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Cold Air Intake Suggestion

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32K views 45 replies 16 participants last post by  HeavyAssault  
#1 ·
I been looking at getting a different air intake and was hoping to get some opinions on the which brand/style y’all think is best. I feel like calling it a cold air intake is a marketing scheme, being that the turbo instantly heats the air. I do however like the idea of an open air intake over the closed off oem system. I think that would draw the most air. What are y’all s thoughts?
 
#2 ·
Too be honest the 6.7L intake is pretty great. Ford may have made some silly mistakes with things here and there but their air intakes are top notch.

if you have smog checks/inspections S&B is very popular and affordable. But the oem one will work great even with tuning and minor mods.

just something to consider is all in case you wanted to buy other things for the truck etc.
 
#36 ·
I used the S&B because it moved the battery and put intake in front of it for better airflow. Even met the owner at the Lone Star Throw down Truck show in Conroe,Tx. Real nice guy. Even after I told him I went to a No Limit Intake. Nothing against S&B but with MPD piping and compound kit they didn’t mesh well. Can’t powder coat the S&B. Just my experience with those 2 companies.
 
#5 ·
More flow, at the expense of what....
Ford already has a CAI from the factory. A lot (not all) actually leak hot engine bay heat into the intake. Others, may flow more but may allow more particate through.
Also, you gotta get spent gasses out before you can really force more in. And use more air to do any good.
 
#14 ·
More flow, at the expense of what....
Ford already has a CAI from the factory. A lot (not all) actually leak hot engine bay heat into the intake. Others, may flow more but may allow more particate through.
Also, you gotta get spent gasses out before you can really force more in. And use more air to do any good.
Just so I'm clear do you mean higher flow increases the chances for more particulates to enter the engine? I would think the filter (as long as it was from a quality brand) would just get dirtier faster. I can assume that particulates smaller than the micron rating of the filter would pass through. Am I on the right track... Hopefully those smaller particulates won't cause accelerated wear.
 
#6 ·
Using a CAI on a stock truck isn't really going to gain much. Your idea of the turbo heating the air is correct. The airflow path is greatly improved over the stock piping systems. As old school guys used to port the manifold, and headers they do so with great results. These trucks aren't any different. Smooth out the airflow path and it's going to be better performing. So just throwing on a CAI isn't a good idea unless you do the whole intake system.

The idea of hot engine bay air getting into the intake is sort of correct. While it does happen....it happens in a very specific condition. It only happens when the truck is sitting still or very slow moving. Once the truck is moving over 15MPH the engine bay is getting flushed with outside air so the open element CAI systems are going to breathe in that air.
 
#8 ·
I think it was just a minor engineering overlook of the 17-19 trucks. As I said the airflow thru the front of the truck into the engine bay is quite substantial.

Plenty of trucks have pulled intake air thru the fender/wheel well cavity in the past. So routing an opening with tubing to the filter element isn't a huge issue. It's a problem with too many bends or poor flowing piping. Not to mention Toyota has a snorkel on their Tacoma TRD Pro trucks. There's no one complaining it's a poor flowing design.

Sure we could delve into a engineering design discussion about what "flows more", but what do we really need for flow capacity.

Most people "want" more flow, but can't conceive you need that air filtered. The 6.0L air filter was about the single best OEM element one could ever want. When you attach it to a piss poor piping system the problems start.

Anyway....If you want more flow, which would help considerably, you need more than a CAI system. The whole flow path needs attention. Even then you can only go "so big" before the " +'s " become " -'s "...lol
 
#9 ·
I think it was just a minor engineering overlook of the 17-19 trucks. As I said the airflow thru the front of the truck into the engine bay is quite substantial.

Plenty of trucks have pulled intake air thru the fender/wheel well cavity in the past. So routing an opening with tubing to the filter element isn't a huge issue. It's a problem with too many bends or poor flowing piping. Not to mention Toyota has a snorkel on their Tacoma TRD Pro trucks. There's no one complaining it's a poor flowing design.

Sure we could delve into a engineering design discussion about what "flows more", but what do we really need for flow capacity.

Most people "want" more flow, but can't conceive you need that air filtered. The 6.0L air filter was about the single best OEM element one could ever want. When you attach it to a piss poor piping system the problems start.

Anyway....If you want more flow, which would help considerably, you need more than a CAI system. The whole flow path needs attention. Even then you can only go "so big" before the " +'s " become " -'s "...lol
meybe I’ll wait and do a whole intake and intercooler piping kit later on down the road. I reckon I jumped the gun doing a cold side pipe upgrade. I won’t waste any money on a aftermarket cold air intake.
 
#10 ·
If you are tuned, a cold air intake is almost necessary from what all guys that actually tune these trucks. The 6.7 is a very efficient engine and moves alot of air volume. As for other engine platforms, it's not necessary unless you are going with larger injectors, turbo, etc.


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#11 ·
If you are tuned, a cold air intake is almost necessary from what all guys that actually tune these trucks. The 6.7 is a very efficient engine and moves alot of air volume. As for other engine platforms, it's not necessary unless you are going with larger injectors, turbo, etc.




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There’s some different, valid opinions on here. This makes my decision kinda difficult. Lol
 
#17 ·
I have an S&B with an oiled filter. I like their kit as it relocates the battery. Used it when my truck was stock with no issues and am still using it now that I’m deleted. I also have an HS Motorsport cold side pipe and will be getting their matching hot side now that it’s released.
 
#19 · (Edited)
There is no question in my mind that the S&B CAI on my '17 is superior to the OEM design. Ray Charles can see it.

I'm not generally a CAI supporter, but the design on the '17 needed fixing. I think I heard they changed it on the '19+ though.
 
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#22 ·
No more so than the OEM setup, or at least very little difference IMO. The hood blocks any direct entry of rainwater. I'm sure you get a mist in heavy rain, but if your traveling at a high enough speed for that, I would think you're pulling enough air to keep the filter from saturating.
 
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#31 ·
I been looking at getting a different air intake and was hoping to get some opinions on the which brand/style y’all think is best. I feel like calling it a cold air intake is a marketing scheme, being that the turbo instantly heats the air. I do however like the idea of an open air intake over the closed off oem system. I think that would draw the most air. What are y’all s thoughts?
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I been looking at getting a different air intake and was hoping to get some opinions on the which brand/style y’all think is best. I feel like calling it a cold air intake is a marketing scheme, being that the turbo instantly heats the air. I do however like the idea of an open air intake over the closed off oem system. I think that would draw the most air. What are y’all s thoughts?
Hi Peanut, I installed a AFE momentum HD cold air intake with the dry filter and the HD dynamic air scoop. It fits right in place where the stock filter box sits. The scoop fits where the stock filter sits. But, it has a air scoop that goes over the battery also. Easy install on my 17 f350 dually. I notice better fuel mileage and power. S&B has one that fits in front of the battery. You need to move it back and and wires to reach the + & - terminals.
 
#35 ·
So after all this time you have had a long time to test it out. how are your impressions ? sound, performance, milage? was it worth it or would a drop in aftermarket filter met your needs ? I see your tuned so I feel that an aftermarket system would have a greater chance of benefiting from it
 
#42 ·
Oiled is fine if the owner is scrupulous about maintenance. Otherwise it loads up fast with dust and lowers your overall intake air mass.

Biggest issue in my opinion in aftermarket air filters is to ensure adequate filtration levels. You can get more flow with bigger holes ( for a little while...)