David Mengel

I agree that an engine is just an air pump. All I was stating is that a less restrictive system allows that pump to operate more efficiently. My point is just that reducing the amount of negative pressure created by the engine when drawing in air takes some of the load off the engine. An engine will always use a certain amount of air and fuel to achieve a certain RPM, the harder an engine has to work to reach that RPM determines the amount of air and fuel needed. I've used K&N filters in my explorer and my Hemi Ram. I did notice improved throttle response and slight gains in mileage. I drive 60 miles a day, back and forth to school. Even the slightest gain would be to my advantage. I do also consider my driving habits. I get about 20 mpg which isn't bad but I'm always looking for that little extra. Thanks for the info though. I'll keep that in mind.

I know this is a pretty old thread but I wanted to get on here and find out if anyone was using a cold air intake. I just wanted to reply to the notion that more air into the engine means more fuel used. That notion is pretty ridiculous. Any time you make an internal combustion engine "breathe" easier, you increase it's efficiency. A fuel injected car will operate at a set fuel mixture point. That is true. It is the downstroke of the piston in the engine that draws air into the motor. When you make it easier for the engine to do that, (with a higher flowing filter) you reduce the amount of energy wasted on drawing that air in. That is why a turbo or supercharger increase power while adding efficiency. They remove that drag on an engine. The same holds true for exhaust. The freer flowing the exhaust, the less waste of energy pushing the spent fumes out. I just wanted to find out if anyone replaced the air intake tube from the filter box to the throttle body.