First, I'd like to THANK you guys for the wealth of info you place out here. Thanks...

Now, I am in the process of shopping for mods for my truck. A gentleman told me on yesterday that if I install the Airaid, I need to install the Flowmaster as well. He states that since the engine will be taking in a lot of air, it needs to be able to blow out as much. Sales pitch? or is this true? Thanks UB

PS...97 F150 Extended Cab 4.6L Auto 3.55 LS

 

sort of a sales pitch--the flowmaster will help over OEM exhaust system without the airaid, but it is still a sales pitch--you really don't need it because of the instalation of the airaid. i have an airaid with stock exhaust and now i am adding a new exhaust, but i gained power with only the airaid.

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2001 F-150 4X4 Supercab
XLT 139" WB style side
5.4L V8 3.55 LIMITED SLIP AXLE
MODS:
AIRAID FIPK
SUPERCHIP(FLIP CHIP)
ROLL & LOCK TONNEAU

being installed as of 5/22/01
GIBSON CAT BACK
GIBSON HEADER
REFLEXX COBRA HOOD
STREET SCENE GRILL
HOLLEY THUNDER SUPERCHARGE
PILLER GAUGES

[This message has been edited by Predator1 (edited 05-25-2001).]

 

The FIPK and cat-back is additive in performance and you can notice it.

The physics of how an engine operates shows that the easier the thing breathes the better and more efficient.

I noticed a slight mileage increase (~1 MPG over the course of 6 months) and slight torque increase with the K&N FIPK, which I installed first. I installed a Gibson 1 in 2 out catback system about 6 months later which kicked up the touque and mileage noticeably. Just for kicks I put the stock airbox back on and I could easily tell the difference in the reduction in power/torque(so I don't think this is a sales pitch). The major difference you'll see is in the 2000-3000 RPM range, like off the line or towing, especially out of overdrive while climbing hills.

I recently put in a JET cumpter ROM, which made yet another obviously noticable improvement, and the driveability of this thing is excellent. I am very satisfied with the amount of money spent vs the performance and mileage gains. I tow a 3500 pound enclosed trailer with 2 ATVs in it fairly regularly and these 3 mods together increased the towing 'comfort' considerably. I also went from a 'stock' gas mileage not pulling a trailer from about 15 MPG to about 19 MPG on the highway after the mods. This is measurable and I do measure it whenever I fill up the gas tank.

I was not interested in off the line power, looks, sound or top speed. I was interested mainly in towing capability and comfort, with some mileage gains thrown in for good measure. All 3 of these mods I would recommend, all or in any combination.

I also upgraded shocks to the Edelbrock IAS shocks that REALLY help crosswind stability and roll in the corners, especially pulling the trailer. I was originally thinking of putting in a rear swaybar but with the new shocks and the improvement there I may opt out of that one and save the $125 for gas and beer. I've also heard some rumblings about the Granatelli Mass Airflow Sensor helping ALL the mods work better. At $300 I've got to really hear something more about that one to believe it. Also saw some comments on this site about a $38 Y pipe replacement making a big improvement. I'll probably look at that next since it's a relatively cheap 'experiment'.

I have a 1999 f-150, XLT, 4X4, 5.4L-V8, 3.55 LS Rear End, extended cab, short bed.

 

Hey ronhop

I installed the Y pipe on my truck and it made a huge difference in power and gas mileage. Go to the after market exhaust section, there are many posts about it there.
I also posted part numbers and were to get it. I hope this helps you out.
If you have more questions just ask.

Larry

 

You don't need to do them at the same time as he suggest. You can put in the Airaid with the factory exhaust and your truck should still run better, but it will run even better if you change out the exhaust as well. They do not have to be done at the same time, on that part he is kinda giving you a sales pitch, however if you can afford to do both at the same time you will get the most out of the Airaid short of adding a chip. Just my opinion, I have yet to drop the money on any mods yet, Waited for the warranty to end our dealer is strict about warranty crap.

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98 F150 XLT Super cab s/b
Two-Tone paint: Moonlight Blue w/Light Prairie Tan Accent
4.6L Auto 4X2
3.55ls 255/70r16
Premium sound w/6Disc changer
Captains chairs

 

the correct verbiage that the saleperson should have used was "now that the engine CAN take in more air"..

the engine will suck as much air as it needs.. the airaid will just allow it to suck more if it wants to..

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'99 Ford F-150 Lariat SuperCab 4x4, ORP, 3.73 gears
5.4L Triton V-8
Deep Wedgewood Blue



MODS:

• K&N Gen II FIPK
• Fog Lights on w/Parking Lights
• Gibson Dual Sport Truck Exhaust
• A.R.E. LSII Hard Tonneau Cover

 

Larry,

Thanks for info on the Y-pipe. Based on what I've read I'm going to go ahead and do it assuming it's not too late since my exhaust has already been upgraded. And, yeah, sucking in and blowing out air, and lots of it, is a good thing.

I did my K&N and exhaust mod before my warranty ran out. When I did bring it in for a leaking power steering hose fitting under warranty the mechanic made a very positive comment on both mods saying that Ford should have just done that to begin with (and charged us up the butt for it). He claimed that the K&N filtercharger is part of Ford's performance product line and you can actually have a dealer install one for you, if you really want to pay them to do a really simple-to-do-it-yourself mod. Airaid is basically the same principle as the K&N so I can't imagine any difference in warranty support if you install one. I didn't have the chip in it at that time though. I waited for the warranty to expire to do that figuring that Ford could easily blame just about any engine or electrical problem on it if they wanted to.

 

Does the "y"pipe do as much good for the 5.4 as the 4.6?? I read that the 5.4 piping as it was was not as restrictive where it comes together as the 4.6. Also some manufacturers make an "X" pipe that's open where the X meets in the middle that looks to be the best flow option to me. Both sides being pretty straight and the same length.

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Ordered on 11/2/00:
VIN'd on 11/13
Built on 12/4
ETA week of 12/25
Merry Christmas to me !
Picked up 12/28/00
drove 100 miles in Snowstorm on sh!&&y roads on 12/30/00 -- SWEET !!
4X4 Lariat
SCrew, Arizona
Beige, 5.4 Liter, Offroad
Pkg, Moonroof, Rear
slider, Capt's seats,
Side steps, Bed xtndr,6
CD, L S D 3.55

******* X2K Lid, Line-X Spray-in liner, Eventualy: Intake/Exhaust mods.