I need help in performance!!!

[PhaseOne21]

I need help in choosing the right intake kit for my X. I've seen the mac aluminum with chrome finish one and the k&n one. I mean does it really make a difference? I like the chrome finish one but I would like the k&n one too because of the brand. I don't know which one to go with! Suggestions please and feedback!

 

[aldive]

Unless you want a fancy looking "pipe", go with the KKM and save the money.

Good luck.....

 

[newbi]

"Does it really make a difference?"
You'll hear a sucking noise, notice slightly faster revs, and not much else. Is it worth $100+? Not in my book...

 

[aldive]

Yes, it is definately worth the money. The increase in mileage will pay for it.

 

[alphabets13]

here's a pic of my MAC. i love it!

 

[newbi]

Increase in gas mileage by swaping an air filter? More air flow across the MAS tells it to feed more fuel. When I swapped it out , my fuel consumption increased(hardly noticable though). Only $ savings come from having a cleanable air filter instead of a throw away.
The trade off doing the swap is poor cool weather running due to the removal of the heat riser. This will make your truck run rich longer, thus using more fuel, and carboning up the pistons/plugs. IMHO save your $, the "cold air intake systems" aren't any significant improvement over a clean stock setup.

 

[aldive]

Maybe for you,,,, but not for me. Well worth it.

 

[have2goski]

in all fairness aldive's truck isn't exactly the norm. a big part of that, from what i hear, is the way he drives it. if you want milage he is your man. you can't just make the mods he does though you have to drive the way he does

i say for around $100 its worth it. will you see huge gains?....probably not with just an intake.

but aren't you just gonna feel better knowning it is under there?

I mean part of modding is knowning that it isn't stock.

if everything was economy in your book you wouldn't be driving an explorer. and if everything was speed in your book....you wouldn't be driving an explorer.

point is if the intake is gonna make you happy go for it.

i have and I like having it in there.

Am i ready to start racing some top fuel dragsters......not exactly, but you get the idea

 

[KPT]

I have a K&N and there is definetly a noticable difference in performance.

newbi you're wrong about cold weather performance.. Mine ran fine in the winter even with a bad thermostat that was stuck open. The K&N, KKM, etc are not cold air intakes. They are just intakes. They will pull warm air from the engine bay.

A stock intake cannot compare to an aftermarket. My stock conical intake went down to about a 1.5" diameter hole.

Phase, if you've got the money go for the K&N. The cone is about twice as big as the KKM

 

[Premier]

I say KKM

 

[expo5.0]

buy the cheaper one and wrap it with heat tape like i did with my k and n. it screams tuner even more than a chrome intake! actually though, the chrome ones in theory transfer heat to the intake air a little more than they should, and a plastic one is actually better. the heat taped plastic is the best of all in theory. in practice none of them do a damn thing.

 

[newbi]

Hey JL ..how can I be wrong when it is a fact due to my experience? If this air filter is not enclosed in a heated (exhaust riser) box, then it is considered to be a cold air intake. What temp. is it in the engine compartment on a 40 degree morning? It'll take alot longer to heat up a ventilated engine compartment than pulling heat directly off the exhaust manifold.
Well said expo5.0...mabey we all should start a thread on this topic and see what those that have done this swap have to say.

 

[expo5.0]

there really have already been many, many threads on this one

 

[aldive]

Have you measured IAT with the heat tape on?

 

[expo5.0]

nah, i'm too busy doing many other things to the truck. i mostly just did it because i figured it couldn't hurt and it looks sort of cool- lol. i bet it would make a slight difference though and it has to be better than the chrome ones.

 

[PhaseOne21]

Thanks a lot for the replies!

Thank you everyone for the replies, I think I will go with the K&N setup since it's plastic and will have less heat into the engine, I'm also thinking is there sush thing as a cold air intake for our Xs??? I mean a pipe that goes all the way down to the bymper or something besides homemade?????

 

[expo5.0]

the factory air routing system isn't too bad really

if you seal your kkm or k and n kit off from the engine side of things with a heat shroud or shield (maybe aluminum or i'v ebeen thinking about plexiglass myself) that will be a great option. in the past i ran a home made tube down to below the bumper and it worked awesome and i'll be integrating that into my new system as well when i get to it. i made it with dryer ducting.

 

[aldive]

To see for yourself that a cold air intake is not necessary, simply measure IAT at various speeds and see for yourself.

 

[sadgreyghost]

The big problem I have found with the stock mounted one was when ya hit a big puddle it sucks water right into the intake.