How much of a difference is there in the way the varios CAIs sound? From what I read they all seem to give about 8 HP, so cost and sound are the selling points.

 

i just bought my cai, it's the k&n 66...i will install it after christmas, but hopefully it gains about 8-10hp...sound should be relatively the same if you buy a good brand, either k&n or volant...it's kind of a whistle or suction sound...good luck with yours, let me know how it turns out if you get one

 

8-10 is very hopefull. Where did that number come from. I would estimate more like 0-1.

 

You don't say what engine you have. From what most guys have said as far as power increases, putting it on the Hemi seems to be a little closer to what HemiBuell is saying...it doesn't seem to translate to any real seat of the pants gains. On 4.7's they seem to help more.

 

I got a 77 series for my 04 Hemi and noticed a slight increase in mpg, but as for HP, you probably won't be able to feel it. The sound though, LOVE it. I have a stock exhaust, but the Hemi literally roars now on the front end since the CAI removes all the sound dampening equipment off the top of the block. You're going to have to do some more mods, i.e. exhaust and headers, to really get an increase in HP that you can feel. I'd honestly be surprised if the CAI even gave you 5 more HP, which my @$$-dynometer is insensitive to.

 

If anything, you move the air intake from infront of the right fenderwell to the top of the engine bay.

 

Is there any truth to CAI helping MPG? Will it actually ever pay for it's self??

Could a person do this to test the effects of CAI with a stock air setup? Would this be a legit test?
Remove the cover and filter and ONLY run on the tube connected to the air box. Knowing full well of the risk of a totally open air system but ONLY run it say down the road for a few miles to only clock fuel changes?

I am trying to decide if I want a cai. I already have pipes on the beast ( they just sound cool) but I am really trying to get at least a combined MPG of more then 14. .I cant break 13.8...

 

It might get you the .2, but it doesn't sound like you should plan on alot more. As far as your mileage test, a couple of miles down the road really isn't enough to get an accurate reading. It would be way too dependent on throttle position, etc. You need more miles to average out. For an example, if you have an overhead console, set it to instant mileage and notice how sensitive it is. For something like that to be meaningful, I'd take it down a flat interstate at least 50 miles ea way with the cruise set.

 

But IS that a valid test?? to compair with a CAI??

Yes, I do have the overhead console with fuel and mine if close enougth to count.

 

To make it a fully valid test, you'd need alot of data. i.e., hours run to get a good average for CAI vs. Stock. Plus different temps and stuff, plus city vs. highway, etc.

CAI may give you like .2 better in MPG but it'll cost you in the $250 ballpark. So, it'd take a few years for it to pay for itself. Ur not gonna get much better gas mileage out of a truck, its just that its already maxed out. Let me kinda correct myself. You can get better gas mileage...but you got to spend money to do it and for the $1200 you spend on a CAI, exhaust, and tonneau, you'd get maybe 1-2 mpg better at MOST. IF ur gonna do a CAI/exhaust. do it for the sound, and just say "cool, i got a lil better gas mileage" as a bonus.

Food for thought, Truckin magazine did a report on how to get better mileage this last month.
Lower the truck (less air under, less drag)
Get a tonneau (less drag)
Lighten the truck (less mass to push)
Smaller side mirrors (less drag)
Tune exhaust (engine breaths easier/runs efficient)
Belly pan (undercarraige cover to reduce drag thru undercarraige parts)

This is the easier stuff. Other suggestions have you turning your body into an arrow.

Just my $0.02 bud