I'm looking into getting a few more bolt ons for my '07 F150 5.4. I already have the Magnaflow SI/SO 3" cat back and am considering an air intake next. I have read that without a programmer these two together can cause a lean condition. Should I wait until I can get a programmer and air intake at the same time? I have been reading about the programmers and will get one sometime this year anyway. Also, as far as air intakes I want one without the chrome tube. I prefer the black look under the hood that matches everything else so what is the most preffered one with that look?

 

It has been said that the intake will cause a lean condition in some cases without a programmer but not all the time. I have a K&N intake/ magnaflow exhaust and it never threw a lean code (possible lean but threw no codes) Have also heard that the only time the K&N might run lean is at WOT. Also the K&N has the black tube available- I have one. Im sure others have them as well but im not sure which ones. Airraid has black tube as well

This is the intake I have and this is where I got it but I didnt have to pay this price
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

 

1st, your exhaust makes no difference, cannot cause or contribute to running lean.

2nd, an intake kit CAN cause your engine to run lean.

For our trucks ('04 +) the only intake kit that won't cause your engine to lean in the abscence of custom tunes is the 3" AF1. Unfortunately for you it uses a stainless steel intake tube, which you disdain because of the way it looks.

So by all means make a major modifaction to your engine based solely on the way it looks.

The statement that an intake kit will only run lean at WOT only applies to the 3" AF1. All others can cause a lean condition at any throttle position, and yes you may never get a CEL until the harm has been done.

 

well you can get the af1 and powder coat it black... that may look good and different at the same time...

 

"you may never get a CEL until the harm has been done."

what Harm ? what are the effects on the engine of running lean ?

 

"BOOM"......

 

Boom,,,Help,,,,, does that mean running lean will make the engine explode?

 

troyer has a great deal on right now for the 3.5'' airforce one intake and custom tunes. i talked to crystal and she said it's on for just over $600 right now. considering th af1 is $300 anyway, that's a pretty good deal. i almost went for it but i already have the superchips 1714.

 

Yes possibly. A lean condition makes stuff run waaaayyy hotter. stuff can melt and yes the engine can be a goner

 

Shouldn't your MAF work in combination with your O2 sensor and ajust the A/F Ratio accordingly? Thats what iv been told.....

 

That's what I think also, anything under a 3 1/2 " intake is fine without a custom tune. I am still getting the custom tune but not because on the C.A.I

 

my outlaw cai wasnt running lean before i put my edge on

 

To an extent it will, it just depends on a number of factors, such as just how much more air you are allowing to flow...etc..

 

With a cold air intake kit, you will run leaner than stock. This will result in your engine running hotter (maybe a little, or maybe a lot hotter - like if you are stuck in rush hour traffic for an hour in the summer time).

I ran the black K&N FIPK II with no other mods for a few months and did not notice much of a differnce other than a much louder intake sound under medium throttle.

If you really want more power, get a tuner. I have the Edge and it works very well. In addition, I just bought the X3 and am awaiting custom tunes, as I understand they are a bit better than the Edge. Either way, you will feel a big difference with a tuner.

eFans are another mod that will help, but the tuner is pretty much the best bang for the buck.

 

If the CAI preserves the OE geometry past the MAF sensor, I don't see how it can cause a lean condition.

When the tract is larger than the OE at the MAF, then you need a custom tune to correct the MAF calibration for the larger area.