Air Intake

[doc]

I am confused by the options and which is the best bang for the buck for my 2003 svt vert?

CAI with or without aftermarket mass air sensor?
Does the air mass sensor help enough to make it worth the extra money?

Which brand is the best?

If the mass air sensor is worth the money then which chip is the best to recalibrate the engine?

I don't plan on ever racing this car but who doesn't need more horsepower?

Thank you to those who suggested the seat rail extenders in past forums. Those combined with shaving down the seat mounts help me fit much better in the car.

[Paratrooper82d]

Doc, there are many brands available. The Steeda CAI, the K & N FIPK, the UPR, you name them. I have been through a couple of them trying them. I ultimately went with the K & N FIPK, I was told by a couple of sources that the striaght shots like that instead of the ones with the 90 deg elbow that goes in the fenderwell was better and didn't interupt the MAF. Hope this makes sense, I tend to ramble on :)

[InfamousSVT]

My .02!:)

The JLT CAI is a great choice, the MAF goes in the fenderwell and bolts right up to the Filter, that way there is no bends before the air goes through the MAF! This way you don't have any issues with the readings!:thumbsup:

http://www.jlttruecoldair.com/

[ausie]

Increasing the size of the MAF will not give you more power unless you have pegged the 90mm stock MAF. It is calibrated for up to 550 hp (it may be more or less, not exactly sure the actual figure). If you are planning on pumping more than 600hp, you will need to upgrade the MAF, injectors and fuel pumps as well as have it tuned. The weakest link on the Cobra is the Eaton since it will be exhausted above the 500hp mark. There would be more bang for the buck if you upgraded the SC to a twin screw blower (kenn Bell or Whipple).

[cobra330]

Typically a straight shot is the best for the 03/04 Cobras..unless you have the new JLT that puts it in the fenderwell. Theory is that the curve messes up the airflow going into the MAF..and thus cause issues. I went with the JLT RAI..for ease of installation and future cleaning of the filter... :thumbsup:

And Tucker..the guy who owns JLT is second to none in customer service..you won't be sorry..that I gurantee.

[crunchit]

I am confused by the options and which is the best bang for the buck for my 2003 svt vert?

CAI with or without aftermarket mass air sensor?
Does the air mass sensor help enough to make it worth the extra money?

Which brand is the best?

If the mass air sensor is worth the money then which chip is the best to recalibrate the engine?

I don't plan on ever racing this car but who doesn't need more horsepower?

Thank you to those who suggested the seat rail extenders in past forums. Those combined with shaving down the seat mounts help me fit much better in the car.welcome to the board. I have the K&N. No real noticable difference except the slight drag elimination when using the AC. I have been through four screws that support the CIA to the fender wall. The weight of it keeps loosening them up.

It's definitely a start though.

~steve

[ausie]

My thoughts would be to get the JLT intake which is the only one that re-locates the MAF without placing a bend in front of it. The design looks good and is probably worth every penny. Definately avoid any CAI that places a bend in front of the MAF since it will cause major issues in the long and short run.

[SVTcobra04]

I just ordered a steeda CAI.Ive heard good things about them.Anyone have one or know wut kinda gains i should get?

[SVTcobra04]

Are CAI's easy to install?Any tips on installing this one that would help?

[Big T]

Are CAI's easy to install?Any tips on installing this one that would help?
I don't have specifics on that one but they are usually pretty easy to do. If the filter is in the fenderwell, you will have to remove the right front tire.

[cobrabitn]

JLT installation is in the SCMC tech section of the website. Check it out there with pictures. www.svtcobraclub.com/mainpage.html

:thumbsup:

[FearTheSnake]

I have one. Very easy to install. Looks great with the heat shield. Little hard pulling out the filter to clean, just compress(push fwd) on tube and lift the filter up/out to clean. Other than that, no problems.

[Davesnake]

I just ordered a steeda CAI.Ive heard good things about them.Anyone have one or know wut kinda gains i should get?

I have one, I gained 33rwhp same dyno different day than my base run. i was impressed to say the least.

Dave

[FearTheSnake]

I have one, I gained 33rwhp same dyno different day than my base run. i was impressed to say the least.

Dave
That's pretty impressive, and you did no other mods to gain the 33 rwhp after the base run, other than the Steeda CAI?

[Davesnake]

That's pretty impressive, and you did no other mods to gain the 33 rwhp after the base run, other than the Steeda CAI?

