Air intake

[Hayden1234]

So ive heard some things about my air intake, ive got a 95 xlt 4cl 2.3liter. does anyone know exactly what i can do to my intake to make the truck perform better and possibly get better mileage? im fairly sure that i would basically need to "straight pipe" it. take all the plastic tubing out and put a flat pipe in place of that and connect the filter to the end. if that's the case, my concern is the computer not being able to read the air flow or whatever it reads inside that plastic pipe. so if anyone knows anything about this that would be great, thanks

 

[RonD]

Stock air intake is best for MPG and engine performance, keep filter clean and air plenum sealed.

Changing the air intake is for looks and sound, nothing wrong with that as long as you know that's the reason for changing it.
All dyno tests done by independent people have shown that there is no gain.
Manufacturer(of cold air intakes) test show otherwise.......hmmmm
The rest is just anecdotal stories told by people who have added these, so grain of salt........tests do not support the stories.

Yes you need to keep the MAF(mass air flow) sensor working in any new air intake system, it can be placed anywhere on the air intake tube, but ALL the air coming into the engine MUST pass thru this sensor or the computer can not set the proper fuel/air mix.
Also if you have a Vent hose from valve cover to current air filter/air plenum, it needs to be hooked up to any new system, this hose "vents" blow-by pressure at higher RPMs, blocking it will cause oil leaks as pressure in crankcase and valve cover won't be "vented" at high RPMs.
PCV valve only works at low RPMs.

 

[scotts90ranger]

Your stock filter is the same used on the 4.0L engine, it's plenty for a 4 cylinder, the air muffler between the MAF and throttle can go and you might gain a smidge of power..

 

[adsm08]

Yes you need to keep the MAF(mass air flow) sensor working in any new air intake system, it can be placed anywhere on the air intake tube, but ALL the air coming into the engine MUST pass thru this sensor or the computer can not set the proper fuel/air mix.

Two quick footnotes on this section right here.

First, all the air coming in needs to go through the tube the MAF is in, but the MAF only samples about 10% and extrapolates the rest. This means that any new tube needs to be the same diameter as the original or it can throw off that calculation and make the engine run rich or lean.


Second, the MAF is somewhat delicate, as far as car parts go. It can be sensitive to vibration. The farther it is from the throttle body the longer it will live, generally speaking.

 

[SenorNoob]

Wouldn't the tube only have to be the same for the area that the sensor is in? IE: Keep the aluminum housing you're OK, right?

 

[scotts90ranger]

yeah, he's referring to the drop in MAF sensors, if the housing is used then it should be fine.

 

[Road Angels]

You want to throw money at it, tune ups and filters will get you the most for your money and some thing that most people over look is tire pressurer worth 2 to3 mpg, if there way below spec, a better exhaust will help but not a big bang for your money, you dont need to go fast cause its going to last forever or so it will seem