I just installed my new Airaid air box, and I want to make some candid comments. Bottom line to me is performance, and that has yet to be measured. I had a few minor disappointments that I would like to share with the group. Perhaps it is a dream to have a full compliment of required parts, proper fitting parts and clear and complete instructions - this was not the case.

Parts: The rubber rim that fits around the top of the airbox was miscut by 1/4", and hence did not fit properly. I had to use tin snips to build the part correctly. Airaid (Evergreen Performance) was very accomodating when I telephoned, and immediately shipped me one that allegedly will fit properly. The parts list calls for 6 1/4x3/4" bolts, and that is what was shipped. Unfortunately, the attachment of the box to the two rubber grommets underneath required two 1/4x1 1/4" bolts. I find it real frustrating when everything is spread about, my hood is open, I am anxious to get going, and I have to head to the hardware store.

There is a required tool list that neglects to mention the need for a phillips head screw driver (they mentioned flat head), 7/16" socket and 7/16" straight wrench. Also a small ignition wrench is needed to attach on end of the box to the truck. As I was installing the unit with the instructions, I could not help but wonder if anyone at the factory ever actually installed one. Of course the answer is yes, but the instructions could have been more complete, and more accurate.

Most of this is rather nit picky, but for the premium price charged for the product, I believe I have earned the right to exercise that privilege.

Bottom Line: The box is nicely constructed of metal and includes a K&N air filter. The box seems to make a nice seal with the top of the hood, hence I don't think one can expect the same turbine whine prevalent with the PSP & Downs boxes. The factory claims 12 HP increase of the stock airbox and a 2/10 increase in 1/4 mile time. That remains to be seen from my perspective.

Who has the best box? The jury is still out, but I don't think you can go wrong with an Airaid, and of course we all know that PSP & Downs boxes are great units. For those interested, I will probably post a picture of the box this weekend.

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Sandy (Spider) Scott
99 White Lightning #2091 DOB 6-8-99
Coming soon: Airaid air box & Superchip to be installed directly at the factory on Jan 7th

 

Thanks for your thoughts on the box and installation. I was glad that I had a chance to read this post before I spoke to Roger Lemere

I went ahead and ordered it from him to be sent out overnight. I hope it does as well as Evergreen claims it does! Good luck on your super chip installation, I look forward to reading how it went for you and your impressions.

L8R

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99 Lightning, Black, CD
changer, Downey SST tonneau, Class 3 hitch, Ford bed mat, tinted back window,clear headlight/ foglight lenses, Pioneer speakers.
DOB: 4-28-99, ordered 12-27-98
Build #694
My one really cool toy..
(except my Mercury Parklane "hobby")

SVT RULES THE ROAD!!!!!

 

Great! Please post your impressions when you get it installed. I guess Roger will include the two mis-sized bolts, although it is not exactly difficult to quickly find them. Airaid has a great rep for good, high quality boxes, and I am sure we won't be disappointed with the results. BTW, I left off the rubber tube that runs from the right side of the stock airbox to the wheel well. The K&N filter really leaves no room for that piece. Anyway, if you learn of or observe anything interesting or significent during your installation, please let me know about it. Tonight is like Christmas eve - it's Superchip city tomorrow at 10:00 AM - Yes!!

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Sandy (Spider) Scott
99 White Lightning #2091 DOB 6-8-99
Airaid air box & Superchip

 

Wow, Sandy, a bit of a bad hair day!
No flaming here, but the PSP setup was a breeze. I had Frank do it as he is a Harley wrench when not working in my shop, but I could have done it myself based on watching him put it in. 10 minutes and no trip to the hardware store.
Ignorance on my part, but you said something about a nice seal to the "hood". I thought pretty near all the power filters aimed at the stock opening in the inner fender well, or is that what you meant? The PSP filter leaves a definite gap, so it is most likely going to be drawing both from that opening as well as from the underhood area. I do know that Sal addressed that question months ago by stating that the underhood temperature while under way is not that different than the temp coming through the fender well. Just curious. Hope it meets your expectations.
Bill

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Bill Murray
99.5 Lightning
Oxford White
Bedrug/ARE LSII lid

Tow Package CD Player
Superchip
HobbyTownUSA Graphics
Identical 1/10 Scale Tamiya RC Truck incl. graphics.
Truck interest e-mail:
fastwhitey@myf150.com
4 heavy decals!
Kennesaw (Atlanta) Ga.

 

Hi Bill:

In fairness to Airaid, the setup is a bit more complicated in that rather than attaching the filter to the end of a tube, it is contained in a box, which must be put together. The top seals to the hood, however, the rightside of the box is totally open, so it is drawing air from a wider area than just the hole coming from the wheel well. My guesstimate of installation time with proper tools laid out, everything fitted properly, and the proper hardware would be one hour. Unfortunately, it took considerably longer due to the bad hair day. I just got home from work, and unless I'm dreaming it seems to have much better throttle response than before. Tommorrow morning, we will chip that white beauty, and it will definitely be play time. Bottom line with the various filters is that you would probably need more sensitive measuring devices than we have to detect a difference, but the Downs and PSP are definitely simpler to install - perhaps because they are a simpler (although not necessarily more effective or ineffective) design. Oh, and not to get this started again, but my truck would be sporting the PSP box, but there was no one to order from - I tried hard!
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Sandy (Spider) Scott
99 White Lightning #2091 DOB 6-8-99
Airaid air box & Superchip


[This message has been edited by skydive69 (edited 01-06-2000).]

