge & hands-on experience it takes to do proper before & after testing methodology and learn proper modification techniques & parts to use on these vehicles for more performance. Of course not - that's not to be expected of someone at your stage of life by any means, nor of anyone else who does not have the kind of resources that we have as a result of doing this for many years. It only becomes a problem when people who don't know refuse to listen to those that do - as those with significant experience modifying many vehicles knows all too well, the only thing that matters is the before & after of each individual vehicle - not what some other vehicle does - which is precisely why we point all of that out in our docs that come with our custom tunes.

And BTW - anyone operating their vehicle in a manner that causes soaking of *any* air intake system on the market for these vehicles is using them in a manner for which they were never designed - and in a manner that requires significant modifications to prevent contamination of the transmission, differentials, transfer case, requiring a custom snorkel intake setup that is designed so that the entire air inlet tract is not only waterproof (which the Volant isn't even close to) but also has it's inlet well above the body of the vehicle - as has been commonly used in properly prepared off-road vehicles (think of jeeps, for example) for many years - as well as changing all powertrain fluids after such exposure - that is basic off-roading knowledge.

I think that some might fail to realize that just because it's truck, or has 4WD, does NOT mean it is built to be submerged, or go "mud bogging" etc., and maybe it's partially the fault of some of the shows many of us watch on the weekends - some of them show taking stock vehiles into areas & conditions they were never meant for, while only one does go into some detail about what is required. Those who want to go into any real water or mud-bogging, etc., need to understand that it takes modifications to be able to use these vehicles in that manner and not create problems - and that can be a LOT of fun!

This is all just FYI Josiah Moberly, and I wish you all the best!

 

As far as my numbers go, I'm less than pleased with the 5.4 when stacked against the competition. I had to put a staggering amount of cash to keep up with my opposition. I have a buddy with exhaust only dyno graphs (well modded now) and put down 271 in a 4wd 5.6 but we're talking the 5.4 here aren't we I also don't think it's in any business owners best interest to judge a customer by age, nor release their full name to the public without their consent.

As far as matters offroad go, I am far from new to the sport and can manage when things go wrong as I've done in the past (tensioner pulley shot, tcase out, driveshaft snapped, ujoint axle end grenaded, steering rack snapped, etc) while on the trail, just ask the pismo meet guys. I express caution and when crossing pits I always place extra filtration over the intake to help avoid splashing. Regardless, the volant would help protect more-so than any other intake on the market (minus the injen), it's absurd to say any different. However, I've never been one to invest a bunch of money in something for the sole purpose of looking "pretty", it was built with the intentions of taking it offroad. I can't think of a single show where folks go mudding or take their vehicles offroad but television here is different than over there.

That said, I think a simple, "thanks Josiah, we do what we can" would have been enough. When are you most available and what is your extension. I work and attend school full time so timing will be hard to find until the weekend (-8 PST). I have spoken with you on occasion, and at the time things were going ok. I have a few complaints but primarily fan controller pot integrity, but I'll go over this with you on the phone. Last call I placed I was unable to reach you and was told I'm relatively SOL on the controllers, the context differed somewhat.

It is not unheard of for an opinion to change as experience is developed with the mod(s) in question. I am an open book Michael, I do not want to "discuss" my problems but rather work them out, if not possible I'd rather not waste either of our time. I'd like to hear what you have to say about replacing the controllers.

Talk to you soon Michael.