NM, just found it. Looks like an air raid with a volant box stuck on the end.,,,,98

 

Hi guys;

If you haven't already done so, go back and read '98's post dated '12-04-2002' on page 1 - click on the 'www.aempower.com' link. There you'll find what appears to be the best objective dissertation on intake materials/design I 've seen. I happen to agree with this article.

Now, on to my real questions. Having looked at the Ken Bell site, and all the other vendor sites that do sell intakes, ( not to mention this here thread ), I see a really wide disparity of opinions... and few really objective facts. How can one shop's dyno runs prove there is no H.P left in the intake ( as Ken Bell has stated ), and a reputable dealer like Troyer state significant gains ( e.g. the AF1 ), again based upon dyno runs ? Add to this mix a lot of different experiences among those who have tried the systems themselves and have taken the time to do measurements. My hat's off to these folks.

I'm looking to buy an AF1 to replace my FIPK ( yes, part but not all, of the reason is appearance ), given the actual material is not an issue, and Mike Troyer highly endorses the unit - which carries a lot of weight with me. This gentleman is knowledgable, experienced and shows he cares about his customers.

My 2 cents? I think it's all about systems - intake mods / exhaust mods/ vehicle maintenance ( regular o2 sensor replacement, TB cleaning, EGR cleaning, new DPFE, plugs, quality fuel, etc, etc ) AND proper tuning ( e.g SuperChips Custom tuning) to tie it all together. According to the experts, there are literaly hundreds of different configurations even withing a given model year on the same type of truck - some will respond , some won't.

Anyway - I'd appreciate anyfeedback you folks may have on the AF1 or even the AEM Brute Force - both seem appropriate alternatives.

And Remember: Opinions are like rectums - everyone has one and they ALL stink ;-))

Cheers and Merry Christmas to ALL !!!
MGDFAN

 

I'd still like to get an AEM. My feeling is the intake air moves through so fast that material doesn't make much difference. No amount of talk will convince me otherwise. Add to that that most intakes have never really been seperated by more than 1-3 HP in performance, at least from what I've seen? To me, most of it is about deciding which one you like the looks of most, and buying it. The HP freak once did a air temp test at the filter. At idle it was about 5 degrees (give or take) over outside temp, and this quickly went down once the truck was moving. Maybe I'm remembering it wrong, it was a couple of years ago?,,,,98

 

MGDfan, you done a very good job of researching the subject and came up with the real truth.
I have been saying simular, that has not alway been met with understanding no matter how well it is explained.
On a stock engine, there can't be much increase in performance due to the change in intake system at any place other than possibly wot.
It is a simple matter to embrace the fact that the air intake is controlled by the throttle body opening at at least less than 1/2 throttle and no matter how much air intake capacity one installs you cannot get anymore air into the engine than what the throttle body opening will allow.
K.B. has been in the performance arena some 35+ years doing testing to puts togather his blower hardware for reliable results and can be trusted to be accurate and scientific.
This doenot mean howerver that the air kits should not be installed if it makes the owner feel good. After, all we all do things to please ourself but lets not get to 'RICEY' and claim large gains that are not there. Same as putting stickers and fart cans on rice kernal cars and telling all friends how much faster the little car is.
If $250 +/- is excess money that can be afforded to get nearly no gain, then go for it!
I just put side marker/running lites and seperate fog lamps on first for more saftey when changing lanes and running in Fog and turning and to enjoy the final outcome.
None of this makes the truck any faster.
Next is running board lights.
The 02 screw 4.6 is stock and runs pretty darn stout.
A program chip is the biggest single change done to get more performance.
Look at the cost benifit ratio.
Chip,,,,,,about $350 + for about 25 hp +/-.
Air intake at $200 + for nearly no gain.
Exhaust at $350 for little gain.
Think the chip wins?
I don't care what anyone does but don't tell me how much power some of these changes are worth!
I am also in the performance arena with a supercharged 5L engines, sprint car racing using a
Windsor motors at 500 + hp plus lots of experience with head porting, building engines etc.
Happy holidays.

 

Thanks for the kind words, Bluegrass !

I hear ya.. you have to do what you feel is right for your own benefit, and everyone's priorities are going to be different. Thank God we have the luxury of choice and the freedom to express it.

I may be a simple Canuck, but I too love America.

You have a great holiday season, sir!

Cheers and Merry Christmas from Canada, eh?


MGDFAN

 

Thank you. It's nice to hear that from a neighbor.