I just took a look at my old dyno sheets is was actually two different dynos, but in any case my base was 374rwhp an the car made 407rwhp with only a CAI added....the only other factor that might come into play here is the my base was with 1200 mi. on the car vs. 3500 mi. on the second dyno...more time for the motor to loosen up = more power.

Dave

[BOOMER23]

On the JLT CAI do you guys suggest getting the PCV breather filter or do you say stick with the connecting tube. I think I remember hearing yall talking about oil coming out of the PCV breather filter in some cases so I dont want a mess to clean up all the time. Whaddaya think guys?

Ashton

[InfamousSVT]

I had the JLT RAI for a couple weeks before I switched to the JLT CAI. When I ran the RAI, only for the small amount of time I had it on, I used the breather and it was covered in oil! I now run the PCV hose to the CAI pipe, but there is a company that makes a breather that also accepts the use of the PCV hose too, but I'm not sure which one? I'll check around on it and post it here.

-Jason

[SVTcobra04]

speeking of dyno's i might be goin to one this weekend.there will be like 10 ppl there so we got kinda like a group discount.if i go ill post the results.

[SVTcobra04]

slightly off the topic of CAI's but i think my next will be a magnaflow catback.anyone have one?

[ausie]

look for breather tank, oil separator tank, Canton racing has breathers for that purpose. Cobra Valley also has them too.

http://performanceunlimited.com/cobravalley_drivetrain/index.html

[SVTcobra04]

still havnt gotten my CAI yet:( .hopefully ill get it today:)

[doc]

Thanks for the advice.

I went with the JLT RAI. After instalation I took it off - having the airfilter sitting that close to the ground made me nervous. No problem - I just trimmed the intake to make it into the CAI (filter under the hood). The supercharger definitely seemed happier after the change. Since then I have also put on a Magnoflow Catback - the two mods really have made a big difference in the gas milage. I keep telling my wife that the extra horsepower and better sound is just a bonus.

[BOOMER23]

Where are you guys getting your JLT CAIs from and for what prices? Anybody discounting for the forum or the club and also what is that color matched apron thing they are talking about on the website?

Thanks, Ashton

[InfamousSVT]

Where are you guys getting your JLT CAIs from and for what prices? Anybody discounting for the forum or the club and also what is that color matched apron thing they are talking about on the website?

Thanks, Ashton
As far as I know the only place that you can get them through is JLT.
The color matched apron is what covers up the rest of the area around the piping that goes into the fender well. It's not needed, but makes for a cleaner installed look!

look at the attached picture to get a better idea of what I'm referring too!

[BOOMER23]

One more question about the JLT CAIs. (this one is only opinion though) Heres the deal guys Ive got a Black 03 with a tan top and of course that also means tan interior suede. I want a color scheme to go with and the only thing I can think of is Red. My last car (the 99 Cobra) was Rio red and I had the plastic interior part of the doors where the window buttons are done professionally in red and also had my mirrors done too. It looked absolutely great but anyways point is I wanna do my calipers in red soon and I think red is what Ill do on the engine bay areas where I can maybe red JLT CAI and red topped Optima battery but the thing is when i ask the guys at JLT to do the painting they will wanna know what color my car is and Im sure there will be no problem with them doing it in a different color than my car but what kind of red will they go with are they just gonna ask me between the two colors of red that were offered on the 03-04 Cobras (Torch red and Redfire Red) or what? What should I tell them? I seem sold on red but also I am open to suggestions. I do already have seatbelt covers in red but thats no biggy I mean they are only like $14 so what do you guys think, keep in mind this theme will be carried to the interior too and around the guages and the radio and shift boot so it cant clash with the tan suede. Sorry Im just petrified of doing something tacky with a car like this plus Im only 20 and dollars are few and far between.

Thanks again guys
p.s. The more opinions the better off ill be I just need everybodys 2 cents I consider yalls word the gospel on Cobras!

