Underhood Conical K&N vs. Stock Airbox with K&N

[jimberg]

If any of you guys remember the little debate we had in the Blue Oval Lounge about the stock air box vs. a conical filter, there was a relevant and interesting dyno test in the October 2001 issue of 5.0M&SF.

They tested the new C&L Performance 76mm Mass Airflow System on a pretty much stock 5.0. The results were interesting.

With their full installation, the 76mm MAF sensor, underhood conical filter, and cast aluminum air pipe they were able to pickup about 9 hp and 10 ft-lb of torque over the base pull. When they replaced the conical filter with the stock airbox and a dirty panel type K&N they were able to pickup 11hp and 16 ft-lb over the base pull.

Without getting into all the nuances of whether the car is moving or sitting still on the dyno, I think it is important to note that the stock air box is not restrictive and IS already a very decent cold air intake system. The real key, however, to making good power with whatever type of filter you use is the rigid, smooth intake tube over the flexible, wavy walled stock intake tube.



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351W 89 Mustang GT Convertible