K/N intake Metal vs. composite???

[newtofords]

So K&N has two types of intakes for the 5.4L for "cold air" applications. Apparently the FIPK with the composite tubing is quieter, and cooler, but the 77 series with the metal tubing is louder and slightly more powerful. Can anyone explain their experiences with the two so that I can get a real world comparison? How much louder is the metal tube intake? Any complaints? My stock expy is pretty quiet. Sometimes I wish I could hear more of the V8 roar.

 

[ELVATO]

I don't have a K&N, but I do have a plastic/composite AFE on my 4.6L. It is defiantly louder than stock.

I personally don't have much expertise in the subject, but apparently there is much debate on the metal vs. plastic/composite CAI issue. Some people say there will be more heatsoak with a metal, others say that it won't matter.

What's the price difference between the two?

 

[pronstar]

I don't think you'll notice a difference with either one. Especially on a 98, where the intake and heads are the biggest bottlenecks to your engine.

 

[newtofords]

If the heads are a big bottleneck is there a replacement that generates more power? A direct bolt on?

 

[newtofords]

As for the price difference in intakes they are relatively the same price, so I'll probably be going with the metal one for old times sake.

 

[thereason21]

I just bought the metal 77 series myself just because i liked how it looked and i figured metal would be better. The price difference was like 30 bucks more for the plastic ... I really wanted to hear some more roar too

 

[newtofords]

It looks like I will be going with metal after all. How was the sound difference? Did it sound more like a V8? Where did you get yours from?

 

[thereason21]

Well i actually dont have it yet lol I bought it on Saturday shipping says it will be here tuesday. I have a buddy with the same one on a dodge ram, his truck is really loud due to a ton of mods but he said you will only really notice it when you get on it. I got mine at autoanything.com. The cheapest price i could find anywhere.

 

[newtofords]

Let me know if you can how long the install was, and how difficult it was. I want to know what I'm getting myself into.
Thanks.

 

[thereason21]

Will do, ill even take a pic so you can see it in there if you want. After I bought it i second guessed myself because my engine has hardly any chrome or metal showing everything is black in there but then i figured i would like the disparity.

 

[newtofords]

Yeah...I'd appreciate any insight into the process.
A picture would be great! If you can't..no worries.
Now I'm on a mission to find out if there are replacement heads for these trucks that will improve the power.

 

[ELVATO]

The guy who installed my CAI for me said it usually takes about an hour or so to install one, if you have basic mechanical knowledge.

 

[AvroAero]

I have a 99 4.6 and I put a K&N composite on mine. It works well, nice sound although I can't comment on the difference between metal and plastic. Although when I was installing it the hose they gave me wasn't enough of a bend to get it where it had to go. So I had to make shift something with the old fitting and now after long driving I get codes and check engine light. I'm going to get a hose that right since the thing I have now can cause turbulence so it may be picking up that.

 

[thereason21]

Here it is ...

 

[thereason21]

 

[thereason21]

well newtofords there it is ... the sound wasnt too noticeable until you get on it like a good acceleration or passing somebody ... i took it out for a half hour road test and noticed increased power and about 2-3 mpg gain. Plus a sweet grumble to go with it. Keep in mind that went on a 97 eddie bauer with the 5.4... i love it ...

Oh yea it took about 45 minutes to install and i by my own standards am car retarded ... it was pretty easy ...