Tow vehicle intake question

[maxx rpm]

I have an f150 with the 4.6 engine. I was wondering if anyone has used either a tornado fuelsaver, or went with a better air filter(K&N or similar) and what type of results were found with these.

[Powerstroke]

Tornado is a waste of time and money. Its a gimmic. You can find that anywhere online except on the tornado HSOforum....go figure. It makes an interesting paperweight though.

You can reap benefits from an improved better flowing intake. In my opinion you have 3 choices.

1. Use a high flow filter in the stock setup. Minimal gains but noticeable. Sounds nice. Cost $40

2. Same as 1, but you can open up your stock intake. If this is the 97-03 style you can make some changes to remove the stock silencer and also you can remove the half of your intake that joins the fender. This gives your intake access to more air and freer flow. More improvementa nd it sounds mean!! Cost $40 and about 30mins of labor.

3. Full intake replacement with a commercially made kit. Cost is up to $300 and anywhere below that. Time is about 1 hour to install. Best improvement but still not alot.

All of these gains result in the same thing. It will seem like you have better throttle response and better mid-high end power. For better results get a new exhaust too. It doens't have to sound like a Harley, just be mellow and freer flowing. There are also computer chips and handheld programmers that will produce the best bang for your buck. Those can add power as well as help your tranny with better shifting and custom tuning.

I've owned 3 Ford trucks since '99.

[Capt. Don*]

Those high flow filters, the kind you need to oil, really like to turn check engine lights on, cause terminal failure of the mass airflow sensor and create some very interesting driveability concerns. As a Ford driveability mechanic for nearly 20 years I've seen generations of power increasing add-ons for trailer towing performance and mileage. I'm just having trouble remembering one that worked. The latest and greatest are the programmers and power chips, these devices do what they say, the alter the stock strategy and ignore various inputs to provide more "power". One of my fellow mechanics writes these programs for his own cars, drag setup mustangs that put out over 800hp. He has spent countless hours and engines on perfecting his chip tunes, and understands exactly what is needed. Installing these chips without the knowledge is risky at best, I see many an engine wrecked by pulling a big load and cranking the tuner to the max. Without building an engine specific to your needs and chip tuning just as specific, you are spending alot of money for very little return.

[18 inch Crappie]

Do a hsolist search for intake for ford f150. I bought a kn style filter made in China for $1 plus $30 shipping. As soon as I put it on I could tell the power right away and the motor sound was mean also.

[SlipperyRod]

If your looking for fuel economy..look at a high breathing air intake and a high flowing exhaust.....If you want more power these will help but the chip is a better way to go....they have different chips for different uses..(towing, racing, ect)......I've been a Ford/Mazda tech for over 20 years also and have seen very minimal problems with high flow air intakes as long as you install them the waythey are meant to be installed.......Don't let capt. Dons opinions scare ya....If you don't want to install anything yourself there are reputable shops out there to install this stuff for ya.....just stay away from the import no name stuff..(like hsolist)...their stuff as not as good as they say.

[Powerstroke]

I agree with slippery, the proper combo of upgrades will serve the average joe just fine. COmmon sense says don't tow the camper or walley boat on the racing setting. You're asking for problems.

The reason so many MAF sensors are nuked by oiled-element air filters is because so many people don't know how to clean and recharge them. Most people over-oil their filter cause they don't give the oil time to soak in. This will mean less air flow and excess oil is blown (sucked) onto the sensors in the intake. They get fouled up and the same people who aren't capable of oiling properly also don't know how to clean and care for those sensors.

Personally I think the Superchips Microtuner is the best tuner for the average guy. You can do as much or as little as you want and they are easily upgraded if you make larger changes.

There are also quality air filters that don't need oil.

[cold one sd]

Higher flowing intake, larger exhaust and computer chip are things that help quite a bit with a diesel. They don't help near as much with a gas engine. Spend some bucks and install a turbocharger if ya want results.