CAI or chip?

[richyrich307]

Well I am finally a member. I have been trying to register for days now but have had problems with the admins. Anyways, taxes are in and it is time for a new upgrade. I have been contemplating between a Volant CAI or a chip. not too sure about what brand of chip but I have been looking at Jet. Anyways just seeing what would be my best bet as far as HP and overall performance.

 

[Will816]

I've heard of some install problems with the Volant, but I would say its probably at the high end of air intakes since it really is a cold air system (unlike K&N).

Be careful of chips. It takes the manufacturers years to program the fuel maps for a car so that they can adapt to different driving patterns and environmental conditions. They travel to global extremes to make sure it all works right, its not uncommon to see testers in Iceland or Costa Rica to make sure their programming works everywhere. Aftermarket chip manufacturers do not do this for their fuel maps. They can be detrimental to the engine, and have been the cause of a lot of blown engines. Most problems you can hear about are in diesel engines (the Ford 6L powerstroke was notorious for dying after being chipped), but they can harm spark engines too.

I'm not saying they ALL kill engines, I'm just saying be careful and research first

 

[jeremysoca]

pass on both

I would say pass on both. The stock instake seals very well into the fender the Volant does not to say the least. I would say get a true flow filter put into the stock box and call it a day.

 

[richyrich307]

Right now there is a K&N filter in the stock box. To put it simply I am a gear head but honestly have not messed with newer model vehicles. When I say newer I mean nothing past 1980... I realize I am not driving a race car but I cant help the fact that I am always looking for more power. I'm just looking to add some pony's without going to the extremes of head work or any of the drive train for that matter or a supercharger.... even though i would probably kill for one. :bash: I just don't think the good ol Air Force is paying me quite enough for that. So if anything I would like this post to throw out some good ideas as far as how to gain real pony's. whether it be CAI, throttle body's, injectors, ignition, chips, or maybe even a few cam ideas?

 

[Will816]

Right now there is a K&N filter in the stock box. To put it simply I am a gear head but honestly have not messed with newer model vehicles. When I say newer I mean nothing past 1980... I realize I am not driving a race car but I cant help the fact that I am always looking for more power. I'm just looking to add some pony's without going to the extremes of head work or any of the drive train for that matter or a supercharger.... even though i would probably kill for one. :bash: I just don't think the good ol Air Force is paying me quite enough for that. So if anything I would like this post to throw out some good ideas as far as how to gain real pony's. whether it be CAI, throttle body's, injectors, ignition, chips, or maybe even a few cam ideas?

Not cheap stuff, but look here

www.lextreme.com

 

[richyrich307]

I looked and I couldnt stop the drooling. Who ever says there is not much of an aftermarket for the 4th gen 4runner.... they need to check that out. But like i said before, i dont want a race car. I already have one of those. just looking for a solid leg up on the stock 4.7 4runner.

 

[richyrich307]

Right now there is a K&N filter in the stock box. To put it simply I am a gear head but honestly have not messed with newer model vehicles. When I say newer I mean nothing past 1980... I realize I am not driving a race car but I cant help the fact that I am always looking for more power. I'm just looking to add some pony's without going to the extremes of head work or any of the drive train for that matter or a supercharger.... even though i would probably kill for one. :bash: I just don't think the good ol Air Force is paying me quite enough for that. So if anything I would like this post to throw out some good ideas as far as how to gain real pony's. whether it be CAI, throttle body's, injectors, ignition, chips, or maybe even a few cam ideas?

 

[Falls]

A CAI is a waste of money on a NA vehicle , you will get the same small/if any benefit with a drop in filter. Save your money for something useful.

A chip or programmer can get you some gains IF you tune it properly. By that I mean a totally adjustable programmer and a dyno and a tuner that SPECIALIZES in that vehicle. Diesels do much better gains with this stuff.

Everyone has do to what they feel is best. I have 2 identical (semi)Mustangs that we did ALOT of testing on with a dyno . On a NA motor gains were minimal at best .NOT ANYWHERE MFG CLAIMS ARE !! On the car with the blower (roots style) gains were alot better with modifications. You have an air flow sensor that only lets so much air through.

On the fun note of things , my 03 Mustang Cobra with the only mods being a tune , Magnaflow cat back exhaust and a K&N FIPK. It put 560 RWHP to the ground. WoooHoooo!!!! I did have it higher , but backed it down because it was running to lean and wanted to be safe than blow my motor .

Just my experiences FWIW.