I want to improve my MPG's and I am thinking about purchasing a CAI. I have dual exhaust (catback) and a ram induction hood. Do I need to buy a programmer too? Will a CAI help my MPG's??

 

Is your hood functional ? Some have optional intakes that give a true ram air effect . Which is actually better than a CAI alone. Because the Air /fuel charge is induced under pressure into the intake manifold. Also getting the cooler air from outside the engine compartment . Most would agree that a programmer is a must have item.

 

I believe you may see some increase in mpgs if you can keep you foot out of the throttle. I know its addictive once you put on a sweet sounding exhaust and you can hear the engine talking to you through the intake. Nice looking truck by the way. Mine is a black 05 screw, Ive got the saleen hood, and roush goodies all around. That hood was first on my list untill I scored a sweet deal an the Saleen heat extractor unit. Our trucks look very similar. I d like to see them parked side by side.

 

a CAI will help about 1-1.5 mpg, if you can keep your foot off the pedal like Jon said. The programmer i would do after the CAI, unless you are going to be using the can tunes. If you are going custom, then you will have to get new ones once the CAI is added, which means more $$$.

 

Thanks for the info. I drive pretty conservative. I purchased the truck with the accessories already installed so I didn't have to go through the "New Toy" experience if you know what I mean?

As for the hood it is open through to the engine compartment but is not force fed. So will the CAI help? And can I get away without purchasing the programmer? I don't mind spending $250 for CAI but don't really want to spend another $300 to $400 on a programmer.

 

Pardon my ignorance but what are can tunes? I said I was a newbie

 

Canned tunes are basically the tunes that come with a programmer. They are meant to accommodate a wide range of vehicles, so getting a custom tune just for your truck would yield better results, since a tuner could take into account any add-ons you make have, thus squeezing out the most amount of safe power.

Did I get it right, guys?

 

If You know the manufacturer of the hood you could most likely purchase the needed parts to make the hood functional. Ram air hoods.com has that style hood with an optional air box that seals to the underside of the hood in the center using a wide flat drop in style filter. Their hoods are composite (plastic) check out there site. Other manufacturers produce fiberglass hoods some work with many different aftermarket cold air intake kits. I prefer the one from Ram air hoods. But thats just me. Either way you would benefit from the induction of cooler outside air. And its always nicer to say your hood does more than just look good.

 

IMO your better off leaving the stock intake on. for the amount of gains and the problems you might have with putting the intake on, its not worth the bs. then you'll end up having to spend $400.00 for a custom tuner, that will take 4 to 6 weeks to reach your mail box.

 

If you get an aftermarket intake, you must get custom tuning to correct the Air/Fuel ratios and keep your engine safe. Although some intakes dont lean it out that bad, ALL aftermarket intakes lean it out a certain amount, and it is absolutely necessary to get proper tuning to keep your truck safe.

If you dont want to buy both, i suggest getting just custom tuning. You can get tunes specifically for MPG gains, and you will still net huge gains in power over stock.

 

With everyone talking about the whole runnign lean issues, I know for a fact S&B has run many tests to ensure stock A/F conditions and have not heard PERSONALLY of any issues of running lean.

If you do not want to run a programmer, I would recommend going with S&B or the 3" AF1.

Feel free to give me a call at the office and I can help you out.

Alon