MAC Intake, review

[thecause17]

I finally added my first engine modification to my Explorer yesterday, been wanting to for a while, and I figured that an intake would be a good start.

I decided to to go with the MAC intake, got it from Explorer Express. I initially wanted K&N, but I couldn't justify spending that much more on one of their systems, I believe they were about $75 more than the MAC...

Got it yesterday, and even though I'm pretty good when working on stuff, I do almost all my own work, including head gaskets etc...I was disappoint that there were absolutely no instructions with the kit.

So I set out to install it, and with basically trial and error found with couplers went where, and what the little black plastic pieces were for in the baggy. All which would have saved time with just a parts list of a brief set of instructions. Put it on, fitment was nice, looks great.

I start it up, let it idle for a while, everythings good, so time for a test drive. Right away with the intake installed, I noticed some gain in low end torque, felt a little more responsive than before. After putting the gas pedal down, I am definately happy with my purchase. Not only did I notice gains in low end power, the top end has also been improved as well. Overall, I've noticed gains across the entire RPM range, as well as a deeper exhaust note, which sounds sweet, even with my stock exhaust.

Hopefully soon I'll be pairing this system up with a new exhaust system as well....all in all, very happy with my MAC system, but even when I made my own systems for other cars, I had instructions to go along with them.

 

[celly]

Great review. What you had to say about the lack of instructions was something that drove me nuts as well. Lots of trial and ERROR (I make lots of errors!), I got it to work. On my 2000, I could never get one of the breather tubes from the crankcase to fit properly. Could have done so by expanding one of the hole on the chrome tube, but I never got around to it. I replaced it with a Volant, which has it's own documentation issues.

I hear what you're saying. It is one of those mods that makes an immediate difference. You're going to love it when you get an exhaust system. Do yourself a favour and get yourself a SCT chip/flasher after you do your exhaust and you'll be VERY happy with the results. Those three mods go hand in hand.

btw, I had a '97 Sport SOHC too once. Black as well. I had so many great road trips in that Ex and loved every minute of it. It was leased for 2 years, so once the lease expired I decided to get a car instead. I changed my mind in a few years and scored a '00 Sport, trading in my Contour SVT. I just wish Ford didn't discontinue the Sport because I'm on # 3 now (also had a '93) and all were acquired with very low miles (two were factory orders). That won't be easy to do down the road now. Luckily, my '00 is paid for and it's a "keeper".

 

[thecause17]

yeah, pretty happy with it, definately looking forward toa couple more mods...I'm not gonna go too crazy with it...it's getting 32's very soon, 4 door leafs, exhaust and a chip and I think I'm going to leave it at that.

 

[ions]

Yea i am also happy with the MAC intake and it was very worth the money but i did not find the lack of instructions all to hard to grasp i myself installed the intake in little less than 30mins by myself and i know jackdick about cars myself ours might be different tho i have a 2001 sport trac and found installing it no harder than programing the time on my watch.

 

[MONMIX]

Hmmmmmm
I also have a MAC intake and it DID come with directions.
Crummy quality photos, but directions none the less.

Yes I also love my MAC

 

[floridaxlt]

I also have a MAC system, No instructions, but a piece of cake to install. Definate difference in performance.
But now with the 2.5" catback, it sounds OHHHHH so sweet.

 

[BBQ_HotDogs]

The MAC is a great intake, but should also be installed with it's buddy the Pro-M MASS.