MikB
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- August 6, 2015
- Messages
- 334
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- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 2017 F150 XLT Sport 4x4
The HP and Torque numbers are the same for the 2011 as they are for the 2015 with the 3.5L V6 engine.
290 HP @ 6500 RPM
255 (lb-ft) @ 4000 RPM
Did you kit include a metal or carbon fibre intake tube. Metal will heat up and heat the intake air, thus reducing the effect of "cold air intake".
Peter
Thanks, Peter, I was fairly certain the numbers for the '11 were the same as mine, I just hadn't looked it up.
As far as the 'cold air' aspect of these systems, it is very subjective anyway. All it really means is that the system is ducted to receiving cold air. The Ex is already set up that way with the 'snorkel' mount it uses of which is reused with the K&N system.
The K&N for the Ex does use a 'metal' [aluminum] tube and may reduce the effect as you say. However being smooth surfaced, it may eliminate the restrictions of air flow that the stock air tube may have. If K&N's number claims are true, then the system does improve performance, regardless of the 'heat' involved.
This is why I was looking for someone who's done a before and after dyno with the K&N. The bottom line though is, will it change the performance experience you already know about when driving. Will it make a noticeable, positive, difference. Reading some of the threads in this post, it has for some. This can only be taken to mean that the 'numbers' may have improved. That remains to be seem for myself.
Also, I'm a 'tinkerer' and will probably attempt to address some of the issues involved with heat and sound with this CAI. Like, what would the effect be if I used 'exhaust wrap' on the tube? I only wish I had access to a dyno for testing without the expense of paying for it each time.
Instead of starting a new thread, I thought I would just add to this one. As I mentioned before, I went ahead and installed the K&N today with no drama involved. I took my time doing it so that I could further inspect and make note of things not easily seen with the air box and tube in the way. I was a little amazed at what Ford did to accommodate the starter as they engineered a 'pocket' into the tranny housing for clearance. Anyway I found that interesting. After the install, I was pleased that the CAI cleaned up the area well and opened it up a bit more. The tyranny dipstick is more accessible now.
It was interesting to see how the snorkel relates to the 'cold air' condition but, was a bit disappointed in all the open area left around the housing mount for the filter. It's a little odd that they designed it this way and even odder that they would attempt a 'seal' using the supplied seal strip. A half-arsed approach. Be that as it may, I already have an idea how to remedy this and complete a job they didn't. Just have to decide what materials will be appropriate to do this. What ever I come up with, I'd like it to involve aircraft aluminum.
I'd also like to note that I did not disconnect the battery to do this job. I understand K&N's desire for this but, I found it unnecessary. YMMV but, the only electrical component to deal with was the MAF and it's not powered anyway when the engine is off. I just didn't want to deal with resetting everything in My Touch.
When I finished, I did the obligatory road test, hearing for the first time, the sound created by this thing and found it to be, well...funny. I can't imagine wanting my engine to sound like that. It was what I can only describe as comical. However, it is what it is and I think I can deal with toning it down to lesser degree with some modification. None of my Mustangs or even my Ranger ever put out a noise I wanted to change. Not like this one.
Anyway, I wanted to put up my first impressions of the K&N and it needs some work as noted. On my drive, I think I noticed a better throttle response but, I have to run it more to decide if that's the case. I've thought that there is a slight delay in throttle response since I had it. Time will tell. As for my thoughts on increased performance, I did not focus on it. I'll either notice it or not the next time I need to punch it. I'll know then if it's changed anything other than the funny noise it makes.