This question has probably been asked on this forumn a million times, but here goes anyway!
I have been thinking about this mod for awhile now, just want some opinions on which brand? AFE, Airaid,K&N, S&B,Volant, True Flow or Banks?
Do they really increase hp & or Gas milage?
Is one brand better than the other?
Are they easy to install?
Do they have any tendencies to mess up any of the factory air sensors or settings? I am leaning towards an AFE. I have a "99" Dodge,24 valve turbo diesel. I was at an Auto parts store and the guy there told me I could replace the stock filter element with a K&N filter for about $65, said it wasnt as dense as the stock one, and would increase my hp and gas milage.
I get Diesel Power Magazine, they rated what I listed, but I wanted some more real world input on this!

Thanks!

 

I had a K&n on my pickup and was working offroad I cleaned my filter after about 6000 miles and found dust inside the intake tube I cleaned it out and like an idiot I kept using it a few weaks ago found dust again then I got rid of it and got bhaf

 

Bottom line - if your truck is stock, you don't need an upgraded intake system. Intake will not give you better mileage or power on a stock truck. If you need more airflow, then I personally like the AFE proguard7, and if you don't want an oiled filter, they now have a non-oiled synthetic fiber filter available, by special order. They are all easy to install. my 2 cents.

 

I have a K&N and no dust in my intake tube yet...

The factory airbox is good for like 500+ HP...

I think CAI's are a waste of money...

Spend it elsewhere...

 

I have the AFE Proguard 7. I realy like it and has helped spool up time and actualy cooled EGT's a few degrees when towing. But I have a few mods and lots more on the way ( a lot more ) only had the truck about 6 months and have to get some small things fixed befor geting to wild.

 

There is absolutely no benefit from an aftermarket air filter until you NEED more air than the stock system can provide, which occurs about 400 HP. Even engines capable of producing 400 HP do so infrequently, or only on the dyno for bragging rights. You are stock so just use a good quality stock paper filter like NAPA Gold. K&N sells their product the same way Ford does, when people believe their advertising.

Anyone can check their need for more air quite simply. Do a full power standing start "drag" over a marked section of empty road, about a half mile long. Use a stop watch. Go back and repeat it in the same direction with your air filter removed. If your time is better either your air filter is clogged or it needs to be bigger. (Don't do this if your truck cannot safely operate at the speed you will develop. Alternately, you can measure time up to a safe speed but this is less accurate.)

 

I think putting a CAI in a truck will not hurt anything and I have had good results. Did you only add the Mag Hytec after cooking a rear end or is it for pice of mind? Same thing. Your user name is very true Rare1 I realy wish I had your truck in a 4X4 Long bed 5spd. Ok mostly like your truck, but yours is very nice like it is.

 

Thanks for the input guys!!
That just helped sway me in just getting a better filter!
And I'll look into the AFE pro-guard 7 Bill!

Thanks Again !!

 

you say "CAI's are a waste of money", I see in your sig that your putting on 5in thats a waste if your below 600hp.

 

I just made my own intake the other day using a 4" rubber 45* elbow and 90* 4" mandrel bent exhaust elbow with a HUGE K&N filter slapped on it (4" inlet and 14" long) and noticed a little slower EGT climb when going from 50-90MPH in 4th gear and less smoke on takeoffs. It replaced my old setup of a swiss cheesed stock box with a a drop-in K&N filter. I am happy with it, and if nothing else it looks cool

 

(I don't want to hijack this thread, but...) Never a problem with the rear end. I got the Mag Hytec because (1) I travel and tow long distances, the bigger cover holds more lube and cools better and (2) the Mag Hytec has a dipstick to check lube level and drain and refill plugs for easier changing.

 

IMHO, the stock filter box is more of a concern than just flow. The large filter area and poor sealing of the box tends to let in more dirt around the filter than most realize. Also the harder you pull on the filter (I would get at least 10" H2O restriction with a clean filter) the more tendency to pull air from any poor sealing surface. I had tested my stock box and got dusting trails on the filter box from air leaking in from the gasket.

Moving to a BHAF or other cone type filter removes alot of the problems of sealing the filter to the engine. Are they all going to increase milege? No. But those that start to go on the modding trail need and edge. I can say with certainty that my SAII lowered my peak EGT's by at least 150°F and for me thats some breathing room for towing.

To each their own, but the brick style filters are not the be-all for filters.