Cold Air vs. More Air

[moreause]

Although I would also concur with Gino, most folks look at a Cold Air Intake because it is relatively inexpensive and can give a little bang for the buck. I also have a MAC CAI, but I'm still using mine.

After reading on this board (and others) how useless the kits were, and how the bend in front of the MAF caused the motor to run rich, I began to do a little investigating. Yep, running a finger inside the exhaust pipe revealed a black sooty deposit as was reported - proof that the motor was indeed running rich.

First thing I did was to remove the front part of the intake pipe and cut the bend off entirely. I then affixed the air filter directly in front of the MAF and called it good. As it was spring time, the car ran WAY MO' BETTER! But, the moment it got over 90 degrees, I could tell the car was more sluggish. More research -- OK, now I'm pulling REALLY hot air from the engine compartment into the intake. Not good for making power . . .

The next thing I did was to a little research on the fabled DarkWolf Mod - hey let me find the elbow I cut off so I can try this! I bought a second silicone rubber dealy and clamped it so that the MAF is rotated 90 degrees towards the motor. This worked equally as well as did the open element under the hood, but performs the same no matter what the heat. Now, this is the way it has been ever since.

Had I known what I know about this know, I would've spent alot less time jacking with this silly thing and moved onto something far more important though!

from what i remember you where suppose to turn it toward the fender....but i have seen some guys with dyno chat turning it the other way end it was better...for me it,s in the fender side....i think i will try it on the other side and maybe straignt since to do this mud i hade to cut the pipe...the only thing if i put the filter there the end of the pipe will not have any support.

 

[01mgvert]

As I see it: just put a K&N in there and be done with it. There's bigger fish to fry like headers, cams, gears, etc. than to screw around with an air filter.

I agree that there are bigger fish to fry. You can see from my signature below that I've fried many of these fish. I understand that horsepower gains come largely by making the intake and exhaust more efficient. Aside from a catback exhaust, I've done all the major bolt-on mods. I'm concerned that there is still a bottleneck on the intake, specifically at the air filter. I've been running a K & N filter with a shortened silencer for four months but I wonder if the intake has access to enough air. The air box and air silencer seem to place major restrictions on air flow. More air seems better than slightly colder air.

 

[GinoGT]

I agree that there are bigger fish to fry. You can see from my signature below that I've fried many of these fish. I understand that horsepower gains come largely by making the intake and exhaust more efficient. Aside from a catback exhaust, I've done all the major bolt-on mods. I'm concerned that there is still a bottleneck on the intake, specifically at the air filter. I've been running a K & N filter with a shortened silencer for four months but I wonder if the intake has access to enough air. The air box and air silencer seem to place major restrictions on air flow. More air seems better than slightly colder air.

Taking the silencer off or cutting the airbox to be more opened would be all you need. Right now, your restrictions are the heads, cams, and intake manifold.

A big air filter setup that flows 2000cfm (made up a number) doesn't mean crap when the heads only flow 160.

 

[01mgvert]

Taking the silencer off or cutting the airbox to be more opened would be all you need. Right now, your restrictions are the heads, cams, and intake manifold.

A big air filter setup that flows 2000cfm (made up a number) doesn't mean crap when the heads only flow 160.

I'm still trying to decide whether to say n/a (heads and cams) or go with a supercharger. Playing with the air filter gives me something to do in the meantime.

 

[AirWolf87]

Taking the silencer off or cutting the airbox to be more opened would be all you need. Right now, your restrictions are the heads, cams, and intake manifold.

A big air filter setup that flows 2000cfm (made up a number) doesn't mean crap when the heads only flow 160.

thats something i found out. All my friends with V-tec hondas were getting rediculous gains from the FIPK kit...and when i put it on my car...i didnt notice much of a power gain over the original intake with a k&N filter. The mustang intake is pretty hi-flow as it is, its has a straight tube, MAF instead of a vane, low-restriction airbox ect. On my car specialy (non PI), but most mustangs in general, theres no point in getting intake mods. because of the intake design, it doesnt starve the engine of air like most cars, the stock intake suplies more than enough air to the engine. If you have a high-hp engine, then you will need more air so it makes sence to go bigger on the tb, maf, plenum, tube, ect. until then intake mods dont respond as well. That said....my engine bay looks a lot better with the FIPK....intake mods should be done to add bling not significant power. and seriously, who doesnt like a little bling