I just picked up an 08 Supercrew 4x4. I absolutely love this truck all around. I do not tow much of anything other than a few quads or other small things, so I opted to go with a 4.6L (plus spur of the moment). It does everything I need it to, but there is that small part of me that just itches for that 5.4. Oh well, now I am stuck with her. I've searched endlessly through threads and forums researching CAI's. Heres my situation.

This may be probably the only mod I do to the truck. I will not be adding a tuner or any other computer , with the exception of maybe just a chip, if thats even possible. I've seen different intakes "groaning" under throttle, and so forth. Help me out here guys. I want a bolt on and away I go setup. Something that is going to give that little more "umph" that will take that envy away.
The S&B looks like a nice setup all around, however, with a closed system, isn't that defeating the purpose?
I've run K&N my whole life on everything I have ever driven, however, I read little to nothing about them in the forums.
AF 1's seem to be the craze from what I've seen, and the price isn't that bad.
I'm looking to you guys for guidance, as I am not a mechanic, just an average guy wanting a little more from his truck. Sell me on one of these setups. Consideration into price, and NO tuning is appreciated. Thanks for the help, and thanks for letting me come aboard.

 

If a CAI is the only mod you'll ever do in terms of performance, don't bother. Save your money for a couple extra tanks of gas. With the 4.6 you'd be lucky to pick up 10 HP and you'd probably never feel it in a 6000 pound truck.

- NCSU

 

x2

or you could take that $200 add a few more a get custom tunes and actually feel a little power upgrade

 

x3, don't waste your money.

 

Thanks for the honesty fellas. I am gathering from this, a CAI and some type of tuner (Edge, Diablo, etc) would give adequate gains, whereas one or the other alone is a "waste".

I'm not going to tear apart a 37k truck for ponies, I may do a exhaust system after my OEM takes a dive. I'm not a big truck junkie, its just an everyday commuter, and hauler as need be.

 

a tune alone will make the truck a lot more fun to drive!

 

ok, sorry, but seriously

 

I have crotch rockets and quads to mod, this toy costs way too much money to "play". So with the latter being said, would you guys care to shed some light on the CAI's I mentioned before? I'm baffled that the K&N isn't in the spotlight as the others. And since you all have mentioned tuners, decent one with a decent price? Do the trucks have to be dyno'd or does the tuner do all of this for you? Everyones opinion: an ideal setup Intake and Tuner?

And to think that this truck didn't already cost enough......

 

3.0 AF1 + Troyer tuned XCal3!

EDIT: just noticed you have the 4.6L

 

If you want a mod that you will instantly feel, get a tuner. A CAI looks cool and that's about it.

 

I can help ya out here a little as I've the 4.6 and have felt your pain.. LOL..

I can say that adding a 3" AF1 intake is NOT waste of money as far as some hp increase that you can feel. There's no 3.5" for the 4.6, I've asked.

The 3" will make some very nice sounds (you'll hear a sweet induction sound and also some growl from under the hood that wasn't there before) but the best thing is the better throttle response. The main place you'll notice it is at about 3200 rpm or so and up, as in when you stomp it to pass or merge. It makes a very noticable difference.

And if you're even considering anything beyond that then by all means get the Xcal 2 or 3 with Troyer tunes. You will not believe what it does for the 4.6. Just amazing.

If you want some better mpg, and nice sounds, then you should also consider a new exhaust. First mod I did was a Borla cat-back and gained 1.8 mpg highway.

But if nothing else, yes you'll be able to feel a difference with a quality cai. I'd recommend the AF1 for our 4.6.

 

It seems like all the info you need is already out on the table. Some people notice great gains and love their intakes and others are indifferent. Either way you go, I have S&B and AF1 intakes on sale now with free shipping.

https://www.f150online.com/forums/sh...d.php?t=326294

 

I am into motorcycles, and have a Yamaha roadstar...I know what you are thinking with regards to a CAI. Great for bikes...but have little affect on trucks, especially without a tune. Get a tune, or what you refer to as a chip. No chips, it is a software program. Get an Xcal3 with custom tunes.

 

my local SCT scanner says 400.00 for 3 tunes and an hour on the dyno call around

 

Alon, I don't see any AF1's for an 08 4.6.....as well, the S&B is a closed system, doesn't this hinder performance, nice setup, just seems pointless.
Thanks for the response Tex. Sounds like we have the same situation. Thanks for the replies to this thread.