I don't know either, all I can comment on is what I noticed. At one point, I even installed the intake air temp sensor into the 14x3. Only thing I say is, that without other mods like, heads, cam and an SCT tune. The stock PCM simply can't compensate.

 

Probably the perceived loss in low end, is indeed due to the engine sucking in nice, toasty warm air directly from above the nice HOT engine...... air temp can have a rather dramatic effect on power. Especially noticeable on our trucks, thanks to the wonderful idea of "torque management" that chrysler inflicted on us.

 

Interesting, I've never noticed a loss in low end that I would attribute to my filter system. Even in 100 plus degree temps...
I was thinking that someone did some temp comparisons in a thread, and found very little difference between a hot K&N tube and a chrome 14x3 base temp wise.

 

There are several aspects to the incoming air flow. You have volume, velocity, and density. There may be a loss in low-end power due to a decrease in incoming air velocity.

 

First mod I added to my bone stock new Indy way back in spring 96 was K&N FIPK which was 14x2.25"
Took it down 1/4m first time July 96(Chryslers @ Cayuga) & raced 2 identical Indys.
Both had 3.55grs & lsd same as me. They had a slight weight advantage as I had 125lb f/g tonneau cover.
Took both of them off the line & pulled away the length of the track in hi 80s/low 90s temps.
The least I beat them by was .28sec
Now I didnt add the 3" tall filter till much later when I had 52tb, m1, rt+10 cam & 1.7rr(ramairbox as well)
Noticeable gain compared to the 2.25" tall filter.

Can understand a loss with the restrictive paper filter or possibly on a 5.2 but not a 5.9 with the K&N

 

I know this is way off topic from what the OP intended, but just wanted to throw some of my input in here.

I ran a 14x3 last year for about 4 months. I never really got used to how it performed, I did notice a lack of low end, especially with a trailer hooked up (This was with the stock tune, no SCT Tuner yet). The noise did not bother me and I actually liked it. I ended up throwing the stock intake back on until I could afford a sealed Cold Air Intake kit. I ended up getting the S&B CAI and still love it.

Just this Tuesday, after installing my new valve covers, I threw my 14x3 back on just for $hits and giggles. I couldn't believe the power it had, even on the bottom end. I believe the SCT Tuner fixed my issues with the 14x3 on my primarily stock motor.

I also took some readings with my OBD2 ScanGauge2.

Ambient Temp was 85 degrees with 0 humidity.

At idle my Intake Air temps were the following:

14x3 = 163 degrees F

S&B CAI= 155 degrees F

At 50mph on the highway my temps were the following:

14x3= 148 degrees F

S&B CAI= 146 degrees F

As you can see, not a big difference in temps at all once you are rolling.

I plan on picking up a K&N element as Indy recommends and sticking with my 14x3 for now and do some more testing. It even pulled the trailer well today. I did notice a slight spark knock though so I think I am going to have to drop in a 180 degree T-Stat (87 tune with the SCT). So, just wanted to point out I think the SCT helped equalize the A/F ratio with the 14x3 making it run properly. Wide open throttle is pretty violent now.

Just my $.02

 

wait till you get some 1.7 HS with the sct :P

 

Double post.

 

I've had good luck with my ram air setup.

It's essentially that open filter element with scoops to funnel air straight from the front of the engine bay.

I want to do some cold weather testing on open VS ram Air this winter to see how she does, but for now, the ram air moves as much air as the round element, but temps at idle are at least 40* cooler. No issues with loss of low end, but I'm not exactly stock.

 

I noticed the loss on my 98 5.2. Never tried it on the 2000 5.9. But, to tell you the truth I don't like the noise enough to not bother trying it.

Have you ever tried the stock box for the heck of it, with the mods you have now, to see if there is a difference? Be kind of interesting to know if there is any. Just for info purposes.