Hello,

I just read 3 hours of old threads [2003] concerning the value of the AFE P7 system. It got real technical for me so instead of more searching, I'm gonna ask you for your opinions.

I've got an '01 3500 auto 4wd quad 4.10 with 87K. I'm going to "bomb" it slowly at 100K.

The first things I'm going to do are install an air filter kit and a 4 inch exhaust. After reading two contradictory testimonials on this kit [one positive from a retailer who tested it against two other systems, the other from a forum member who found dust inside the pipe at the bends after only a 100 miles and then oiled to the point of too much restriction] I'm looking for some real world experiences with this kit and other kit suggestions.

My mods won't get past a computer box and a built transmission after these first two.

Thanks for the help,

/rl

 

I believe that discussion was in the 3rd generation forums, you might get more of a response if you post there. From what I remember the consensus was that the filter may have been faulty because nobody else reported any problems. Good luck.

 

I don't know about the AFE proguard stuff, but since you've got a second gen I'd say that the Scotty2 woud be a very good alternative. (IMHO, I've got a very good experience with it)

I think it's not only the filter, but also where does it get the air and how tight are the connections up to the turbo.

AlpineRAM

 

I've been happy with mine over the last 8000 miles. No build up of any kind in the intake tube. It does not draw the filter minder down like some have reported. And it actually has improved my fuel mileage about 1-2 MPG.

Just be warned, it makes the turbo whine MUCH louder than stock. If that is a problem for you, look at just getting the drop in instead of the whole intake kit.

 

Mr. President,

Thanks for the reply. I had a tuned turbo A4 and there was also tons of debate on that forum about a K&N drop in vs. their ram air kit. On an A4, I never heard anyone insist on the ram air kit with a 140 HP turbo kit [almost double the stock 150 HP].
I was fine with my lay in, mostly because of the heat build-up.

But with the Cummins, which I've only owned for less than a year, this forum insists that the diesel needs the extra air if I use a box, bigger injectors etc.

Do you think a paper lay in would work if the truck was built to around 400 HP?
Anyone in New Jersey want to let me hear their Scotty/AFE kit?

Thanks,

/rl

 

rl: Simply put it's like that- some vehicles have air intake systems that are sufficient for just what they have and nothing more (or even less than that) and others have them for double or triple the power they have stock. Naturally the former will need some attention to it when you start to omb them.
On a diesel it's also to be considered that unlike the gasser the diesel likes to have veery much air- the gasser needs an exact proportioning of air and fuel, the diesel will love you for each ounce of cool air you throw at it (oversimplified), and the power will come from the fuel you dump in.
The stock airbox in the CTD is really rather small IMO- I compared it to what Cummins suggests for the same engine in other applications- stuff that looks like the BHAF.
The main problem with a small air system on the CTD is that even though you could make the power your EGTs would skyrocket. The easier it is for the turbo to get air the less energy it will take to get to a sufficient MAP, the wastegate will open sooner and the EGTs will go down.
Most of hte members here do use their diesel for sustained WOT conditions- that's when EGTs are an issue, simply put- you won't need the air system to get to 400hp, but you'll definitely need it to be able to use all those ponies to pull that big trailer up that steep pass.

Just my 2c

AlpineRAM

 

I, too, had a modified A4 1.8.. and with over 3 times the displacement, the Cummins engine needs ALOT of air... Just look at the size of the turbo...

P.S. I found dirt in my 1.8's intake tube with a K&N drop-in..

'course, there's also evidence of particulates making it past the stock filter in my '98 CTD when I installed the Scotty...