K&N Filter vs. K&N CAI - Exhaust Q's too.

Red03Mustang · May 21, 2004

Hi folks, I'm new here and haven't posted much. I hope I put this in the right place, if not, sorry in advance.

I'm not really knowledgeable about cars. I know a little, but not a lot. I have a simple question to ask. 2 questions, actually.

I installed a K&N filter. I was wondering what the HP difference would be between that, and say, the K&N CAI system. I know it would take out the "bellows" or whatever, but would that really add anymore HP to justify the cost of buying another K&N with a CAI kit? Obviously I could just find the pipe to use with my existing K&N filter I suppose, but I think that would be harder to find new. TIA for your input!

Also, I am looking to increase my airflow throughout the stang (obviously), but I would also like to do this with the exhaust in some way. I don't want a loud exhaust like most people do though, so that is the catch. Is there anything I can do that would increase exhaust airflow without making my car louder? I don't mind if it gets a 'little' louder. I've heard Magnaflow exhaust is good for flow, and that they don't get too loud. I had a Camaro with Flowmaster, and it droned too much for me, and it was only a V6. But I also understand that could be the reason why it droned.

So, should I look into changing my stock exhaust mufflers, or should I look at some other form of increasing the airflow? Or, is there even another way to increase it without changing the mufflers?

Sorry the post was so long! I would appreciate any help you guys can give.

I'll be gone to the beach for the weekend, so if I don't reply right away that will be why. I'll be looking for your replies when I return. Thanks!

twogts4us · May 21, 2004

Check out the densecharger pipe. www.densecharger.com
For exhaust sounds, goto www.mustangexhaust.com to hear all kinds of combos - registration is required, but it's free and quick.

GTBEE · May 21, 2004

CAI vs. K&N Loner

Oh boy everybody has an opinion about this one....most say the CAI is overrated, and they just stick with the filter by itself. The filter by itself is a start, and I don't know how much HP, if any, it provides. Here is one point that may help you: Interesting that naturally aspirated Saleens "open up" their air flow with just a filter (no CAI), an x-pipe, and Borla exhausts. They add pulleys and add what is called a powerflash calibration (their tune). This adds about 25 hp, or so they say on the window sticker. I do not think you are going to get much with just one piece or another, but the filter doesn't cost too much, so why not.

To your next question, the exhausts. The other reply was a good one...go to mustangexhaust. One word about these sound clips, they are good comparison but can distort depending on the equipment used to record. As above, My N/A Saleen cam with a Borla mufflered cat-back exhaust that is pretty quiet, but it really sounds good and flows good when I get on it. Magnaflow has a similar set-up that isn't too loud. I have been pretty loyal to Borla cause they are pretty easy to install and very dependable. Different Borla set-ups have different mufflers (duh?) Do not confuse a Borla mufflered catback with the Borla Stinger catbacks, the stingers are much louder. On Borlas look for the traditional muffler shape and size for a softer tone, versus the "cherry bomb" look of the stinger. Look at the descriptions at ninosport.com for different systems to see what I am talking about.

Good luck, and have fun.

The Bee

2002 S-281 #382 True Blue (tan vert) >>NC Tag "Boss 382"
2004 DSG Mach 1 >> NC Tag "GotMach?"

Beau · May 21, 2004

The filter itself works just fine, if you want a CAI, then the K&N FIPK is probably one of the best out there. I had it on my GT and had no problems with it. For my Cobra, I'm getting the JLT True CAI with a K&N on it.

chevylover · May 21, 2004

Got a new one for ya

Just put my new air filter in yesterday. http://www.trueflow.com/
My KN gaskets were stretched and shot, plus I didn't feel like cleaning it.
So I just bought a new one.
You should check out their comparison of paper vs. KN vs. True Flow, very interesting. Customer service is great too.

JetBrett · May 21, 2004

I went from the K&N filter with the silencer removed to the K&N FIPK II (the CAI). The FIPK was fun and easy to install and looks nice, but I didn't feel any gains at all...nothing...nada.

If you like fooling around with your car and have some extra cash to spend, get the FIPK. If you primary goal is cheap performance, just take off or trim the silencer.

2002BLGT · May 22, 2004

K&N drop in filter , get some flowmasters welded in , and then get an offroad Hpipe and gears if you havent already .

