Propickup Digital Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/150744
PRODUCT SHOWCASE COLD AIR INTAKES Pay special attention when moving the OE MAF sensor to the new cold-air intake tube. This is a critical component in the operation of today's computer-controlled engines. Handle it with care. that new-found power in the seat of your pants and how much it shows on a dyno depends on the truck, the engine type, and the design of the cold-air intake kit. Realistically, today's pickup engines typically gain anywhere from about 3 to 8 percent (10 to 15hp for gas, 10 to 30hp for diesel), and that power is almost always in the upper rpm range. There's also an equivalent gain in torque (20 to 55 foot-pounds), which is what you actually feel when your truck is accelerating. Fuel-economy gains? Well, that's entirely dependent on your right foot. In theory, fuel economy should mirror the power gains. But in real life around a jobsite or in town, that's very rarely the case. Where you will typically see a fuel economy bump is cruising down the open road or towing. When you do see an mpg gain, smile; the cold-air intake is working beautifully. OTHER GAINS Another gain that's almost always noticeable might not be as welcome to some. It's a slight increase in cabin noise. You'll hear the intake on acceleration. You'll hear the throttle open and close. You'll hear the turbo spool up and down. That's what to expect when airflow is increased 40- to 50-percent more than stock. Is that an issue? Not normally. The noise increase inside the cab is typically just a couple of BANKS RAM-AIR Banks Ram-Air cold-air intake for the 6.7L Cummins increases the flow of cool, dense air to the engine by 35 percent for greater power and fuel economy. Streamlined design and CAD flow-tested, it will not cause faults or throw codes. www.bankspower.com; (800) 601-8072 decibels; audible but not annoying to most. And when you are cruising, the noise difference between the stock intake and the aftermarket is negligible. Then there're the service benefits. Nearly every cold-air-intake kit comes with re-useable air filters. That means the filter can be removed, washed/cleaned, and re-used multiple times. Some filters, like K&N's, are lifetime, so they never have to be replaced. High-flow air systems usually make it easier/faster to service the air filter, too. Over the life of the truck this saves a lot of time – and money. EASE OF INSTALLATION As for installation, it's an easy upgrade that'll take a shop mechanic less than an hour's work on most trucks. No special tools. No special skills required. We've done a number of howto's in ProPickup magazine and on the website. Check them out to see the steps involved and the results. An important part of any coldair-intake upgrade is paying close attention to the mass-air-flow (MAF) sensor; it has to be moved from the stock intake to the new one without damaging it. Handle with care and there are no issues. The products we show here are good examples of what's out there in the world of cold-air intakes. Believe me when I say there's one for your pickup – and that it'll make a difference. K&N CUMMINS The K&N High-Flow Intake System for the 2010-12 Ram 2500/3500 6.7L Cummins Diesel increases horsepower by an estimated 8hp. It draws air through a High-Flow Air Filter that never needs to be replaced. Protecting the oversize cone-shaped air filter, and isolating it from engine heat, is an enclosed airbox and snorkel for bringing in lower outside temperatures. www.knfilters.com; (800) 858-3333 S&B POWERSTROKE Owners of late-model Super Duty owners can increase engine airflow by about 34 percent using S&B Filters new cold-air intake for the 6.7L Powerstroke. The custom airbox's clear cover seals the intake from the hot engine compartment while making it easy to inspect the filter. Laser-design helps kit fit like a glove. Install time is less than 30 minutes. www.sbfilters.com; (800) 358-2639 AIRAID JUNIOR F-150 owners on a tight budget can still enjoy the benefits of higher intake air-flow with the new Airaid Jr. system that replaces the most restrictive portions of the 5.0L's factory intake system: the air filter and the intake tube. Kit includes a new intake tube that eliminates restrictions caused by the factory tube and a drop-in replacement filter that flows 35-percent more than factory. www.airaid.com; (800) 498-6951 BANKS 6.0L POWERSTROKE Banks Ram-Air Intake System puts more pep in the 6.0L Powerstroke's step, flowing up to 38-percent better than stock. Its dome-shaped cotton gauze filter, with lifetime warranty, and the contoured, aerodynamic shape of the airbox eliminates restrictive sharp bends and chokepoints. Works seamlessly with stock sensors and will not generate trouble codes. Easy to install and service. www.bankspower.com; (800) 601-8072 34 PROPICKUP Big Book 2013 ProPickup_2013BB_Cold Air Intakes.indd 34 8/6/13 9:59 AM