So here yet again is an epic post...

I'm looking at building a custom CAI with the inlet to be in the grille to help force air at higher speeds into the air system, a 'semi-Ram air effect' if you will..

My question is I see alot of kits either doing away with an air box.. or replacing it with their upgrade version.. but truth be told I really do not see any benefits from such.. other than maybe larger intake tube assemblies..

They claim the stock air box restricts.. How so? I really do not see a difference.. other than the flex tube.. now that I can see creating restriction..

Same goes for the stock intake hat.. you really look at them.. there is really hardly no difference between them..



I want to get your opinion.. as I am drafting my plan..

Also, I want to know if there are any special material like some sort of wrap, you can use that will withstand the heat.. and not decay quickly, and will insulate the tube/pipe to keep out the heat from the air.


I plan on the following:

1. Upgrade K & N filter the 'OE' replacement size..
2. Change out the accordion style flex tube with strait semi flexible hose/tube to the intake hat
3. Change the tornado currently in flex tube to the new hose
4. Remove the stock inlet side of the air box.
5. Cut bigger hole for next step
6. Assemble custom made inlet, probably 10% increase in size from the OE size tubing being used.
7. Custom make inlet tubing from the air box to the front grille, (between the Passenger side head lamp assembly and radiator.. there is just enough room there to do some mod work to catch direct air flow.
8. Make/Find something that will catch air, other than just a tube sticking out..
9. Custom assemble all that together.

(I'm still debating using rubber hoses, or custom making PVC one's..)

This should be an interesting build out.. Please share your opinions before I continue to draw up my rough draft plans.

 

Also, one more question.. I'm reading reviews online but thought I'd give yall a wack..

Fram Air Hog, vs. K & N?

I've seen the display of 'OE' paper vs the K & N... I found the Fram Air Hog for the 20~30 bucks form a trusted parts dealer I have used in the past..


Reviews claim it to be basically the same thing.. (Other than the thousands of negative reviews about how K & N actually is worse at filtering.. blah blah blah.. Just wanted thoughts..

 

I have a K&N in my stock air box. The side going to my intake seems very clean, no issues. I have had it foe a number of years. I clean and re-oil it once a year. I am looking at the same mod you are discussing, let me know how it goes for you.

Thanks.

 

I really want to do this Mod.. even if it does nothing, but just for looks to say "I have this"

But what really urgs me is the fact that all the documentation, including K & N's own specs, the filter is only 97% eff. new and does not get to 99% untill after its start getting dirty.. allowing small particles (Very small) to pass.

These are too small to really make a difference, but over time I would say that it could cause problems, plus over oiling can destroy the Mass Air Flow Sensor...

Then there are numerous accounts of Tubro's fins being ate away that ran the K & N, I know there is much debate around this.. and supposedly Dodge even had something up that said not to run this filter on the Cummins as it can destroy because of the lack of filtering vs a paper filters..

Errg! Then there are reports that it can actually degrade performance..

I realize its up to me at the end of the day but really has me concerned. For a daily street driver no problem, but dusty roads, off road stuff like, poses a risk I suppose..

Anyways.. I think I'm going to go the Spectre route.. 20 bucks for the same thing as the K & N, reviews show them the same.. just different name,.. K & N you paying for name..

I will keep you posted and any ideas you have would be greatly appreciated..

 

I've owned many k&n's only one on my truck but owned many on atv's. Never had a problem with them not filtering enough. If you take care of them and oil them like your supposed to they are just fine. My buddy has run a k&n on his truck for the last 70k and it see's dusty roads all the time. I know a bunch of guys that run k&n's and dont have any problems.

 

Good to know coming from an actual user.. I am honestly thinking about going with the Spectre, same product more or less with same warranty but 20.00 vs 59.00

Choices Choices..

 

Well I happened to pick up a cheap ebay cai looks like the k&n but a different company makes it anyway came with a k&n filter I got it shipped to my door for 36.00 so even if the tube was junk I still got a 60.00 k&n for half price lol

 

Dodgeramguy85, where did you get your cai on Ebay?

 

I got one too appears it was a granatelli box. It was not made for the 94 Dak 5.2 so I fixed that. I am happy with it . As far as what Ive read here the K&N aint no deal but I am getting at least another 1 to 1.5 MPG and that is what I was after. It does accelerate better and pulling the mountains I live in the truck hardly ever drops to 2nd gear as it used to. Its a great deal!

 

I have 2 spare K&Ns I should prob get rid of...I cant use 3 on one truck....Im sure someone could...lol...but not me...