Cold Air Intake in winter climate = bad idea?

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Old 06-24-2009 | 01:56 PM
Delgaty's Avatar
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From: Winnipeg, MB
Cold Air Intake in winter climate = bad idea?

I talked to the parts guy at the dealer today about getting a CAI. He said it helps with power in the summer but in the winter it sucks in air that is too cold and it screws with the oxygen sensor, making it run like crap. He said it would be best to put the stock filter back on in winter if I wanted to run the CAI in summer. Anyone use a CAI in winter? It gets cold in Winnipeg, like below -40 cold.
 
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Old 06-24-2009 | 02:23 PM
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I was going to say it would be fine because even OEM filters are cold air kits, they're enclosed, and draw air in exactly how aftermarket CAIs do, except with a half inch thicker tube, and more free flowing filter, but with temps like -40, Im not sure you would want to try a CAI, i'd be having a block heater done instead.
 
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Old 06-24-2009 | 02:48 PM
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That parts guy doesn't make any sense. There are too many "Experts" in this industry. Unfortunately it would take too long to properly explain why that is not true, but you can search over the SAE Journals if you are interested.
 
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Old 06-24-2009 | 03:54 PM
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I was thinking it should be OK too. He said a big issue would also be snow getting on the cone filter and icing up, but the air filter is higher up than most vehicles. Most of the time they mount them behind the bumper but not on F150's. I think I'm still going to go for it, just want to do a little more research.

BTW I should hope I have a block heater LOL. A block heater in MB is as necessary as A/C in Florida.
 
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Old 06-24-2009 | 04:08 PM
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I have ran mine for years now, I know its not as cold as canada but it gets to 0 or 10 below very easy here in the winter. I think you should be alright
 
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Old 06-24-2009 | 05:26 PM
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From: Douglasville GA
Engines love cold weather. Cold air is denser than warmer air which equates to more power. If you buy an enclosed CAI or modify your stock one, you won't have any problems.
 
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Old 06-24-2009 | 05:41 PM
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I've been running my CAI in Michigan for 2 years now and I have not had any issues with it.
 
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Old 06-24-2009 | 05:46 PM
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you'll need to get it custom tuned. with the stock tunes in those trucks you'll run lean with an aftermarket intake. you'll run extremely lean in that kind of weather. make sure you talk to the tuner before you do anything. tell him/her what kind of conditions you'll be driving in.
 



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