I want to purchase a new intake.

First off I want to use K&N filtration. Anything bad about this? If I switch to doing highway mileage, should I switch filters? I understand as long as I maintain the filter properly and keep it charged, I shouldn't have any problems.

I hear I could gain around 10hp without the mass airflow sensor, 7 with. Would this be harmful towards the computational process or any anything else in the powertrain? If I were to unplug it, would it be damaging?

Lastly, should I go ahead and use K&N tubes as well, or should I use something else. I am not concerned about looks and what have you. Thanks for your help fellow ford owners, take care.

Regards,
Patrick

 

Csonka, I bought the K&N FIPK kit, and it performs wonderful. I think it gave around 10-12 horsepower. I heard that if you add the mass airflow sensor you have to get a computer chip but I'm not for sure on that. If your going to buy a drop in filter to replace the OEM one, that is also worth the money and about 150.00 dollars cheaper. You will notice a difference with a drop in filter, but its your choice on which you want. Good luck with your purchase

 

Thanks much for the reply!

 

My truck does have the MAF stock. Does anyone know if I purchase a K&N kit, lookin at this http://www.knfilters.com/search/prod...x?Prod=57-2542 which does not utilize the MAF, whether or not this will mess things up? I'd like to get that extra 3 hp. If there IS a threat to my engine by not using the MAF, then I'll use the other model. Thanks much!

 

Went ahead and bought K&N 57-2543 on ebay. Around here at the local shops youcan buy a kit for around 360.00, I got mine on Ebay for 200. I am happy now.

 

For you 4x4 guys, don't spend the money on the whole kit. Just the drop in replacement filter, then cut the top of the factory air filter housing above the filter in a v patten opening toward the fender. This will keep the mud out, but let air in. Now remove the rest of the air intake that goes into the fender. Poof, cheap, almost as good, and didn't break the wallet.

 

Hey Colorado....any pictures?? Sounds like a great idea. Just having a little problem picturing the v-cut.

 

I bought true flow and really like them. They are foam and seem less restrictive.

 

You will use a mass air sensor. You have to. Your truck will not run without one in place. That picture doesn't really have anything to do with anything.

 

Yeah, a picture would be great. And why a V shape? That is almost as good, but that is just it, I want top, but I am always open to these suggestions.

 

And has anyone who uses their truck for muddin have trouble with K&N filters? I just don't want dust getting down inside there.

 

Here you go:



Now this is an Air Force One intake, and the picture probably isn't even of one for our truck, but it'll do the job for visuals. I'd take a picture of my MAC intake, but I don't feel like going outside when this will work just fine.

You'll notice on your K&N if you get it (and on my MAC, if I had a picture) that there's almost like a shield around the bottom and sides of the intake. This serves, from what I can tell, two purposes: 1. to help direct air flowing out of the stock fender ducting into the filter element, and 2. to keep things like dirt and mud and moisture (say, from mudding) away from the filter element.

I'd like to direct your attention to the greyish piece of material between the polished pipe and the filter element on the picture. That's your mass air sensor, and that's where it's going to go when you install your intake. Pay particular attention to the arrow on the black housing on the top of the sensor marked "air flow" with an arrow pointing a direction. That arrow needs to point away from the filter element. I know, it probably doesn't need to be said, but I had to move it around the correct way when I did my install because I wasn't paying attention and it will make your truck run like hell for a couple weeks like mine did.

Now, I don't go "muddin", but it makes me chuckle to run through huge puddles when it rains hard. Because of the little squared off shield around the filter, I've never ever had any trouble with water anywhere near that filter element.

As for your V shape question, I have no idea what you're talking about.

Remember kids, your mileage and results may vary, this is good for only one visit, and this coupon cannot be combined with any other offers.

 

I have the K@N on my 97 F150 and have cut the end off the airbox/element holder so it's in the open. I probably wheel my truck a bit harder than most and it's never given me any problems yet, even after going through water deep enough for the fan to splash it around underhood.

The only time I've seen K@N's fail is on ATVs with open elements at the MX track. They get very dusty even with the Outerwear and if any water splashes on them it all turns to mud and packs the filter.