I have been looking for a cold air intake for my dakota for some time now. Everywhere I look only sells for the V6 and V8 models, do they make a CAI for the 2.5L I4 dakota, or will the one for the bigger motor work? And yes, I know I wont see much if any inprovement in gas mileage.

 

rather then start a new thread ill dig this one up from the grave. can anyone help?

 

Well, I am an owner of a 3.9L v6, but I do have some information for you. Since yours is also a 2nd generation Dakota, your engine setup should be similar to mine, justa tad larger lol. I have found countless reviews bashing any cold air intake for Dakota's as a whole, because of the way they setup and the size filter used. Thus, me and a mechanic buddy of mine decided to make a Home Brew for my truck. See the pic in my signature below, it's merely 1 45degree pvc turn pipe, 1 90degree turn pipe, 2 cut sections from a 3 foot pvc straight pipe, and two fasteners to attach the pvc to the original intake and then one for the filter (50 bucks at autozone, it's just a universal cylinder K&N), but any size or shape may be used. This was just the biggest that would fit, and it offers a GREAT improvement from stock and results much better then many of the "kits". Oh the piping is all 3" too, so the connectors have to go from 3" to 3" and 3 to 2.5" i believe.


This may not be what you're wanting, but it works great. I'll be painting mine with a black heat resistant paint shortly, to give it a more professional look.

 

hahaha i bow to you, thats awesome. I was thinking of going custom too but pvc never crossed my mind. Well since i cant find any online and dont have a welder (or know how to use one) ill have to join your pvcclub. Thanks for the idea.

 

Welcome to the club! Here are some larger pic's and some more detailed specifications for you:

Items needed:
Saw (any kind)
1 PVC 90degree turn pipe
1 PVC 45degree turn pipe
1.5 feet PVC straight pipe
1 Filter of choice (I am using a 52 buck K&N universal cylinider model E-0773)
1 3" to 3" pipe connector (to connect pvc to filter)
1 3" to 2.5" pipe connector (to connect pvc to origonal air intake)

-Note: the 3"/2.5" connector will have to fit inside the original air intake pipe due to size, but just extend the band and put it on the outside. No problems then
Pm me if you need any further help. enjoy!

 

And the best part is you don't feel stupid for paying $200 for 1 1/2 feet of pipe .And when you lift the hood all you have to say is you feel it's better then factory. Rather than Your $200 got you 50hp and 10 more mpg.