[NO 5 OH]

Jay (owner of JLT) will custom paint either the RAI or CAI just about any color combo you'd like. Mine is Black w/Torch Red flames and a red apron plate. It does cost extra for paint options but Jay does a helluva job. Go to www.jlttruecoldair.com for his website ;)

[BOOMER23]

could you get me some shots of the flame job! thatd help me a lot you got me thinkin the exact opposite of yours a red intake with black flames hmmmmm? opinions opinions? quick I think this money is burnin a hole in my pocket

[NO 5 OH]

could you get me some shots of the flame job! thatd help me a lot you got me thinkin the exact opposite of yours a red intake with black flames hmmmmm? opinions opinions? quick I think this money is burnin a hole in my pocket

I've got some pics on the camera of the cold air kit... I just haven't gotten them loaded to the computer yet. I need to do so as Jay was wanting some pics of the flames to go up on his new website. I guess I need to take some more anyways as I just finished up my custom battery relocation and adding the Vortech aftercooler resevoir where the battery used to reside.

Give me a day or two and I'll see what I can do ;)



Shannon

[BOOMER23]

Im pretty sure this will be my last CAI question cause I think im gonna order it tommorow possibly. Anyways will someone explain to me what is up with the "MAF adaptor" that is included and also I know it takes the MAF into the fenderwell, since it does this is there any wire splicing or anything like that to do or what exactly (in detail please) do you do with the wire that hooks up to your MAF Ive seen in some of yalls pictures it looks like it is just laying there unplugged. What gives guys? Does it just tuck back in where it comes into the engine bay and you hook it up from there. Sorry last minute questions.

Thanks,
Ashton

[InfamousSVT]

Boomer23,

The MAF adapter is used to allow for the filter to be attached to the MAF! The question about the MAF harness. In the picture above with my car, you can't see the MAF wiring harness cause it is hiden behind the piping, it goes into the fender well with the filter. I didn't have to splice any wires.

The set up goes like this;

Starting from the Throttle body-
-Rubber boot
-Pipe (color of your choice)
-Reducer boot
-MAF
-adapter
-Filter

I hope this clears everything up for you, if not Tony has written a great write up on the JLT CAI in the "how-to" section on the home page, there you will see all the parts of the kit!:thumbsup:

[InfamousSVT]

On the JLT CAI do you guys suggest getting the PCV breather filter or do you say stick with the connecting tube. I think I remember hearing yall talking about oil coming out of the PCV breather filter in some cases so I dont want a mess to clean up all the time. Whaddaya think guys?

Ashton
Ashton, this is the breather that I was talking about earlier that allows you to keep your pcv hose, but filters the oil.
http://www.seanhylandmotorsport.com/online/product_info.php?products_id=1054

[ausie]

hey I bought one of those several weeks ago. I am still waiting for it to come in the mail. They were on back order at the time of purchase. I guess the SEMA show and all of the other automotive car shows have overwhelmed production. I got the other parts from them within a week or so (ford racing ignition coil covers)

[InfamousSVT]

I like the Ford Racing coil covers!

That Canton Engine coolant tank looks pretty sweet too, I've got mine setting around along with my Intercooler Reservoir waiting for lazy ol' me to put it on the car! Should be on by this weekend. I'm also changing out spark plugs and doing some other little things to get ready for next weekends Auto Fair!:D

Car looks good Ausie !:thumbsup:

[InfamousSVT]

Did you have to make any adjustments for the hoses to install the Canton Tank? Just making sure so that I don't run into any surprises when I get ready to install mine!

[ausie]

Did you have to make any adjustments for the hoses to install the Canton Tank? Just making sure so that I don't run into any surprises when I get ready to install mine!
What connects to the original expansion tank is a direct connection to the Canton expansion tank. The aluminum overflow tube is a bit long so I removed it and installed a 90 degree brass elbo that I bought from a brake parts bin at Napa. I was planning on installing a coolant catch can but not sure where to put it. I have a 10 inch hose on it now just to divert any coolant away from getting all over the motor. If you look hard enough, you can still see spots all over the engine which was from the factory cap which began to leak which was the reason I replaced everything. The 01 did not like to hold coolant either so I did not want to mess around with that again on the 04. No more coolant leaks! :thumbsup:

[ausie]

one question, did the canton tank for the intercooler come with a pump installed or do you have to swap the parts?

[InfamousSVT]

Ausie, on the engine coolant tank, where did you get your cap from? The stock cap doesn't work and I need to find one (website)? Also, I see where the main line hooks up and where the line going from the tank to the radiator hooks up, but where is the line going to the fitting near the cap??


For the Intercooler Tank, I purchased it from www.pfabrication.com (http://www.pfabrication.com) it was a direct replacement. I put it on today, I was going to put on my Canton Engine coolant tank, but didn't have a cap and didn't know about the fitting coming from the cap?

