Is a cold air intake actually what it claims. the stock air box on the new rams look like they are basically already a cold air intake. what makes these after market ones so much better, is it because its a cone filter setup or what? can i really expect a 15 hp gain like the claim. also if they are the way to go will a 2011 kn cai fit on a 2012?
Here is my opinion on CAI. They don't add much horsepower, maybe 8 at best. That said, I have one on my 2010 Challenger and like it, its a K&N. I robbed it off my wifes 300C when we traded it off. I'd swear her car felt slower after we took it off, but it could have been a little worse throttle response. Who knows?
This is my understanding on K&N dyno results, and I've got this info from reading a lot of different sources on CAI's. The results are real, if you take a stock hemi and bolt on a CAI and dyno it right away, you get a 15 hp gain. What they don't tell you is if you drive the car a few miles, that 15 hp gain goes out the window. As a rule at full throttle, the hemi runs a little rich. When you first bolt on the CAI it gets a little more air, which means it runs a little lean, this accounts for the 15 hp gain. As you drive the car, the engine computer compensates and puts the mixture right back where it was, and there goes your 15hp gain. This is how a tuner can gain horsepower, by leaning out the mixture some and bumping up the timing a little bit.
Just my opinon here, but a CAI with a tuner and exhaust will add horsepower, that is a fact. My guess is that the CAI is less than 10 horsepower in this equation. If you look hard enough, you can find some real world dyno tests on CAIs. Most of them show very little gain by themselves.
To try to keep this short as there are tons of responses:
The stock intake is pretty good. The bad parts of it are the restrictive fender inlet, the filter, and the resonator. Most kits fix the filter and resonator problem, but leave the filter open to hot air. This basically makes them not much better than stock. The best would be ram air to keep the intake air temperature down. Most dyno's are with the hood open and a fan blowing at the engine bay, so you may not see the same results in normal driving with a closed hood trapping hot air underneath.
And whoever said it's tough to feel 15hp on a 5,000 lb truck is spot on. Do 5 or 6 mods that add 50 hp then you might feel it.
There is never too much hp:
"Too much fun, what's that mean? It's like too much money, there's no such thing. It's like a girl too pretty, with too much class, being too lucky, A CAR TOO FAST. No matter what they say I've done, I ain't never had too much fun"
Save your money and purchase K&N or Airaid replace ment filters that uses the stock air intake system. If you shop around bet you can find one for about $45.00.
Just think, you can save $200.00 and not be paying for all the additional noise!
I used to work at a place years ago that had a chassis/rolling dyno. A guy I worked with was putting a CAI system on his fairly built 90's mustang and put it on the dyno before and after. It made exactly 2 more horsepower after the cai. I don't see how a truck would be much different than a built car.
Snake oil/wasted money in my opinion.
Don't mean to offend, like I said that last line is just my opinion. But I did see the result right in front of me with my own eyes.
I used to work at a place years ago that had a chassis/rolling dyno. A guy I worked with was putting a CAI system on his fairly built 90's mustang and put it on the dyno before and after. It made exactly 2 more horsepower after the cai. I don't see how a truck would be much different than a built car.
Snake oil/wasted money in my opinion.
Don't mean to offend, like I said that last line is just my opinion. But I did see the result right in front of me with my own eyes.
While I'd agree with you in some cases, I'm not sure you can make a blanket statement like that. On the Mustang might one factor be that it has a pretty decent intake system to begin with? I'd bet some OEM systems have some good design built into them while others not so much. Just a short time back I saw an extensive list of dyno results with K&N intakes on many different vehicles. It was interesting that some similarly sized engines with similar OEM HP numbers were quite different in how they resonded to the aftermarket intake. One might have a 5hp increase and another 20hp. That's a huge difference. I'd chalk it up to the 5hp vehicle having a more optimum intake design to start with. Then there are the comparisons involving aftermarket exhausts and other modifications where an aftermarket intake might up the output. I don't know...I just don't think there's a one-size-fits-all.
I just installed a voliant CAI along with a Taylor throttel body spacer. Noticed more mid range power and torque. Before installing the best milage I got was 14.1 (before adding a 3" body lift , 2" leveling kit and 35" tires. Since installing I got 17. 6 on the highway this past weekend. More than happy with it (just have to keep the foot off the throttel though).
The one thing that limits the amount of air getting into the cylinders, is the cams. You can put the CAI and one of the aftermarket exhausts, but you got to increase the amount of air getting in and injector timing and duration.
Untill you change the computer settings, intake flow, cams, change the fuel pressure and install larger injectors., it is all snake oil.
Not wanting to start a peeing contest, just look at some of the little imports with huge exhaust systems, and a CAI, and watch them fall on their face when tring to accelerate hard. The key is getting more gas into the cylinders to create more power.
The one thing that limits the amount of air getting into the cylinders, is the cams. You can put the CAI and one of the aftermarket exhausts, but you got to increase the amount of air getting in and injector timing and duration.
Untill you change the computer settings, intake flow, cams, change the fuel pressure and install larger injectors., it is all snake oil.
