Cold Air Intake v.s. K&N Filter

**ARMED SVT** · 08-26-2003, 06:10 PM

What is better for the svt focus, a k&n replacement filter, or an aem cold air intake? After reading about both upgrades it seems like the k&n @35$, with a claimed "2-4% hp gain", would be a much better buy than the aem cai @230$ with a 5hp gain...they seem to increase performance equally but at a huge price gap, so which is the better buy? Which gives you the largest performance gains? If the gains are the same with both products why would anyone ever purchase a more expensive aem cai? Any help here would be much appreciated.

**TwinSvts** · 08-26-2003, 06:25 PM

I personally believe in the cold air intake not the aem but a k and n typhoon kit. The drop in filters don't really do anything for horsepower. They seem to be more of a overall item. Like better gas milage, cooler engine those kinds of things maybe a little more horsepower.

**ARMED SVT** · 08-26-2003, 06:36 PM

The k&n web site claims as much or more hp gain with a drop in replacement filter(2-4% hp increase) than an entire cold air induction system(5hp increase)...i'm assuming that neither company is simply making up their data, so it seems as if the k&n would be the way to go...but i'm still looking for more input on the topic.

**TwinSvts** · 08-26-2003, 06:58 PM

I have heard all that and just going by that yes I would save 200 and get the k and n. I have k and n in my truck and no noticable difference not to say there isnt one. One distinct advantage is the million mile guarantee

**imajsdaddy** · 08-26-2003, 08:50 PM

Sound is the major difference! If you want the throaty sound get a cold air intake! If you want something to help gas milage, little HP (mine was if even, barely noticable), The cool sticker! Then go with the drop in. It works but as my dealer toldme will void warrenty on things (IE MAS sensor) as will the cold air! Anything other than stock replacement can void warrenty so keep that in mind.

**ARMED SVT** · 08-26-2003, 11:35 PM

I finished installing the aem cai a about an hour ago and I couldn't be happier with it

! I love the throaty sound to it and the hp gain is MUCH more noticeable than it was with the k&n filter (which I was using previously). The aem cai was easy to install and worth every penny

.

**Dmccoy** · 08-27-2003, 03:15 PM

When I dynoed my stock svt with just a drop in k&n it got my 2ftpounds, and no hp increase. Also, the cai will compliment other mods better. Say if you were to add an orp the cai would be making even more power because now you are getting more out and in. Only problem with the CAI is keeping the filter clean. I clean mine about every three weeks. When it is winter, I just go to my short ram so I dont even have to worry about it. BTW, K&N is coming out with an iduction system for our cars, so I would wait for that one. I just did not know about it when I bought my CAI, and short ram. Also, as before mentioned you will notice a much louder induction noise than with the stock intake. If noise is an issue to you I would get the drop in. But, hands down the CAI does make MORE top end power than a drop in, and will compliment you other mods if you plan to mod more, but if this will be your only mod I would stick with the drop in. Good luck!

**ARMED SVT** · 08-27-2003, 05:50 PM

I would have waited for the k&n induction system too, but i have already purchased and istalled my aem cai, so

. Now that it is installed i'm ready to start looking for a new exhaust system; if anybody has any recommendations as to what svt exhaust I should get or would like to tell me about their set-up I would greatly appreciate it.

**TwinSvts** · 08-27-2003, 05:55 PM

Get the off road pipe. No worries of it pinging out at top end rpms like the honda foldgers exhaust systems. It sounds mean as hell and you cant tell by looking at it.

**ARMED SVT** · 08-27-2003, 06:08 PM

Whatever system I eventually go with must be legal in California, so I don't think the off road pipe is going to be an option for me.

**Infra-Red SVT** · 08-27-2003, 06:47 PM

Who makes a good off road pipe for our cars?

**Dmccoy** · 08-27-2003, 07:23 PM

go here to check out the orp...c-f-m.com
As far as the exhaust I would go with the Borla, cause I have it

...No really I think you would like it a lot. It has a nice deep tone that I have not heard from any other companies yet. It is a little more expensive than some other stainless steel set up, but I would not trade it for anything. Best option as far as exhaust set ups for our cars in my opinion. Just depends on what you like. If you like deeper tone go with Borla, some of the other have a more "ricy" sound. Also, the Magnaflow is a good option, it is also stainless, and has a nice tone. The Borla just sounds better to me. Good luck with exhaust.

**canadasvt** · 08-27-2003, 07:28 PM

The Toronto Star compared a fresh air intake to a K&N stock replacement, and found no hp or torque gain. Apperently Ford really thought out the air box design and that's why I just have a K&N stock replacement filter in mine.

**Dmccoy** · 08-27-2003, 07:32 PM

Well its the same induction system as the regular zetec, but with larger snorkels. I gained near 7 hp with my CAI, and 2ft pounds of trq (that was with orp and borla).

**canadasvt** · 08-27-2003, 07:48 PM

Originally posted by Dmccoy
Well its the same induction system as the regular zetec, but with larger snorkels. I gained near 7 hp with my CAI, and 2ft pounds of trq (that was with orp and borla).

So you didn't gain any torque over the K&N stock filter (2lbs) with your cai AND Borla exhaust?

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