Will installing a MAC CAI on my 99GT NA hurt it?

[OregonMustang]

I have heard from many people that putting the MAC CAI (fender well) in my car has actually hurt it's performance not helped it. Is that true?

I took the car out after installing it this eveening and its sounds nasty at 3K+ rpms and it seems better.

I also heard that when using the MAC or any other CAI I should retune my air/fuel mixture. I have a diablopreditor should I do this or take it into the dyno shop later.

Thanks

 

[damacman]

DarkWolf Mod, or it will cost you a few horsepower. The extra noise you hear is simply intake noise.

 

[OregonMustang]

WHAT!

LOL

Why are people recomending CAI's if they actually hurt horsepower. What kind of scam is that! Man I feel like such a jack A$$.

I'm pissed MAC says it's going to give you like 5 to 10hp and now you are telling me a CAI will actually COST me horse power. Good lord.

 

[kboy262]

I have the same CAI intake and I did the Darkwolf Mod on mine. This helped it out nicely. By having the 90 degree bend causes the computer to think you have more air going into the motor then you actually do. With this mod it will fix this error and lean it back out. Works on most cars but not on all.

 

[OregonMustang]

How do you do it?

What do I need to do to do a "DarkWolf Mod".
Pictures would be great...

Or atleast tell me what to do.

 

[kboy262]

Look at the picture of my intake in the tread "Finished install of PI intake" the second picture shows the MAF pointing towards the passenger fender well.

 

[OregonMustang]

Ok...and how did you get the flange to fit?

Did you drill new holes or what?

I can only see 2 screws attached to the flange. I freaking ducked taped the bastard! Just to see if it makes difference mind you.

So where can I get one of those funky screw drivers for the mass air sensor? I was going to just take it out..then cut that plastic stantion out of the middle...then who cares what direction its in! LOL

I have seen where people have done that.

 

[Y2K_MustangVert]

I have the MAC kit too, and there really isn't a big HP gain. The only real benefit is the increased throttle response and the bad @ss noise it makes when you hit the fun pedal. The "Darkwolf Mod" is really easy......1)Take off the piece infront of the MAF sensor and remove it from the car. 2)Take that piece and cut, where it starts to increase in size (about two and a half inches from the flange), with a saw. 3)Bolt that piece back on but turn the MAF sensor 90 degrees counter-clockwise. 4)Use a piece of 4 inch nylon/rubber hose(available at any autoparts store) and two clamps to hold together the two pieces that you just cut. Like stated earlier: not every car is going to respond to this mod the same way. Best of luck!

 

[OregonMustang]

So I just cut out the bend and put it back together with a rubber band aide!
LOL

Ok I can live with that. So the same cool blue rubber fitting stuff I can find that somewhere?

Get two more clamps as well correct?

Thanks!

 

[kboy262]

I did not cut anything. All I did was unbolt the MAF turn it 90 degrees. I had to drill two new holes in the mounting area of the MAF. Two of the original holes will match up and then you just mark two new ones to drill and there you go. It is a 10 minute job. Anymore questions feel free to ask.

 

[OregonMustang]

Ahhhhhh

Ok so just drill the two extra holes with my trusty DeWalt in the MAF and bolt it on like normal.

SWEET!

I'm going back in the garage and do it now!

 

[kboy262]

Just have a little patience aligning the gasket and the flange. There are several different mounting areas to bolt it up. Just find the position that best works. Good luck.

 

[Y2K_MustangVert]

No, the cool blue fitting you have to order from MAC. The stuff at the autoparts store is black. Yes, you only need two clamps as well. Remember to cut where the metal is straight and not curved, or you will be in a world of hurt!!

 

[OregonMustang]

Wow less then 5 mins and done

Nice!

I got it turned the 90 degrees toward the passenger side....with gasket still attached.

I will drill it out tommorrow and maybe see if I can find a damn screw driver for the MAF package! LOL what is that some kind of twisted Toraq

Any how thanks a ton! I think a signiture modification is in order!