bad experience & why it's important to keep OEM parts

[todd95GT]

I purchased a Densecharger system for my 95 Mustang GT. When I received it, I was a little upset that I would have to drill into the inner
fender of my car, unlike other cold-air systems. But, I did and made the installation.
On two separate occassions, the throttle body inlet tube came off of the mass air flow sensor. One of those times was on the interstate cruising
at 75 mph when the car began stuttering and the check engine light came on. Fortunately, nothing got into the intake tract to the throttle body. About a day after I installed the setup, I noticed that the idle had become slightly choopy and that when the car sat idle for more than a few seconds, I could smell the heavy odor of gas, as if the car was burning rich. For the next few weeks, I clocked and averaged my fuel economy. I went from approximately 18-20 mpg down to 14-15 mpg. From
nearly 300 miles per tank to around 220-230 at best. I spent time and money purchasing new spark plugs, cap, rotor, wires; adjusted the timing, had a professional shop flush the fuel injectors, etc. Nothing helped. When I realized that the idle would fluctuate from 700-1100 rpm's, I disconnected the battery for the second time since theinstallation and let the car sit for twenty minutes or so. After reconnecting the battery, the car would idle normally again for about five minutes, then back to the same old thing: smell of gas, poor economy, rough idle.
Finally, I replaced the Densecharger system with the factory airbox and factory replacement K&N air filter. Everything is now fine again. I
spent two hundred and fifty dollars tuning the car up plus the one hundred for the Densecharger system. So, $350.00 later, I'm back to where I was before I bought it, only now, I have a box of plastic tubing and an unusable K&N filter in my garage.
Point, ask before you buy and SAVE THOSE OEM PARTS!!! Forunately, I saved everything and was able to put it all back on with the exception of a new K&N.
I'm going to wait on mods for now since I recently bought a new block and crank to start on an AFR headed 347.

[SCOTTLT79]

Hey todd95GT,
I'm sorry to hear about that bad purchase. I will tell you one thing, if you ever want to do any mods on your stang (I have a 95 as well) post questions on here first. These guys know their stuff and are extremely knowedgeable in stangs.
And look at the tune up as a required procedure anyways. Unless you have done it recently, a tune ups are always something you should keep up on. If you decide to go with another cold air kit, I highly recommend the MAC kit. I've heard some bad things about the BBK and I've had the MAC with no problems.

[PKRWUD]

Todd, Todd, Todd, you can't possibly put a financial value on knowledge like that that you now have, thanks to this experience! Some might say that $350 is a bargain for said knowledge! Many people blow their entire engine, and still don't gain the knowledge you have now.

Todd, be happy! You could be a lot worse off, and you know it.



Take care,
~Chris

P.S. If this was a post looking for sympathy rather than encouragement, let me know and I'll change my reply.

[todd95GT]

thanks, i will in the future for sure. I wouldn't think that something so simple would be a problem. However, with the new 347 coming in the future, the next mods I make are going to be things that I can use for the new motor, i.e. AFPR, gears, new clutch, 76mm MAF, etc. You know, all of those little expensive things that add up when you finish the motor and realize you still need a grand worth of extras. The new motor is consisting of a nodular crank, H-beams, SRP pistons, unknown cam as of yet, AFR 185 heads, probably a Holley intake, 70mm throttle body, 76mm MAF, 24 lb.-hr. injectors, Steeda fuel rails (already have them, may as well use them), the list goes on. I'm hopng to make 330 rwhp. From that point, I might consider a blower, but for now, one goal at a time. Nothing worse than getting too far ahead of yourself.

[todd95GT]

Chris, good to see you buddy. Drop me a line and let me know how things are going. Include your number, I got a new cell and will drop you a line. Got to update you on my life man. Whoo boy, lots going on! Hope all is well with you bud.
~Todd

[93GTDIN]

sound like some conservative estimates. My buddies stock headed 342 with the doorstop x-cam puts 295ish to the ground and runs 13.6 (convertible).

Think of your 350 dollars as having saved someone else 100 dollars. I was considering buying the densecharger system but not anymore. I suppose I owe you 50 bucks

[todd95GT]

well, looking at it that way, I guess it's a good thing I spent the money. At least I helped someone out in avoiding a product. Some friends suggested that the two 90 degree bends immediately before the MAF are probably what made the computer sense something was awry. Oh well. Live and learn. As far as being conservative, as the title to the Yes tune goes, "Shoot high, aim low". I learned my lesson with my 71 Chevelle, it's better to low-ball than to get your sights set on an unrealistic goal. I'll be pleased if I can turn a 12.50 in my coupe. Realistically, the car should turn better times than that even though it is a tad portly.