I have been reading on here for a while and I saw that yall are saying you that when you get a cai you need to get a tuner for the 04-08. Is that true? Is there any cai that does not need a tuner? I have a 2004 fx4 supercrew. Thanks for the help.

 

Best and safest bet is to get a custom tune with your CAI. If you want a safe bet that doesn't require a tune, try a drop in K&N. If you've been reading, you should have found all the answers, someone posts this question about twice a week, every week, for the past 3 years. lol

 

2004's are known to come from the factory running in a near lean condition. I would not put a CAI on any of the late models but especially not the 2004, without a CUSTOM tune. Canned tunes do not solve the problem.

 

There has been lots of discussion as to just how lean the engine will run with a CAI and a stock tuner, from what I've read if you want to install a tuner with a CAI get one that has custom tunes as the parameters will be adjusted for the equipment installed. I have a CAI and exhaust mod on my '08 and my tuner is a Gryphon with custom tunes, the truck performs great.

 

A friend of mine has the Volant and is pretty happy with it. I think his is an '05 though. I'm going to install the AF1 3.0" later today on my '04. Some people have warned against it, but after talking to some of the folks at TP about their research and development I feel pretty good about it.

Basically, there is a chance you're running lean. But I haven't read any posts yet where it caused serious issues. Perhaps there are people that have posted problems and I just haven't come across them yet...

 

I installed the AF1 3.0"

While installing, I disconnected the negative battery cable to make the computer reset. That way it would adjust to the new intake. When I hooked everything back up, the truck started fine. I put it in reverse and it died. Crap... I restarted the truck and it has been running fine since. I'm not sure why it died. Perhaps the air intake, perhaps the computer reset.

Also, I have notice that my temp. gauge is reading slightly on the cold side. I'm pretty sure that before it was dead center... now it's a hair left of center.

I would notice a slight vibration in the pedal when it really mash on it. Again, I'm not sure if this is due to the intake or not. I have a custom tune from TP on the way so I'm anxious to see if the tune has any effect on the pedal vibration.

Sorry it's nothing too conclusive. The AF1 does look good, I know that much! But I do think there is a slight performance gain. Hopefully I will see a MPG gain as well. Either way... you're not going to see drastic improvements with any of these after-market CAIs. If the results were so noticeable, Ford would be using them as the stock intakes...

 

What about an AirAid Jr. Kit? Would it require a tune? All it really does is smooth out the intake flow a tad and comes with a higher flow filter. Also, its a lot easier on the pocketbook than a full blown CAI. I couldn't imagine it making you feel anything in the seat of your pants, but I'm curious as to if it could make the engine perform just hair bit better. Opinions?

I really apologize if I stole your thread...just something else along the same lines to think about :o