Not wanting to start a peeing contest, just look at some of the little imports with huge exhaust systems, and a CAI, and watch them fall on their face when tring to accelerate hard. The key is getting more gas into the cylinders to create more power.
Please don't take my comments as a pissing contest. I consider it just a good discussion...until someone loses their cool...LOL!
There are some good points brought up on both sides of this fence, and I still say there isn't a single case scenario with a blanket solution. Cams are indeed a big element, but maybe we're overlooking the design of many of these OEM intake systems. Almost as much as emissions, the EPA has some pretty strict noise regs. A lot of the restriction in an OEM intake is to control noise, and that often also restricts the air too. Some systems are better than others obviously. I still say that some/many(?) engines may benefit in performance and/or fuel economy with an aftermarket CAI. I'll also make a general assessment that the benefit may be limited without some kind of improved flowing exhaust. But granted...it would take extensive testing of each and every vehicle in each and every stage of modification to qualify or argue the absolute bottom line on any performance increases.
There's another element in the intake and other mods to consider. Where and how your power and torque come into play can be improved upon in some cases without a wholesale rise in horsepower. Again...many variables in both the vehicles involved and how the mods will/might affect performance.
If you want to make your stock box work drill a 4 inch hole in the bottom run 4'' duct work down to your grill now you have actually air going into instead of that screwed up air path dodge has for it.And i myself have a k&n and love it better throttle response and loce the sound.
Snrusnak, classic line!!!
"No matter what they say I've done, I ain't never had too much fun."
As for warranties, the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act now allows you to make mods with confidence. I know it has been talked about a bunch before, but if you want to read it in detail, click the link above.
As for warranties, the Magnuson Moss Warranty Act now allows you to make mods with confidence. I know it has been talked about a bunch before, but if you want to read it in detail, click the link above.
Some of these responses are annoying to even read. I've owned a 615rwhp 04 Cobra and a 2011 GT500. After being around the racing world for quite a long time, I have NEVER and I mean NEVER seen a built car using the stock intake. The aftermarket cold air intakes allow for more air to flow and in some applications can grab "better" air. I have a 2010 with the Hemi and have added the Flowmaster 40 muffler. It sounds great. Tonight I installed my Vararam Air Grabber and am impressed thus far. It has without a doubt added a couple horses. I'm sure it's around that 15 number but I wouldn't be suprised if it was higher. Gas mileage seemed to do well and as far as the computer wiping away the added power, that's not necessarily true. Either way my engine will be breathing better and running more efficiently than it was in stock form. The Vararam also looks great and really adds a special touch to the engine bay.
I agree, and to add to your post. It seems that some people are taking one situation and judging all vehicles the same based upon that one "tested" vehicle. You cant base the gains from one car to a completely different car plain and simple.
You have to take into consideration the engine design, the type of tuning (tuned for performance, fuel economy, or both), the vehicle layout other parts installed in conjunction and so forth.
Simple example. Compare the "claimed" performance gains for a 2005 dodge ram 1500(5.7) and a 2010 dodge ram 1500 (4.7) using Superchips tuner. In the prior mentioned thinking, the gains should be the same or similar. Well if I recall correctly the 05 ram hemi can pick up about 17hp and 26 ft lbs using the 91 octane tune. The 2010 ram 4.7 can pick up 50hp and 55 ft lbs. Same modification greatly different results.
I feel that my 05 1500 w/5.7 has responded pretty good to the intake, exhaust and tuner for the money spent, I recommend it highly. While my previous 04 Silverado w/ 6.0ltr responded poorly to the intake, exhaust and tuner that it had. I wouldn't recommend those parts to someone with that truck. Similar parts, different vehicles and greatly different results.
Another thing to consider is what other parts are installed. While installing an aftermarket intake won't make a big difference alone, couple that with a free flowing exhaust and a tuner then you'll notice a difference.
I have owned and modified many vehicles, from simple bolt-ons to custom turbo kits so needless to say I am no stranger to a dyno.
This thread seems to have a lot of truths, some misconception, and some false info..
So O.P with that said. I would go with the recommendation of just replacing the the panel filter with a proven better flowing fiter if thats the only modification that you plan to do. If you plan on a tuner (Superchips or Diablo sport) and exhaust I would definatly go with an aftermarket intake that replaces the stock resonator, filter and places it away from the heat.
Hello all, new to the forum but not new to drag racing, I have just ordered the K & N 63 Series CAI, as I have seen track proven comparisons over 2 summers with 4th gen rams. The AFE St-2, K & N 77 and Volant killed a tenth, Air Raid was neglible, but I seen an 09 and 10 RAM kill about 2 tenths with the 63, and you can get them for about 220 bucks. As a drag racer on a budget, tenths count! One more step to a 14 sec ET!
That's true, but it is very easy and cheap to pump more fuel into the cylinder, and it is much more difficult and expensive to pump more air into the cylinder.
