I know that AR1 is getting a lot of good press. How about the S&B CAI system. Any thoughts? I am ready to dust of the Visa and order a CAI system and have decided between the two.

Thanks!

Re,
~WC~

 

x2

Opinions, Experience?

 

Hi - attempted an answer here: https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...55&postcount=5

 

MGDFan, in the thread you mentioned that it wasn't as highly rated, by TP, as others. This is with respect to only power gains, correct?

Has anyone done a study or test to evaluate the filters effectiveness at blocking dust/dirt particles? I know S&B posts a comparions of their filter against the factory unit. But wondered how these other CAI's stack up.

I live down a dirt road so power isn't the only thing I need good performance on.

Thanks

 

Hi.

Y'know, that's a really good question.

I personally have never seen a definitive & impartial filter media comparison.

I have seen several manufacturer's ones - TrueFlow, for example, has a good one. But, being presented by the manufacturer you would expect some bias.

I believe most filters do an adequate job, regardless of make - even the factory paper element. This is, however, as used in a normal 85th-percentile application.

Special/extreme conditions pose a challenge, and for peace of mind, the only way to be sure is to check the intake tract for contamination, or even get an oil analysis done to see if stuff is getting by in abnormal quantities. That, and keeping up on filter maintenance is the best I can tell you.

Remember, down to a certain particle size, stuff will get through; after all the media needs to pass air to work - it's never going to be an absolute filter and maintain required airflow - not without being unacceptably huge.

A pre-filter, if one is available, may help....

Good luck.

cheers
Bubba

 

MGDFan, in the thread you mentioned that it wasn't as highly rated, by TP, as others. This is with respect to only power gains, correct?

Has anyone done a study or test to evaluate the filters effectiveness at blocking dust/dirt particles? I know S&B posts a comparions of their filter against the factory unit. But wondered how these other CAI's stack up.

I live down a dirt road so power isn't the only thing I need good performance on.

Thanks

 

This is a rather revealing study of the effectiveness of different air filters.

http://www.duramax-diesel.com/spicer/index.htm

 

Modern filter medias such as the Donaldson, Outlaw Power, and AEM have been indedepently tested by ISO certified test labs with the new standard "PTI fine dust". The Spicer tests from a few years ago used the "PTI coarse dust" so the results are not comparible.

 

I guess I will just add my experience with the S&B kit on my '04 Screw. During install I unhooked the battery for one hour and after installing the kit correctly and running the truck for about 30 mins. I got a CEL. I then called S&B the next day. They said unhook the battery again. Did for two hours. Ran the kit for two weeks and then got another CEL. After unhooking again after another CEL within 30 days I ended up selling the kit.

 

while i have nothing to compare it to since this is my first cai, i have an s&b on my 04 and have had no problems other than a tight fit at the throttle body. i picked up 2 mpg and some more response, and no cel's in sight. as far as installation, cliche, if i can do it anyone should be able to.

 

Would you know where I can get these test results?

MGDFan, thanks for the feedback too. Not sure how my computer or I reposted the same questions 20 something minutes later... Oh well...

Thanks

 

Thank you all for the info. I went ahead and ordered the 3.5" AF1 though. Everybody seems to love it on here and since Troyer is building my tunes, I think it's best to use the intake they recommend and are familiar with.

 

Read that post of the filters.... quite amazing realy how the stock filter was MUCH better than the aftermarket on both flow, AND filtering capabilities. Too bad they don't make a stock air filter for a CAI. Either way, I'll still be getting a CAI myself, but i guess i'll be looking at the products efficiency a bit closer.

Too bad they did that filter test on a GM and not a ford. I wonder how the Motorcraft filter would do.

 

AF1 (3") on for seven weeks now, never a CEL, never a problem other than keeping my right foot off the floor. The filtering ability of the stock element I can believe, that thing's like seven layers of granny panties, but as far as performance?.. no way, it's a very noticeable difference..

 

S&B lists the filtering efficiency vs OEM for most intakes. For the F150 with 5.4L engine, it is 99.43 for S&B vs 99.81 for OEM. Jon