New to the forum and I'm sure this subject has been addressed, but I have also been looking at different configurations of intake systems. I know folks have their favorites for various reasons. I'm not worried about 2hp differences(that's why I'm driving 4x4 truck) and I know torque is more important for the real life rpm range I'll be operating in. I have been interested in the new S&B and the Volant. I read where a member swears by the Airforceone. I'm a little hesitant due to the open element with heat and dust/dirt in the engine compartment (i.e.on dirt road conditions). Also, I noticed Ford made their intake runners out of composite(plastic?) so I think they had some good reasons for that (I know, weight is part of it).

Now to the heart of my question(s).. has anybody compiled the results of those dyno runs I've read about on this forum, and if so, can you put the results on this forum. I know it's a dyno and the conditions are never the same, but it could at least let us know which ones are the real dogs and which ones are real contenders (which might just come down to looks).

Second question.. I noticed Air Raid makes an oval shaped tube (composit/plastic?) that connects to the factory filter box and takes air from the area between the radiator and left head light (like the S&B/ Volant). Does anybody know (facts) if the location of a quality air filter makes a difference? Stock location (near the throttle body) vs. air filter near the left front fender.

Just trying to get a good quality intake system. Right now I have a 04' FX4 with the stock intake an K&N filter. Bottom line..do I need to change anything to get a noticable change in performance/ towing/hauling/mileage?

 

Ive never seen a kit that re routes the intake from the drivers side to the passenger side. Atleast thats what it sounds like you are saying.

And the Oval shaped tube sounds more like the one that is designed for the lightning then a reg 5.4 or 4.6

And just about anything you replace on the whole intake or exaust will help over factory. I noticed more gain from my P&P TB and Plenum, then i did from my Modified stock intake with K&N

 

No, I said the Air Raid tube (it's called a modular tube..google it) picks up air by the left head light (ie.DRIVERS SIDE/ side where the steering wheel is on/ same as Volant/ S&B).

And just so I know why before I buy (facts and I'm nt talking exhaust), why is the stock system with
a K&N (or good quailty) not as good as one with the filter near and behind (aft) of the left head light/ driver's side/ steering wheel side of the truck?

 

[QUOTE=load]No, I said the Air Raid tube (it's called a modular tube..google it) picks up air by the left head light (ie.DRIVERS SIDE/ side where the steering wheel is on/ same as Volant/ S&B).

And just so I know why before I buy (facts and I'm nt talking exhaust), why is the stock system with
a K&N (or good quailty) not as good as one with the filter near and behind (aft) of the left head light/ driver's side/ steering wheel side of the truck?[/QUOTE

I'm not trying to be rude, but I am trying to avoid vague answers. Everybody knows the stock system can be improved. I'm just trying to find out how much and why ( so when I recommend a system to someone else,I'm not just blowing smoke up ....) and is it really worth at least $250.

Again, not trying to be rude, but reading some answers to questions on the same subject it really nevers seems to be answered. The two guys seem to know the most about this are knuckleupunk and marc carpenter. Do you guys have any input, and marc are there any numbers published on those dyno runs you have been too.. I'm just trying to get some straight answers with real proof, not some infommercial snake oil garbage..."yea man, mine the best, it makes 30hp trust me and give me $300". Looking at design and quailty, I think S&B (the new one) and Volant appear to be the best. Any comments?

 

In order of what I have seen .
1. Air Force 1
2. Airaid was, but now I suggest the AEM Brute Force.
3. Airaid
4. S&B fourth, but only becuase it is the newest. There filters have been
around for quite sometime. Had one on my Lightning..AF1 uses them too..

Which ever you choose I suggest you also get a custom tuned (Troyer) XCal2 as quite a few '04 5.4 3V engines have been known to run very lean straight
from the factory. My choices are based solely on what I have witnessed on the dyno, research and developement with Troyer on several products, and my personal preference. I might add that I was also an Engineer @ Ford Motor Company for 17+ years if that means anything..
Good luck on your search and choice...

 

[QUOTE=Marc Carpenter]In order of what I have seen .
1. Air Force 1
2. Airaid was, but now I suggest the AEM Brute Force.
3. Airaid
4. S&B fourth, but only becuase it is the newest. There filters have been
around for quite sometime. Had one on my Lightning..AF1 uses them too..

Which ever you choose I suggest you also get a custom tuned (Troyer) XCal2 as quite a few '04 5.4 3V engines have been known to run very lean straight
from the factory. My choices are based solely on what I have witnessed on the dyno, research and developement with Troyer on several products, and my personal preference. I might add that I was also an Engineer @ Ford Motor Company for 17+ years if that means anything..
Good luck on your search and choice...[/QUOTE

Thanks Marc. What would you say is the difference in power hp/tq between #1 choice and # 2?

 

[QUOTE=load]
I can only give you an educated guess but I am willing to bet that on any given day or condition that the difference would not be noticeable to the ordinary driver...anywhere from 5 to maybe 10 max...its a hip shot...

 

[QUOTE=Marc Carpenter]
Sounds about right, doubt anyone would notice the difference between the two on the ol' butt dyno.

-Brian

 

I see your choices here, but im curious what wrong with the K&N intakes? I never see anybody say much about them. Havent they been around a while? I just got mine in today (63) series for 06 5.4, but im sceptical of using this. Wondering if it was a waste of money.

 

I don't think anyone is saying they are bad, it's just that they are not going to provide you with the biggest power gains.

-Brian

 

I have been following the release of the Outlaw Power CAI for the 5.4L3v 04+ F150 and it looks good. The filter is completely enclosed and draws air from the fender like the stock intake and you will have a choice between oiled or dry filter types. I may get one depending on the feedback I see from other members who get one.

 

I see thanks for the reply.