finally found a "CAI" i like

[gumby]

ive been searchin thru the intake options available for the mounty, and i have not been all that impressed. IMO they are all either too expensive, or dont have adequate shielding from engine bay heat and fan wash.

i stumbled across an inexpensive option on RF marketed by roush for the 3.0L
from what i gather this airbox was designed by SLP for the thunderbolt, the stock was then bought by roush, and is being sold thru hillbank. you can find them on hillbanks site, and ebay for $25-35 plus shipping.

now considerin it is designed for a 3.0 ranger, you should be aware that its not a direct bolt in. mine was delivered today, and i confirmed that the bolt pattern for the MAF is different for my 5.0. i scribed the 5.0 pattern onto the MAF adapter(1/4" thick) and will modify it to match tomorrow. moddin the airbox itself will be fairly easy, it is fiberglass.
i did a quick test fit of the airbox in the truck. once i make enough room for it, it should fit just as it does in a ranger.
the supplied filter is a paper element cone. when it is time to replace it, i will swap it for a universal K&N.

here are a couple pics i ripped off from RF to show yous what it looks like assembled and installed.

i will have some updates, and more pics after i get the MAF adapter modded. i have been averagin consistent 13.5-14mpg on my daily commute, we shall see if it gets any better.

 

[Dan Whitaker]

I average that milage with the stock box with a K&N drop in replacement filter, 208k miles and 31" AT tires on 15x8" wheels.

 

[gumby]

I average that milage with the stock box with a K&N drop in replacement filter, 208k miles and 31" AT tires on 15x8" wheels.

are you AWD or 2wd?



i guess i could have included my mpg relevant mods....

76K miles
275/55/17 tires on 17x8
4.10's
MAC catback

my daily drive is very mixed but only 12miles each way. some backroads, some highway, some interstate, some side streets; but its the same everyday.

 

[Xan]

Wow 13.5-14, with mine modded up with stock wheels and tires i got 16-18 mpg depending on how much i gased it
and on the cragars (275-60-15) i got 17-19mpg

 

[Dan Whitaker]

are you AWD or 2wd?



i guess i could have included my mpg relevant mods....

76K miles
275/55/17 tires on 17x8
4.10's
MAC catback

my daily drive is very mixed but only 12miles each way. some backroads, some highway, some interstate, some side streets; but its the same everyday.

AWD

 

[gumby]

...modded up with stock wheels and tires i got 16-18 mpg depending on how much i gased it
and on the cragars (275-60-15) i got 17-19mpg

that doesnt surprise me too much. ive seen quite a few modded combos that could pull down equal or better mpg than stock. same question to you, AWD or 2wd? im hopin to get mine up in the 18-20 range eventually...



the airbox is on, but i forgot to take the camera to work so ill hafta grab some pics later on. heres what it took to make it fit though:

• slot(radially) the bolt pattern on the MAF adapter to match the 5.0 MAF. i used a mill.
• slotted the airbox to match the new pattern. used a file.
• removed the tray under the stock airbox to allow the new box to sit low enough to match the tabs to the core support.
• relocated the relay box originally attached to the tray.
• flattened the inboard tab to match the contour of the mounty core support

all told, it fits well and looks stock. if a guy needs to pass an visual inspection, i bet this thing would sneek thru. no blingy intake tube, no open filter in the engine bay.

ill update this thread with mpg changes, and pics as soon as i have more info.

 

[Xan]

mine was awd, i think the rockers were the best all around upgrade power and milage wise

 

[gumby]

1.6 ratio? cam swap?

 

[Xan]

1.6 ratio? cam swap?

I put in 1.7s but i'd go with 1.6s they will get more low and mid range power. i din't touch the cam that would make it a whole day job pulling the radiator and all the other stuff. if you got alot of miles i suggest a valve spring swap too and if you got the time just freshen up the heads and clean all the crap out maybe port and polish for max flow. Its always worth it

 

[Dan Whitaker]

Your best gain is going to be Torque Monster headers hands down.

 

[gumby]

1.6's and TMHs are both on my list already. the 1.6 will fit under the stock rocker covers, right?

i just gotta justify the $$ on my DD vs. upgrading my car