confused about CAI

[pfaiazza]

okay ive posted this a while ago, but im still really confused. how is it that im being told that my factory intake is a cold air intake? how do you know that?

also, what would be the difference in buying a full CAI kit, or just replacing my factory air box with a cone filter?

and why would i see no benefit to getting this?

 

[almostclueless]

Cold air by itself just means air gets into the airbox via an opening that isn't in the engine bay.

It's debateable whether nor not any normally aspirated ranger engine will ever exceed the airflow capabilities of a stock airbox and pipe.

 

[pfaiazza]

okay, so is it worth getting?! ive heard both yes and no, but ive been reading ALOT more no's then yes's.

ive also read that its good to do CAI and exhaust then you see a better gain, but wouldnt that just be from the exhaust!

im so confused!!!!!

 

[Bryan22]

I put a homemade intake on mine because I like the way it sounds, i didn't expect any gains, but to my suprise it is a little peppier. not like a world of difference or anything, but i can tell.

 

[Shran]

Bolt on upgrades give you very little horsepower gains, if any at all. Don't waste your money.

Headers, high flow cats, and a good muffler are about the best bolt on you can do, but don't expect a whole lot.

 

[pfaiazza]

i still have 30000km worth of warranty on the truck, and 70000 on the powertrain, if i touch the headers, that will void the warranty, no?

im going to a swap meet tomorrow, and want to check out some prices

would there be a big difference from just replacing my cat to a high flow and a better muffler (was thinking either magnaflow, flowmaster or thrush) vs going to a complete dual exhaust set up

so would there be any benefit (not including noise!) from switching from a OEM filter, to a K&N drop in, or a K&N cone, or the whole K& CAI kit?

sorry i dont know much! im trying to learn tho!!

 

[MAKG]

Are you trying to solve a specific problem?

If not, you're just wasting time and money, and introducing additional possibilities for problems.

Changing headers won't just void the warranty (that's illegal in the US; probably in Canada as well). However, if they can prove your mods contributed to a problem, a specific claim can be denied. Like, if it leaks and you get lean codes, that's going to be your problem. But if your air conditioner blows up, that's not related.

 

[Bryan22]

changing headers isn't illegal as long as they are CARB approved. I live in California and after market headers will pass smog as long as you've got that little stick that says they're approved.

 

[pfaiazza]

no im not trying to solve any specific problems, i dont want to change the headers, at least not for a while!

im more interested in the CAI and exhaust, i want to have a bit of a beefier sound to my truck, also if possible improve the mileage, but if not oh well, also if any performance is gained than thats a bonus

i plan on eventually getting a programmer, and ive heard that they are useless unless you have an upgraded exhaust, intake and whatever else.

 

[Sunk]

Don't get a CAI kit, they are a waste. If you're trying to improve your mileage, remember that it is a truck. The biggest change is likely to come from the way you drive.

 

[pfaiazza]

yea ive already accepted that haha

i wanted to get a K&N filter anyways because i heard they are better since they last forever, you just have to clean them properly

so the reason im asking is that, since im going to buy a drop in filter anyways, i was wondering if i just bought the cone filter, would i gain/lose anything (besides the sound, which i kinda like)?

i assume it will cost a few extra bucks, but not much

 

[Shran]

A high flow cat won't do anything for you since you already have one (stock.) This is only relevant to those of us with older trucks.

Are you willing to spend $50 on an air filter that takes 20 minutes to clean and another 5 hours to dry...when you can buy a $5 paper filter that does the job just as well, and only takes 30 seconds to replace?

 

[pfaiazza]

what about a paper cone filter?

 

[Sunk]

Cone filters are more likely to get contaminated since they don't have the airbox to help keep them clean. If you're looking to get more flow, keep in mind that many full size trucks run the same size filter.

 

[pfaiazza]

alright! i think youve all talked me out of it haha

i will just stay with the drop in filters for now!

as for exhaust though, is it worth going to a dual exhaust vs just replacing my muffler?

btw thanks alot for everyones patience with me not knowing much!