Cold air intakes worth the $$$ ?
 

Just need some advice on Cold Air Intake systems....i was told it is pointless in even purchasing and installing an CAI since it has no significant HP gains and would be a waste of money! I'm not looking for anything cheap..i want the best! firejump: I have 2004 V6 3.9L engine and was also curious if CAI for a 3.8L would be the same for the 3.9L. My buddy wants to get me K&N CAI but i'm really hesitant at this point and figured some of you guys could steer me in the right direction.

thanks
CAT

Cai
 

I can not say that it increased power by I installed a STEEDA CAI From Steeda.ca and , it feels like it has more power , sounds great , looks good and the fit and service were great. Des

Are you sure your 2004 has a 3.9?
It should be a 3.8.


Edit, i did not change anything in your post, just hit the wrong button.
Sorry.

^I heard they upped the displacement on the 3.8 to a 3.9, not sure which year though.

As for the CAI, a K&N is one of the better units available, but JLT is probably a bit better, a CAI won't really give you power gains so much as a bit more sound and noticeably better throttle response. A 3.8 kit should fit your 3.9-it's the same engine as far as I know, just a bit bigger, I'd e-mail the manufacturer to confirm though.thumb:

Yah i'm positive its a 3.9L says it on the original sticker and engine was switched towards the later productions of the 2004 stangs....windstar engine? lol

Hmmm....?
 

This is what i jus found on another site:

"I work for Ford and they sent us a special memo stating that it had blah.blah.blah reasons for making 3.9L but none of the reasons had any performance benefits. All of the Ford plants in the world have assembly lines that with a few clicks of a button can produce any vehicle in the Ford lineup...kinda cool! Basically it is easier and more cost effective to run the 3.9L in the Freestar AND Mustang instead of 3.9L Freestar and 3.8L Mustang...especially since they are basically putting the explorer v6 in it next year. a temporary solution for production issues between vehicles."

Oh and does it matter what type exhaust system you have? I have magnaflow
4.6L V-8, GT/MACH 1, Magnapack Dual Exhaust System, 2.5" Tubing Dual Rear Exit, 3.5" Tips; H pipe... on my V6

^No, it doesn't matter, but a 2.5" exhaust on a V6 is probably losing you a bit of power due to the lack of backpressure.

wow, i did not know that.
Cool stuff.

hey Cathy...i have the K&N CAI...i find a lil bit of difference in the HP....but it definetly makes a difference in the sound....IMHO i think it's worth it

cool! thanks Jen..mylilpony is already loud enough but i'll get it regardless :)

Im running a BBK it looks nice but i dont like it for 2 reasons the bend before the Mass air meter and it made of metel Like Pony said id go with a JLT bigger tubing,straight shot from the filter to the MAf and its made of plastic so its not as prone to heat wash. A buddy just installed one of these and its a bit of a bitch to install he claims but its supposidly the best on the marcket............Mat at the mustang shop can hook you up with a good pricerockon:

hmm that sounds good too! thanks.. i heard a lot about that brand as well!

I checked out the site but can't seem to find JLT CAI for 1999- 2004 V6 models?wall:

ill do some digging check the thread later tonightthumb:

Well i did some digging and was suprized to find they do make a 3.9L!
But JLT doesntseem to make a CAI for your car atleast not that i could find
but the guys on the V6 sites rave over these systems http://www.tunableinduction.com/

thats what id go with if i were you i never likes the K&N i thought they looked like ass!rockon:





After all this CAI talk any body wanna buy a slightly used BBK chrome CAI for a 99-04' GT?teeth:

I've always had great results with the K&N units, I prefer performance to flash personally though.thumb:

I bet they work Good just not very stylin atall thoughthumb:

I've got a before and after dyno run with my CAI.

Stock '99 3.8 with K&N filter 159.9 hp at the rear wheels. With a BBK CAI 179.9 hp at the wheels. We were absolutely shocked at the result! There is a noticable difference, not much, but you can feel it.

I bought it used off ebay for $70. Best $70 mod i've ever done!

But what we've noticed on the dyno over the last few years, is that some cars take to bolt on mods well, and others don't. kinda hit and miss!

Cheers!

wow that is great dyno results thumb:

the later 2004 modles had the 3.9 cos ther just ran out of 3.8

Check out Demolet. They have some bad ass CAI's and from what I hear, are the best out there. Go to DeMolet.com. They are pretty expensive though.

i think this qualify's for a necroposter award for Five fingers!thumb:

Your car has a MAF Meter make sure you (STAY AWAY FROM K&N AIR FILTERS!!!!) The oily residue will seep through the filter and stick to your MAF Meter leaving it oily aswell, so the dirt/dust that doesn't get caught by the Filter will stick to your meter leaving you with less HP, Fuel Milage, etc...

Cold air kits are a very well desined piece, but make sure you go with a AmsOil filter.

Good luck on your purchase and hope this info helps you aswell as it did myself. ;)

I know this is way late however I just put on a BBK system on my GT and it looks great, sounds wicked (even perked up the exhaust) and pulls like h---, no other mods YET, going to 2 1/2 inch Cat back system.