Intake & Exhaust Inquiries

[X6StringerX]

Part 1 - Intake:

I'm contemplating ordering one of the KKM intakes tomorrow, but I guess I just need some encouragement from you guys to go through with it. How does the KKM perform in comparison to a K&N drop in filter? How does it compare to other CAI systems? What exactly is included in the KKM kit? From the pictures, it looks like it utilizes the factory air plumbing. So basically, you get a filter and MAF adapter, correct?

Part 2 - Exhaust:

The day after I bought my current 5.0 Explorer, I had true duals installed. I'm still using the factory headers as well as all 4 of the factory cats. I was wondering if it would be wise to remove two of the cats? I'm interested in boosting the performance a bit, so I figured promoting exhaust flow would be a good idea if I get the KKM intake. Logic says to remove the upper 2 cats because they are the ones that have been getting the bulk of the carbon over the years and are more likely to be clogged than the lower 2. I didn't pay much attention to the cats when I was getting the exhaust done, but is there a difference in the upper and lower cats? What do you guys recommend? Also, is removing 2 of the cats going to have any effects on my X's ECU? It seems like any little change in these later model vehicles can throw your ECU crazy because of all the sensors, etc.

 

[je5]

I would use a dry drop-in filter. The X likes to accumulate water around the RF, just ask ExplorerDMB. If you remove the first-stage cats you risk "showing" the post O2 sensor a rich condition. May have to search for a shop to remove your second-stage cats since they could be fined 10K large for doing so. It may be wisest to use the CARB approved torquemonster headers to acheive the "best" results. Hope this helps.

 

[Iggy flywheel]

If you that worried about the cats get high flow cats for all four. Ask the guys who worked your exhaust system or get at Summit racing online. They put that many cats on there for a reason I have no idea what that is. Maybe to boost cats sales.....

 

[TheJMan]

The KKM is a quality piece for sure, my brother has one on his 1993 Explorer. However, on the 5.0L, I recommend the MAC intake kit. It comes complete with the high-flow filter and chrome intake tube. I got mine at http://www.proficientperformance.com for $139. Very easy install as well. Also CARB approved unlike the KKM.

As for the exhaust, don't remove any of the cats. They are there for a reason. A better idea would be a set of Torque Monster Headers. I have a set on my 5.0 and, though they are very time-comsuming to install, the exhaust rumble is absolutely unbelieveable once they are on. Nice fuel-mileage increase also. http://www.torquemonsterheaders.com

EDIT: Proficient Performance has gone out of business.