I got a 98 Ram 1500 5.2l and lookin at putting a CAI on her. This would be the first mod on the truck but gotta start somewhere. I pretty much narrowed it down to two different intakes but cant choose, thats where i need the help. I'm looking at K&N FIPK intake as well as AFE Cold air intake. Both claim to have same boost in performance/mileage etc but i want to really know from experience before i drop money on the wrong one. All opinions appreciated. Thanks!

 

I know zip about the AFE, but I like my K&N FIPK-II. (All new ones are -II's now.) It was the only thing changed the day I put it on, and it perked the old critter up a bit.

In terms of bang for the buck, if you'd rather go that route instead, I'd recommend an SCT tuner from hemifever (he's a forum user here) over any other single mod you might do. $265 for the tuner with three canned tunes. Fling him a PM if you're interested.

 

Also might want to take a look at the S&B Intake.

 

Thanks guys...to UnregisteredUser its not the only mod im going to do but i CAI and exhaust are the firsts. I actually frown apon K&N cause of price but the way i see it its about quality not always price and K&N and AFE came at top of the list. To RamSport, S&B was another one i looked at, i really liked there box set up for protecting filter from dirt(looks good for taking off-road!) but i did not like how they used the same stock intake tube hole. Out of all the ones im interested in its K&N($320), AFE($280), S&B($210) and Spectre($180). Any opinions on what out of these ill get best quality for price?

 

If you are planning on possibly spending $300-ish, I would take a look at this:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/VNT-16859/
and this if you want to get really serious:
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/VNT-36859/

Fully enclosed CAI. Uses stock fender hole (excellent location for drawing cold air) and a tube to the front, beside the radiator, to draw in cold air at speed. The stock fender hole is actually a better location than pulling air from inside the engine bay, if you're comparing the same filter size (S&B and Volant are better than K&N or anything else that simply has a "heat shield" and is not fully enclosed).

 

spectre is no where near 180. that's your problem, if your looking at just one place probably. summit it is like 130 shipped. has done just fine on my 01 5.9L. then ask for the new air hat because it blocks the throttle linkage from WOT. ship new one tpo you free of charge.

 

hey thanks guys...volant is on there too... i will compare between volant and S&B whichever easiest for maintenace and getting replacement filter etc. and Grandzj notice i live in canada...there are only 2 good sites to order from without getting nailed when it comes to duty, taxes etc and they both have limited selection in parts!

 

i have friends that have spectere set ups and they like them a lot so i think it would be worth a shot. They also drive little 4 bangers but for it being almost half the price why not try it

 

Thanks guys but like jasonw said i do believe its better to get an enclosed CAI...they will be alot better when it comes to the conditions i drive in at times of the year where i live and when it comes to mudding or off-road they will work wonders!

 

I have the AFE on my truck and it works just great, NO clearance probs at all, easy to install and easy to maintain.