Hi,
I recently installed AFE CAI that does not require a tune. While I like the improvements in throttle response and power, I can't help but wonder - am I running too lean? Now , AFE is a trustworthy place and they are not the only ones to make a CAI that doesn't require a tune. In addition after a month of driving there is no (knock on wood) CEL. Still, I wonder if there is no CEL, does it mean that the Air/Fuel mixture is safe for the engine? At this time I have no money to get myself a tune, so that's not an option. So, how can I determine if I am running dangerously lean or not? Thanks!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(AvtoLubitel @ February 15, 2006, 10:12 AM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
Hi,
I recently installed AFE CAI that does not require a tune. While I like the improvements in throttle response and power, I can't help but wonder - am I running too lean? Now , AFE is a trustworthy place and they are not the only ones to make a CAI that doesn't require a tune. In addition after a month of driving there is no (knock on wood) CEL. Still, I wonder if there is no CEL, does it mean that the Air/Fuel mixture is safe for the engine? At this time I have no money to get myself a tune, so that's not an option. So, how can I determine if I am running dangerously lean or not? Thanks!
[/b][/quote]

You could pick up a cheap A/F guage... I think they just hook to your O2 sensor... (autozone, jegs, etc)

I'd guess that you are running a little lean (I don't care what the makers of CAI's say, you should have a tune for the changes you've made), but if you're not running a power added, it really shouldn't matter that much.

 

Is there an A/F gauge that doesn't require tapping into wires from O2 sensor? I would like to stay on a less intrusive route. Anything I can connect to the OBD2 port or insert into exhaust pipe?

What is "running a power added"?

Thanks!

 

power adder, meaning some sort of forced induction, turbo or super typically.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(AvtoLubitel @ February 15, 2006, 3:21 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
Is there an A/F gauge that doesn't require tapping into wires from O2 sensor? I would like to stay on a less intrusive route. Anything I can connect to the OBD2 port or insert into exhaust pipe?

What is "running a power added"?

Thanks!
[/b][/quote]


not for cheap

 

~

 

I have the AFE Stage 2, no issues or CEL after 10K miles. I do notice a little soot in the tail pipes so I'm not sure about running lean. I'm not too worried about it, dealer wasn't either. The passage for the MAF is really close to the stock diameter so I think that the sensor is getting a fairly accurate reading. Leaner IS meaner, just as long as it isn't too lean. Ford runs these cars fat enough I think there is some wiggle room.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jwede @ February 16, 2006, 11:50 AM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
I have the AFE Stage 2, no issues or CEL after 10K miles. I do notice a little soot in the tail pipes so I'm not sure about running lean. I'm not too worried about it, dealer wasn't either. The passage for the MAF is really close to the stock diameter so I think that the sensor is getting a fairly accurate reading. Leaner IS meaner, just as long as it isn't too lean. Ford runs these cars fat enough I think there is some wiggle room.
[/b][/quote]


I had to put a custom tune on my V-6 to stop the CEL from coming on when I got carried away on the throttle. I have the AFE/ Predator combo and the default performance tunes in the Predator didn't stop the CEL (too lean). I pulled the factory tune and sent it to the vendor, who said he modified it for the AFE and sent it back. After installing that tune I see no more CEL and have a slight performance gain.
I was told that some 2005 V-6 cars have a spiral flap of metal in the MAF housing that affects air flow and will let the car work with the AFE CAI and no tune; mine doesn't have that, but maybe yours does. If so, you're probably fine the way you have it set up now.

Brian

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(the cable guy @ February 16, 2006, 11:33 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
I had to put a custom tune on my V-6 to stop the CEL from coming on when I got carried away on the throttle. I have the AFE/ Predator combo and the default performance tunes in the Predator didn't stop the CEL (too lean). I pulled the factory tune and sent it to the vendor, who said he modified it for the AFE and sent it back. After installing that tune I see no more CEL and have a slight performance gain.
I was told that some 2005 V-6 cars have a spiral flap of metal in the MAF housing that affects air flow and will let the car work with the AFE CAI and no tune; mine doesn't have that, but maybe yours does. If so, you're probably fine the way you have it set up now.

Brian
[/b][/quote]

The piece you're talking about is called a 'hydrocarbon trap' my v6 didn't have it, apparently it was the GTs that had the most problems with em. I got the bruteforce kit from RPM outlet and from what I understand that AFE and the AEM kit (mine) doesn't give much gain above stock. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/crying.gif[/img]

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Goliath @ February 17, 2006, 12:40 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
The piece you're talking about is called a 'hydrocarbon trap' my v6 didn't have it, apparently it was the GTs that had the most problems with em. I got the bruteforce kit from RPM outlet and from what I understand that AFE and the AEM kit (mine) doesn't give much gain above stock. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/crying.gif[/img]
[/b][/quote]

Yeah. I think the horsepower gain is mis-stated for this combo. The sound is better, but I lost 1 mpg and can barely tell any difference. It does seem to help a little with passing power, but that's about it. The new air filter looks great under the hood, but I would have bought something else for the $450 I spent if I'd known how minimal the gain would be. I think a pulley kit or a lower set of gears would have been a better investment.