So as a lot of y'all know, I'm building a turbo truck. Truck is a cam only 4.8 2003 model. literally stock manifolds, no cats, stock intake. Cam is a 220/224 and I'm itching for a bit more HP. Y'all think that a cheap cold air will make any difference? I've got HPtuners and a wideband so I should be able to see any difference in the fuel trims. I'm thinking of hooking the cheap tube up to the stock box like the airaid tube thing. I'm spinning the truck to ~6400 right now. There's gotta be some gains from smoother airflow, right?

 

How would smoother airflow do anything when the turbo is involved?

Cooler air is always better than warmer air but without you having a temp sensor before the intercooler and after the intercooler you'd have no idea if making a special box around the air filter or using a stock box would net you any gains

If the temps are the same or even with like 10 degrees you aren't going to pick up any power worth noticing.


You'd be better off messing with the calibration to squeeze out more horsepower. Timing and fueling go a long way. Using your wideband is key to optimizing your power. A dyno would be best to show you where you stop making gains and could also show where some of the weak point are. Like the intake manifold itself, your turbo size limiting horsepower or whatever.

It's been proven that the NNBS/TBSS intake swap will gain power. Or switching to E85 or using meth to chill the intake temps down before entering the throttle body.

 

Sorry, should have been more clear. While I'm waiting on the turbo kit to be built and have time to install it, I figured I would pick up a cheap CAI to replace the factory tube. Truck is already running on a good timing map and ve table is right. Running 12.8 at WOT. I mean for $50 it can't hurt unless someone has already proven it doesn't work. That's why I said replacing the factory tube between the airbox and TB.

TLDR, on a cam only 4.8 will a intake tube make more power than a factory setup on an already tuned motor with a retune?

 

My stock truck dyno'd 204

ebay 4" intake
212/218 .550
1 7/8 LTs, 3" Y, 3.5" back
e fans
tune (obviously)

302whp

thats my only experience with the cheap intakes. In my experience they work, but little loud. The stock intake from an E fan truck probably flows exactly the same and isn't as loud and filters better: just guessing

 

Personally, since you're going turbo,

I wouldn't mess with it. Just drive it.

You'll have ample time to dick around with it when you put the turbo on.

 

I guess you're right. Just kinda disappointed with this anemic 4.8 right now and don't want to tackle a header swap due to cost. Trying to find some cheap/free HP.

 

doesnt exist

 

Very true.

 

Maybe add a small shot if for occasional use. Sure helps spooling too. Or just wait it out...