I've heard of the 5.4 3 valves running lean with an aftermarket intake setup, but do the 2 valve 4.6's? I want to buy a new CAI, but don't want to have to buy a tune for it just to keep it running properly.

 

Why don't you want to buy a tune for it?

 

Maybe $$$

 

Exactly

 

I didn't know. There are tons of reasons why someone could not want a tune. I'd do it once, do it right, and wait until you can afford both.

 

I just want to get the CAI without having to buy a tune. I'd rather spend a couple hundred bucks then $600. I'm also not going to risk frying the PCM because of some programming error and the dealership not covering it. I won't even think about a tune for at least another year or two. Now I'm sure someone out there has put a CAI on their 4.6, and all I ask is if it runs lean and throws a code.

 

You will NOT burn lean on the stock tune with any aftermarket intake on a 2 valve motor.

 

Thanks. You know this from experience?

 

i have a AF1 3" cai for my 04 4.6l and it runs great. just saving up to buy my tunes!!

 

The Reason that the 3v's run lean is the MAF design they use. That goes for the 3v 4.6 in the mustang and the 3v 5.4 in the F series where the MAF is in Plenum. The barrel style MAF that came on ALL 2v motors will not burn lean on a stock tune.

 

That's the kind of explanation I was looking for. Thanks again Gotts.

 

Well there ya go. That's more of a reason for not wanting a tune than just the money factor. A programmer is not going to "fry" your PCM.

 

There's a guy on this board that had a programmer tuned for his truck and it fried it and he had to pay every cent for it. I'm not going to risk it unless they guarantee it.

 

I think I remember that thread. I also remember one of the most intelligent Ford employee on the board saying that the dealers love to replace the PCM when it's not needed and came to the conclusion that it was not from the tuner. Believe what you want though. Regardless, a intake won't make that much difference without a tuner.

 

The custom tune is very well worth it, but money is always a factor. The 4.6L in your truck is the same as the 97 - 03 engines ( 16 valve ) as already explained, you should be ok. No guarantee from me though the programming of the 2004+ is a hell of alot different now.