Cold Air Intake

[MNSportTracMike]

I have read a lot of post debating the the benefits or lack there of, with installing a cold air intake. I have used modified intakes in the past and liked the sound as well as felt what appeared to me to be some modest performance improvement. So I have two questions. (1) Other than sound, do cold air intakes do anything for the engine? (2) If they do provide some improvement is there any CAI for the 2008 Sport Trac 4.6 V8 other than K&N and the cheapo eBay models? I was looking at a universal one from K&N for around $150, but the model specifically for the 4.6 is over $300. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

 

[94Eddie]

IMO, they serve a purpose if installed with other modifications like a larger MAF, headers, intake, custom tune etc. that improve airflow and power. Doing this on its own is like splicing a 1" diameter hose in a long length of 3/4" hose. Will it make a difference? Yes to a very small degree but the restriction of the rest of the hose is still there keeping the water flow rate basically the same. If you are doing it for sound improvements then that might make it worthwhile.

 

[MNSportTracMike]

Thank you. That is about what I expected for performance gains. I checked into a tune and only getting 25 hp with premium gas, so wasn’t expecting much of anything with this, but I do like the sound, but sound alone is not worth over $300. That’s why was looking for a happy medium between K&N and the bargain bin. Haven’t found anything.

 

[SRG0000]

Thank you. That is about what I expected for performance gains. I checked into a tune and only getting 25 hp with premium gas, so wasn’t expecting much of anything with this, but I do like the sound, but sound alone is not worth over $300. That’s why was looking for a happy medium between K&N and the bargain bin. Haven’t found anything.

First performance part i bought for my 2007 V8 sport trac was a K&N cold air intake, the sound was noticeable and i did find acceleration to have improved. I have since had my speed shop install a ford performance cam6550m, with followers/rocker arms and changed exhaust with flowmaster 40. Flashed the EEC with Scatx4 flash unit..... it sounds like a 5.0 mustang...love the performance too!

 

[MNSportTracMike]

Thanks, nice truck. I had been looking at some valve covers just like that.