[This message has been edited by skydive69 (edited 01-06-2000).]

 

Not to be outdone by Sandy and Bill (and also inspired by their installation stories), I just went out to the garage and installed Sal's PSP air system kit (with prefilter). Took my time, actually read the instructions, laid out my wrenches and dived in. Took me almost an hour but everything fit perfectly and no parts were left over. If I did it again it would probably take me about 20 minutes. Really great looking installation with high quality, perfectly fitting components.

Then, I started her up. Not too much difference in sound at idle or under mild throttle bliping with the hood up. So, I closed the hood, backed her out and took her for a little spin. Two turns later I was out on Apopka-Vineland Rd. Light traffic, so I immediately nailed it and went to full WOT.

OH BABY, WHO'S YOUR DADDY!! I thought a force 5 tornado and a force 5 hurricane had combined under my hood. What a fantastic sound! Scared the bejesus out of the folks in the Expedition in the next lane, I'm sure. The additional power is apparent to the seat of my pants and I'm sure a dyno would confirm a gain.

Wyldman is right about the PSP filter being a "supercharger waker-upper". My boost needle just about bent double against its stop. And, goodness knows that Bill is right about the den of lions analogy.

So, I'm a very happy camper with Sal's kit. And, the nice thing is, it looks like it's hard to go wrong with any of the 3 air intake systems. PSP, Downs or Airaid. Just choose one and stick it on. This is the way all Lightning's should have come from the factory!

Can't wait to put in the PSP chip this weekend!

Mike

 

Mike,

You'll love the chip, just be carefull for the first few cycles (drives) as it takes a little time for the computer to relearn some of it's fine tuning. You will probably hear some detonation on throttle tip in and @ WOT but it goes away pretty fast. Actually, pretty fast is a great description of the L with the PSP full meal deal

------------------
Mark Whatman
mwhatman@worldnet.att.net

• 99.5 White Lightning (stock)
• 99 Buell S3 Thunderbolt (not stock!)
• 98 F-150 Lariat (Flowmaster)
• 96 26' Velocity Offshore Race Boat (far from stock!!!)

 

Mike:
It's amazing how much fun (and performance) can be had for such a little outlay financially!! I'm out the door for my Superchip installation. Yippee!


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Sandy (Spider) Scott
99 White Lightning #2091 DOB 6-8-99
Airaid air box & Superchip

 

Well Sandy, I see what you meant on the filter installation.....
It took me all of 20 minutes or so to do this, but I also have the benefit of working with these vehicles daily. I really didn't look at the directions that closely untill after I had it done. I have to admit, the directions left alot to be desired....

I think that aside from the mistakes that you pointed out, I was really surprised that there were no illustrations or good photographs to go aong with the instructions. I don't count the one that was there as instructional since mine was a poor B/W copy that seemed to highlight the two Airaid stickers. Looked more like advertising than anything else....

I was told by Roger L. about the bolt issue(I was willing to take it with the incorect bolts though) and I had asked him about the sealing gasket being incorrect. He told me that it was being addressed before mine was shipped out. (as a result of your input I'm sure )
Needles to say, it wasn't cut right and it is to short. I found some material that I can make another one, but I feel as you do, this kit cost enough and was in developement long enough that this should not have happened. Did you notice that the IAT sensor did not fit very well?

Enough critique....
Hat off to Roger Lemere here at F150online!!! I ordered it Thursday PM and it was waiting for me on my porch Friday morning. (I had to have it so I was willing to pay to have it overnighted to me )
It was nice dealing with someone who is willing and able to make sure that things happen as promised. That is a quality that I respect highly and will definitly recommed him/do business with him again (JBA Headers soon I hope!!)

Also I am quite happy overall with the new airbox. It is a very well designed part considerng the space limitations. I personally believe that the more cool air you can get, the better. I read that Evergreen was in development of a new concept which is why I waited so long in the first place to get an after market airbox set-up. Evergreen will get the minor little bugs out and have good feedback on their filter set-up very soon I am sure.

Sorry for the long post......

P.S. Just got back from my test drive
all I can say is WOW. This is a must have!!

-----------------------
-----------------------
99 Lightning, Black, CD
changer, Downey SST tonneau, Class 3 hitch, Ford bed mat, tinted back window,clear headlight/ foglight lenses, Pioneer speakers, Airaid airbox, clear corner lenses (thanks Roger L!) Autometer boost gauge
DOB: 4-28-99, ordered 12-27-98
Build #694
My one really cool toy..
(except my Mercury Parklane "hobby")

SVT RULES THE ROAD!!!!!





[This message has been edited by LightningKid (edited 01-08-2000).]

 

I'm glad that everything worked out well for you, and you received it so quickly. Now all you need is a chip, but be prepared to relearn launching technique if you do that. Keep me in the loop on the headers. I am also considering that, and will be interested in your iput should you get the JBA headers.

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Sandy (Spider) Scott
99 White Lightning #2091 DOB 6-8-99
Airaid air box & Superchip
Honda Valkyrie - 2 Bros exhaust - K&N filter (after 30 yrs. of Harley riding)