Installed S&B CAI (Dry) then took off....need input

[1337logan]

I got an S&B CAI dry kit for the 6.7. Wanted dry for the marginally better filtration than the oiled S&B.
I'm not going to run this thing 'open', so I ran the box lid on with plug. I even got a prefilter for more peace of mind..

But I did the install and really didn't notice much. Acceleration may have been better in certain areas of the powerband, but again, I couldn't tell. Same with MPG. A little louder than stock, but not much.

So I took it off today and was planning to return as it really was not a 'difference' as most shops advertise these.

Is anyone running one of these and has longer term data about improvements?

Input?

 

[Trämör]

IMO CAIs are only good for two things: Throwing CELs and slimming your wallet. BUT in your specific case, I am wondering if you obstructed the CAIs airflow too much. The only thing they really do is increase airflow by means of larger surface, less restriction and different routing. As per your description, you seem to have addressed all three of these things, likely making the CAI worse in airflow than your stock setup. 1. It is an open box CAI design and you closed the box. 2. You put a prefilter, likely completely obliterating any flow benefits of the CAIs filter.
It is true that when CAI enables extreme airflow a that this can be sensed in throttle response and MPG, although it does not measurably improve HP. In your case, I simply think you made the airflow worse and therefore can’t feel those “benefits”.

honestly, the best thing you can do is to return that thing and stick with stock. If you want more power or mpg, go with a tune or other upgrades, a CAI won’t do much.

 

[Driftwood]

IMO CAIs are only good for two things: Throwing CELs and slimming your wallet.

Noise too!

 

[1337logan]

IMO CAIs are only good for two things: Throwing CELs and slimming your wallet. BUT in your specific case, I am wondering if you obstructed the CAIs airflow too much. The only thing they really do is increase airflow by means of larger surface, less restriction and different routing. As per your description, you seem to have addressed all three of these things, likely making the CAI worse in airflow than your stock setup. 1. It is an open box CAI design and you closed the box. 2. You put a prefilter, likely completely obliterating any flow benefits of the CAIs filter.
It is true that when CAI enables extreme airflow a that this can be sensed in throttle response and MPG, although it does not measurably improve HP. In your case, I simply think you made the airflow worse and therefore can’t feel those “benefits”.

honestly, the best thing you can do is to return that thing and stick with stock. If you want more power or mpg, go with a tune or other upgrades, a CAI won’t do much.

These results were without the prefilter. I know a lot of people run the S&Bs with the lid off, but I was concerned about the filtration aspect, so i left it on. It still gets air in the same manner as the stock air box--through the front inlets. So yes, I agree it's more restricted than it could be if I opened the box up more in the engine bay--then I'd also get more hot air too (maybe insignificant on a turbo diesel).

I'm probably overthinking this, just wanted opinions from those with them.

Even if the difference was .5 mpg increase I'd probably keep it to avoid the hassle of returning, just cant seem to tell..

 

[andrewstclair]

most people are stupid and are fooled easily by noise, an item costing more, or marketing hype. the factory air filter isn't a point of restriction FOR A STOCK TRUCK. the turbo makes up any difference you might feel if the system was restricted. the turbo also makes up for things like high altitude, thats why my truck will make the same boost at 10k as at sea level it just has a bit more lag while it builds it up. I've had intakes on my 13, 17, 21 6.7's and it has more turbo whistle, looks neat, and its cleanable if you have the wet filter but past that on a stock truck its snake oil.

 

[RCnTexas]

CAI's were a 90's thing....manufacturers make intakes pretty efficient these days.

I don't believe any CAI HP increase claims. Unless you have done something to the engine that increases its air intake requirement they are a waste. If you want better filtration just install a better filter in the stock location.

 

[Baddestt]

Leave intake stake. Cold/Hot side intercooler pipes are better upgrades, pedal commander, IMO

 

[2flhdn]

An engine is a big air pump. If your engine and exhaust system are designed to take in say 15 cfms they work in harmony of one another. Meaning the intake is designed to take in 15 cfm your exhaust is capable of pushing out 16 cfm. Now if you change the intake and it is now able to take in 20 cfms, but your exhaust is only capable of pushing 16 cfms you have gained nothing. Your air pump (engine) is fighting itself. Hope that makes sense.