Some of these responses are annoying to even read. I've owned a 615rwhp 04 Cobra and a 2011 GT500. After being around the racing world for quite a long time, I have NEVER and I mean NEVER seen a built car using the stock intake. The aftermarket cold air intakes allow for more air to flow and in some applications can grab "better" air. I have a 2010 with the Hemi and have added the Flowmaster 40 muffler. It sounds great. Tonight I installed my Vararam Air Grabber and am impressed thus far. It has without a doubt added a couple horses. I'm sure it's around that 15 number but I wouldn't be suprised if it was higher. Gas mileage seemed to do well and as far as the computer wiping away the added power, that's not necessarily true. Either way my engine will be breathing better and running more efficiently than it was in stock form. The Vararam also looks great and really adds a special touch to the engine bay.
Idk looking at my stock set up on my 08 it other then the use of a paper filter, is the same as alot of cold air set ups I've seen. The tubing from the filter to the engine is a pretty much smooth straight shot to the engine...the inside of the snorkle in front of the throttle body is basically just a smooth elbow, with one small port to keep the intake noise down. All and all I dont see the real advantages aside from being able to upgrade to a better filter...some set ups even leave the inlet at the filter in the same location at the pass. front fender. Now dont get me wrong if you have something different suppling the air to the intake I.E. a scoop or a funnal or something that is more efficient...but to just have a different style air box i dont see it. I think youd get something more out of modding the factory box to allow more air into it and upgrade your filter. Money to what you get out of it I think this is more viable.
This actually makes a somewhat signifacant difference at higher rpms. If you are performance oriented this is something to consider. If you are looking for cruising mpg's then it probably won't matter. It also has been proven that ribbed tubing vs. smooth tubing makes very little difference (contrary to belief). The stock intake is actually pretty good.
This actually makes a somewhat signifacant difference at higher rpms. If you are performance oriented this is something to consider. If you are looking for cruising mpg's then it probably won't matter. It also has been proven that ribbed tubing vs. smooth tubing makes very little difference (contrary to belief). The stock intake is actually pretty good.
Thats the point I was trying to make...
Listen intake air like exhaust is going to take the path of least resistance...
I dont see much resistance in the factory intake...
ok well i have done pretty much all my exterior mods now started performance, i put in a throttle body spacer and a magna flow muffler, now thinking about a cai, but have heard both beneficial points to have them and then that the stock box is just as good if not better then some of them cai , what do you guys think? was leaning towards air aid intake, are they better than stock? if so how much better? i know a fully enclosed one like a volant would be better but i want one for the sound as well as performance, and I've heard the fully enclosed ones are pretty quiet? what are your takes??
You are going to get a LOT of opinions. But mine is that I replaced the stock filter with a K&N and thats that. Unless you replace your throttle body, I do not think a CAI is worth the excessive expense.
You are going to get a LOT of opinions. But mine is that I replaced the stock filter with a K&N and thats that. Unless you replace your throttle body, I do not think a CAI is worth the excessive expense.
I went with the Volant setup for my 98 and I just love it. Don't have to worry about getting the filter wet when you wash the engine compartment since its fully enclosed but it also has the tube that goes up by the radiator!! Been keeping track of MPG and there is a small increase on my truck.
About the 2 biggest benefits are sounds and you only need to buy the filter once (fortunately it comes with the CAI kit).
You might get 1-2 hp out of putting a CAI on, but I doubt that you'll ever notice it.
I had an AEM Brute Force (used to be who made the MOPAR CAI, not sure if this is still the case) on my '08 QC HEMI, and it sounded real good at WOT, and pretty good at all other throttle positions. I had one person ask me if I had a supper 44 on the truck when I opened it up..... I still had the stock exhaust....
As far as which one that you get... that is a matter of opinion. I'm partial to the AEM over the K & N, as the AEM has a better heat shield, and I had a bad experience with pinging using a K & N. I have not experience with other brands, but I'm sure that someone will jump in with their opinion soon.
You can also do a search of the forumZ, as this is a popular topic
If it is sound you are looking for then a CIA is for you.. but if you are looking for HP gains then forget it.. 5 hp is all that you are going to get.. we put our 08 Charger on the Dyno at the LX nationals and thats what we got after the DSP tune up.. 180 t-stat .. and that 5 HP was pretty much at the top of the RPM band.. you will get a bunch of "seat" of the pants stories but you do not see many dyno sheets put out by the vendors
I was always against CAI's on the newer vehicles. Like most say the factory set-up flows more than enough. I never added one to any of my previous vehicles. That being said I decided to break down and see first hand. I went with the volant. It had the best reviews, its sealed, although it still pulls from the factory location there is the optional lower scoop if it ever comes out. One can be made for the time being as many have done. I liked the filter design and wanted a non-oiled filter. I believe this is more of a supporting mod. On its own your not going to really "feel" the difference. I have noticed a little better milage. Still seems to perform the same and the WOT sound is nice. To each his own. It seems to be a love/hate mod. Those who have them like them, those who don't say its not worth it. I have been waiting for someone on the forumz to do a dyno comparison to end the ever lasting debate.
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