Nick3561 · May 22, 2004

2002BLGT said:
K&N drop in filter , get some flowmasters welded in , and then get an offroad Hpipe and gears if you havent already .

he said he didnt want it loud

ZIPP0 · May 22, 2004

Can sombody post picture of K&N FIPK installed on their car?

2001geetee · May 22, 2004

Get the K&N filter and a Magnaflow catback. The Magnaflows will give you one of the best flowing systems out there and still keep it quiet....at a good price too. CAI may help a little bit , but is not worth the money. If you do want it though, check on ebay for some cheap ones or make one yourself.

2001geetee · May 22, 2004

2002BLGT said:
K&N drop in filter , get some flowmasters welded in , and then get an offroad Hpipe and gears if you havent already .

If you want quiet, do not do this. This could wake the dead.

DrK MrK iV · May 22, 2004

I see you live in NC. Charlotte area by any chance? If so come on our with us tonight to CPR... A lot of different exhaust settups to see which one you like. Im runnin stock intake, K&N, 70mm T/B, and plenum. Thats it for me on the intake side of things. I might get the T/B-MAF densecharger tube though.

ZIPP0 · May 23, 2004

ZIPP0 said:
Can sombody post picture of K&N FIPK installed on their car?

?

Monkie · May 23, 2004

Personally I would not waste my money on a CAI again. I would just get a drop in K&N and take off the snorkle.

Red03Mustang · May 24, 2004

Thanks for the info!

Hey, thanks for all the information guys. I appreciate it a lot. I was thinking I would go the Magnaflow / K&N Filter route, which is why I did not get the CAI kit in the first place. What I'm seeing here pretty much confirms it. I should be able to do that soon, hopefully. If I can afford it, I will look into the Borla. I hear they are more expensive, but I think you get what you pay for with them, so it would be worth it probably.

Monkie, you said "take off the snorkle." Are you referring to the silencer, or the bendy-looking bellows thing sucking in the air from the filter? I have removed the silencer already.

Drk Mrk iv, I live about an hour or so from Charlotte. I don't have a lot of time to get out and go to stuff like that. I have to work too much lately, and every chance I get when I'm not working I'm either with my girl, or trying to write/produce some techno. Thanks a lot for the invite though. If I ever get a spare night or something, I may see if you know of anything going on.

Thanks guys!

Monkie · May 24, 2004

Red03Mustang said:
Monkie, you said "take off the snorkle." Are you referring to the silencer, or the bendy-looking bellows thing sucking in the air from the filter? I have removed the silencer already.
Thanks guys!

yea, whatever i got my words mixed up

stangman · May 24, 2004

i put my car on a dyno & lost 6 rwhp with a drop in k&n (when i was stock). there was some controversy with the results, so i let it die. i haven't had the opportunity to re-dyno it. as soon as my buddy buys his exhaust for his stock gt, i'm gunna re-do the test on his car, since mine is no longer stock. i have seen a few dyno sheets, where the fipk kit made decent gains though

btw - when i put on my exhaust (l/t's & prochamber) i gained 1 rwhp from the filter, but when i was stock i lost for some reason

please no flames. i'll let everyone know when i have the opportunity to re-do my little test

Go HoTO! · May 24, 2004

CAI? Man I love this question...so much contraversy. Maybe we should talk about abortion or the death penalty.

If you go to the track, MANY of the experienced guys with the fast cars are running K&N with stock air box and stock MAF. Am I wrong? They must know something.

I went with a Steeda CAI in part for the looks. Hey, at least I am honest. Does it work? Who the crap knows? It seems logical that it should.

On the exhaust side, to get more flow, you have to open it up, PERIOD. With an SLP LT, Catted X-Pipe, and Loudmouth you will get 30 hp more to the wheels. probably the best combo on the market for HP increase, but it is loud. If you want a nicer sound than stock, but not loud, you will need a baffled muffler system. Thus, no HP increase, but a more pleasing sound. That is not a bad thing, only what is good for you.

Red03Mustang · May 25, 2004

thanks go hoto

I read something somewhere where some guy had all this work done to his mustang, and he ran good times, but he still had the stock mufflers. I couldn't figure that out, because I was thinking that his airflow must be restricted that way. I figured he must be doing something right though. I was going to see if I could do something to get around 30 - 40 more hp out of my car, while keeping the sound level down. Feel free to let me know your ideas.

K&N Filter vs. K&N CAI - Exhaust Q's too.

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