Any point to a tune without a CAI?
2/28/11, 07:40 AM
#1
Shelby GT350 Member
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Any point to a tune without a CAI?
Not sure if this has been discussed much....Has anyone seen any data or feedback about performance tuning applied to cars without an aftermarket CAI? Is it worth it?
Is anyone contemplating doing this?
Any feedback or links would be appreciated.
Is anyone contemplating doing this?
Any feedback or links would be appreciated.
2/28/11, 07:45 AM
#2
YES. The tune is where all the money is well spent. There are even some that will argue that a Cold Air Intake a wast of money... but there are many improvements that can be made just with a tune because the factory tune is very luke warm, but the CAI will offer your motor more air and allow the tune to make even more hp. However, you need a tune once you get a CAI or you will run WAY too lean.. so most people just do them both at the same time instead of getting a tune first and then having to get updated tunes with each engine mod such as a CAI, Underdrive pulleys, cams, etc.
Last edited by codeman94; 2/28/11 at 07:50 AM.
2/28/11, 07:52 AM
#3
Shelby GT350 Member
The tune is were you will see the most gain in track times and seat of the pants. You can take about .7 off your 1/4 times with a tune only and throttle response is most improved and it eliminates skip shift in MT. The CAI intake is worth about the same hp as a tune but will gain you .1 or .2 in the 1/4. Together you will gain 25-30 peak hp around 15 for each but huge gains through out the curve. I only have a tune now and may add a Airaid in the future.
2/28/11, 08:22 AM
#4
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Agreed. The tune/CAI combo is great, but of the two, the tune makes most of the power. Just flashing a Bama tune on my '11 GT auto made a huge difference, later adding an Airaid CAI improved on that, but not as dramatically as the tune by itself. Given a choice of only one or the other, I'd go for the tune.
2/28/11, 02:42 PM
#5
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The real question is...Any point in getting a CAI without a tune? Like others have said, the tune is where at least half the power is at and you can fix other parameters as well. Versus just getting a CAI...If the intake is worth a d*mn, it'll probably make you run too lean without also having a tune. An intake/tune combo is a good start. But if you're only getting one or the other, I'd say start with the tune.
2/28/11, 02:56 PM
#6
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Get a K&N drop in air filter and a tune.......You'll never like the 'factory' tune ever again 
I only 'return to stock', for dealer (warranty) visits.
I only 'return to stock', for dealer (warranty) visits.
2/28/11, 05:06 PM
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“Colder air reduces intake losses,” said Randle. “The new cold-air intake has shown a reduction in rise over ambient temperature from 50 degrees down to 17 degrees Fahrenheit. That equates to more horsepower and more torque in all driving conditions.”
Last edited by cdynaco; 2/28/11 at 05:08 PM.
2/28/11, 05:11 PM
#9
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CAI are all about bigger better flowing intake tubes and K&N filters. The 2010+ cars have large tubes and get all their air from outside the engine compartment.
Most CAI's suck all their air from hot underhood air so how is that cold?
Most CAI's suck all their air from hot underhood air so how is that cold?
Last edited by dmhines; 2/28/11 at 05:12 PM.
2/28/11, 05:23 PM
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Are you talking about the 4.6 or 5.0 in your 2010+ statement?
The quote is from Ford about the FRPP open CAI (with hood liner seal for the 4.6) on Bullitt.
2/28/11, 05:31 PM
#11
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2010+ 4.6 and 5.0 use same airbox that is open in the front with an intake tube attached to the radiator support. When moving outside air is forced into the airbox so no underhood air is used.
The Bullitt factory CAI seals better than aftermarket CAI's and the Bullitt tube was the inspiration for the 2010+ tube. That is why the Bullitt and 2010 were both 315HP.
The Bullitt factory CAI seals better than aftermarket CAI's and the Bullitt tube was the inspiration for the 2010+ tube. That is why the Bullitt and 2010 were both 315HP.
2/28/11, 05:35 PM
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2010+ 4.6 and 5.0 use same airbox that is open in the front with an intake tube attached to the radiator support. When moving outside air is forced into the airbox so no underhood air is used.
The Bullitt factory CAI seals better than aftermarket CAI's and the Bullitt tube was the inspiration for the 2010+ tube. That is why the Bullitt and 2010 were both 315HP.
The Bullitt factory CAI seals better than aftermarket CAI's and the Bullitt tube was the inspiration for the 2010+ tube. That is why the Bullitt and 2010 were both 315HP.
But I didn't read any comments by engineers that the increase in HP came from larger intake tube. They only commented on the (true) CAI increasing HP by lowering air temps.
I mean it no doubt helps, but their focus was on temperature.
Last edited by cdynaco; 2/28/11 at 05:37 PM.
2/28/11, 05:43 PM
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2/28/11, 06:16 PM
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You can order one (K&N) from any local parts store for around $50.00. I ordered one and picked it up the next afternoon.
I now have a C&L c.a.i.
I now have a C&L c.a.i.
3/1/11, 01:42 PM
#17
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