So I got my '08 F150 XLT 5.4L Supercab a couple weeks ago and love it. I'm about to order my Maggie 16616 si/do exhaust through hottexhaust (got a decent discount through them), and am looking at intakes now. I was looking at S&B, Banks and AF1. The S&B looks nice, but a few here have said it has a bit much drone, and more people seem to like the AF1, including those who switched from S&B to AF1. I like the look of the Banks, and so far those who have it seem to love it, but the cost is high, and as of yet after I contacted Banks last week they said they don't have any applications for '08 yet. Is '08 and '07 the same for intake and MAF? If I can get a discount through Banks to a comparable price I may go with them. But AF1 seems good too. Does AF1 make the 3" intake for the 5.4L? Last I looked, the 3" was for 4.6L, and the 3.5" was for 5.4L. If I go with the 3.5", I know I need a tune to correct for the lean a/f ratio, but how long can you run ot before you need a tune? I will be going for the XCal2, not sure if I'm using Justin at VMP or Mike at Troyer. I know there are loyalties to one over the other, but both seem good. VMP is far quicker, but less F150 experience I guess.

I guess what I'm trying to figure out is which is a better intake for the buck, AF1, S&B or Banks. And do you absolutely NEED the tune ASAP when you go with the 3.5" AF1 or can you get away without it for a while? Do you need the tunes for S&B or Banks, or do they not lean out the mix? Sorry for the long post, just trying to get the best product for my new truck. Thanks
Ryan

 

You will need the AF1 3.5-inch tuned for when you install it (not sure about the others but guessing yes). Don't take a chance leaning it out. I have that intake and love it, the S&B was a close choice for me as well but can't speak for that one. Pretty sure the 3-inch AF1 is available for the 5.4 as well and does not require a tune. I believe you will get some droning under certain loads/rpm/etc. from any high flow intake.