I wanna get better fuel milage. They say a intake will give 1-3 miles better is this true. I think i would get the banks ram air. Thanks for any info.

 

Hey DW04,
Howzit hangin? I too am interested in adding a CAI (cold air intake) and was curious if any of the rest of you out there can tell me what the findings were when the magazine Diesel Power did their comparison of them way back when? It was an ealier issue and it's the only one I don't have. I just wish I knew the results of their test. Not that I don't trust all of the experts here.

I like the price and design of the S&B but Banks claims to allow more air flow.

Here are some interesting figures (shown in red) that make me wonder who is telling the truth. Does anyone know the correct stock CFM flow rate?

S&B: Flows 43.0% better than the OE Induction System at Vehicle's Rated Flow (526 cfm).

Banks: Flows 62.0% better than the OE Induction System at Vehicle's Rated Flow (422 cfm).

The Fruitman

 

I have yet to see anyone get 1-3 mpg increase just from adding a CAI.

 

I didnt gain any mpg, just some turbo noise and a bit better throttle responce..

I have ran the AFE stage 2 and the Volant and i prefer the Volant but thats just me..

 

Yea, 3 mpg would equate to like a 20% increase for most of us and while the thought of that is enticing, it's likely not gonna happen.

But, if any increase in mpg were to occur then it's win win, because for me, the primary objective is to lower temps, increase flow, and decrease the amount of dirt getting through the stock unit. And if I go with the Banks Ram-Air unit, I might as well add their Intercooler High-Ram Intake too, or save some green and get the S&B Intake and CFM+ Intercooler Intake I am hearing so much about.


I know for a fact my truck runs smoother after warm up in the morning when it's cooler than it does in the evening when it's warmer outside. That and I think I've read here many times that a adequate CAI is essential when modifying or upgrading the exhaust system. Which is planned to occure before summer sets in.
Fruit

Just my .02 worth.

 

Why not just buy an Amsoil Nano drop in air filter? It flows more air then a stock air filter, it can be cleaned with air, its good for 100,000 miles and its a lot cheaper then buying the S&B Intake!

 

From what I've read here (and everywhere else), just adding a more free flowing filter doesn't provide the same advantages that an entirely new intake system does.

I hate to sound (or act) like a rep from SEMA, getting all caught up in the addition of aftermarket parts because for what we pay for these trucks they should be done. Unfortunately for us though DC (and the rest) only put on what they feel is adequate to get the job done. Yea the Cummins might be legendary but I think we can all attest that it sorta stops there.

And too, it's obvious to see the differences in these parts with our own eyes. I mean if you go to the CFM+ website they have a side-by-side photo of our intercooler intake and theirs. The difference is amazing. And I'm not a NASA engineer but I don't think you have to be one to realize why theirs is better.

Now, better might be a realative term. How much better? Enought to make a difference? They say so. Will a slight benefit outweigh the cost? Never, but it might help slightly slow down the aging process of the parts it effects, such as that Cummins, and to me, that makes it all worth it. Cool looking is just that, but functionality makes me hot in the shorts. If I get cool looks as a result of a more funtional part then great. If the thing looked like the stock part even better. I like stock. I've been down the customizing road many times and all I can say is unless you are somehow making money with that investment (to pay for all the mods, and your time) then it's not worth it.

The mods I've done so far were for my own well being. Nerfs to help my short butt get up in, tires for better grip in snow, Linex and undercoating for protection from the elements (road salt) and landscaping type cargo, etc. Now it's on to engine mods to hopefully increase the lifespan of this huge monetary investment. I'd like to make it my last truck and if adding another 5-7k in performance and asthetic mods will accomplish that then all is well on the ranch.

Know what I mean Vern.

And just to play devils advocate here, I think your suggestion is an excellent one! So many people are like me, not wanting to dust the webs off the wallet for anything, and a modest improvement like you suggest could mean the difference between a T-304 & T-409 S.S. exhaust system.

Got Fruit

 

i think you're confusing a cai with an intake manifold (horn).

 

If you search around the site you will find lots of info regarding cool air. I am pasting some info from another post.

There was a very good article in the TDR magazine about some tests that were done regarding the Air filters and systems. I think it is very similar to the PSM write up. They made some good sense regarding the temp of the air being just as important as the amount of air. I have had very good luck with the AFE Stage-1 but am going to try what they recomended in the TDR article. They claim that using the Stock airbox with a AFE-PG7 media, Silicone downtube(already have) and the PSM cool air kit is the best that can be done to provide clean cool air to the engine.


Quote:
Originally Posted by surfingcardiff
Check PSM's website (see below) because the company has performed numerous tests regarding the effects of the cooler air on EGTs, and acceleration. In addition, the modified airbox has both horsepower and torque increases compared to the OEM airbox.

NOTE: I don't work for the company. The tests are at the bottom of the page in the Test Results section.

http://www.psmdiesel.com/air_04.5.php

 

Chipmonk,
Not at all, but perhaps I'm misguided about the importance of changing both out for more free flowing parts. I know a lot of owners stop at just the CAI or combine this "upgrade" with and exhaust upgrade but fail to upgrade the Intercooler Manifold Intake, which from what I read is equally important.

I have no formal mechanical or, automotive training so I rely on the readings and experiences of others.

I come here because the knowledge base is immense and generally opinionated wherein the real-world experiences of others play an important role in my own decision making process. I appreciate any input from all of you and the time you take to dispense it.

Thanks,
Fruit

 

Fruitman ( gotta change that handle dude ) The intake cost versus benefit only comes into play when you add a performance download, box/chip or injectors. Must have more air to burn fuel and less restriction in exhaust....simple. My first mod ( after gauges ) was intake and exhaust. Saw a dyno verified increase of 12 hp and a egt reduction of 50f empty and 150 towing. For all the expense on a stock fueled truck it is not worth the cost. Ran like that for two years. However all that changed when I loaded smarty. Now my tranny and stock turbo limit performance. Really like your attitude, don't get confused that these trucks are designed for efficiency from the factory. They are made to comply with tailpipe emissions and noise levels! Another note, according to my used oil analysis, the stock intake provided the lowest silicone readings Read best filtration....

 

N.Johnson,
The "handle" is an old nickname from my biker bro's I ride with and it just stuck.

We've all read that heat degrades major components like the turbo and how lowering the temp is beneficial in terms of lifespan. But when they (parts manufacturers) say things like "Increased HP" or especially now "Increased MPG" then guys like me are like a buck in rut and everthing else they say becomes glazed over. "Mmm, faster good, more power good, more mpg, goooood [in my best caveman voice]".

I'm suprised to hear that your results only provided a 50deg F decrease under normal conditions. On the other hand 50 degrees could mean the difference between extreem operating conditions and a meltdown, but then you would have found that out before the install. I would have expected more. But that's just me, and as I've said, I'm no expert. I wonder if that result varies as much as the intakes are different themselves. Or is minimal? Is yours fed through the fender like my stock version or does it suck air from the engine compartment? I would assume that plays a huge role, and is why I would only buy a model that is fed outside air. Also, I see you are running a 4" exhaust. The stock pipe on the '06 is 4" from the turbo back. So now I have to wonder if I should upgrade to a 5" single or will my first choice of 4" duals be beneficial. Eiter way it will have to exit the turbo at 4" so......

Fruit is Good