[Xaqcraw4d]

I was taking a look at the JLT kit for my '96, because I'd like to replace my MAC CAI to get rid of that elbow in front of the MAF. I'm just concerned about having to loose the strut tower brace to fit it in there. Anyone have any suggestions for something comparable (quality product) that will allow me to keep the brace?

[ausie]

Ausie, on the engine coolant tank, where did you get your cap from? The stock cap doesn't work and I need to find one (website)? Also, I see where the main line hooks up and where the line going from the tank to the radiator hooks up, but where is the line going to the fitting near the cap??
I picked one up at PEP Boys since they carried STANT radiator caps. The one I am using is an 18psi cap with a pressure release lever. As for the vent hose, it just points down away from engine components for the time being. Since the stock expansion tank cap just vented without a catch can, you do not have to connect anything to it. To be NHRA compliant, I will need to add a catch can but where to put it is the question (probably in front of the radiator under the cover seems to be the ideal place).

[SVTcobra04]

how much power u think u got from that?would it be easily installed by som1 thats kinda a car noob like me?

[InfamousSVT]

how much power u think u got from that?would it be easily installed by som1 thats kinda a car noob like me?
If you are talking about the JLT CAI, then if you take your time and follow the instructions you will be able to do it yourself. It's a tight fit so take your time with it. Gains will vary car to car, but I'd expect 20rwhp+!
If you are refering to the coolant tanks..........the intercooler tank doesn't really make horsepower, it just reduces heat soak and keeps the horsepower you have. The Canton engine coolant tank doesn't give you any power it just looks nice!:D

Hope this helps, if you need any more info I'll be glad to help out, if I can.

[ausie]

I would agree with Infamous. The tanks would not give you any more power than you already have. As for the innercooler tank along with an improved heat exchanger, that would allow you to dial in more by means of tuning, but just adding the components will not give you more power. The CAI on the other hand will free up some restrictions and you should get some gains from it. Having no filter at all will give you the best gain, but not recommended since it will shorten the engine life.

[InfamousSVT]

Ausie, I know exactly what you mean about the "overflow" outlet being too long.....I installed my Canton tank this morning and I got a hose on it, but it runs right into the window washer fluid tank.
I figure I'll have to pick me up a 90 degree neck like you did, BTW what is the size or part number for that? I got the exact same cap you have.........sorry I'm a copy cat!:D

I'll take some pics sometime this week and post them!:thumbsup:

-Jason

[ausie]

Jason,
Unfortunately it was not that easy, I had gone to several hardware stores and looked at plumbing fittings as well as NAPA and looked a small bin in one of the isles that had brass fittings for brakes and such. As for the thread, it is not the typical 1/4 NPT. The best way to find out would be to take the aluminum burred part out of the water neck. I found parts at national auto, napa and Sears hardware that would fit in the same spot. It has a standard thread (I think 1/8 NPT, go figure, when using NPT or national pipe thread numbers, the 1/8 designates inner diameter of the openning and not the actual thread diameter like a bolt would use). Be carefull when removing it since the threads are soft and both parts are made from aluminum. A 90 degree elbow with male and female ends on it will work, you can use the aluminum burred part over again or get a brass one to insert into the 90 degree part. It is not necessary to attach a hose to the end, but only if you do not want the overflow to end up all over the engine if it does overflow. Those stant caps are cool. Even though the lever is plastic, it works great when releasing pressure. From what I was tolds is that STANT makes the top list on radiator caps. I see nothing wrong if others use the same parts. :thumbsup:

:eek: window washer fluig tank? You do have an 03/04 right? I think you mean the power steering resivior. :cool:

[InfamousSVT]

Yeah.... I mean power steering reservoir :doh2:

[InfamousSVT]

Hey Ausie,

My PCV Breather finally shipped out, just wondering if you received any word on yours yet? I hope to recieve mine sometime this week!:thumbsup:

-Jason

[ausie]

Hey Ausie,

My PCV Breather finally shipped out, just wondering if you received any word on yours yet? I hope to recieve mine sometime this week!:thumbsup:

-Jason
Not yet Jason, I ordered it by phone so I guess I could always put in the work order number to see if it had shipped. I was planning on making a phone call sometime this week. It is always a joy to wait for parts, I have not forgotten about it yet. :thumbsup: Once I get it, I will be getting a similar part for the PCV from Cobra Valley. http://performanceunlimited.com/cobravalley_drivetrain/breathers.html

Eric