CAI 2.3L 2024

[tdhyden79]

I have the Injen CAI and Flowmaster muffler. I've been running it for about 15k miles now. Sounds great, I get a little more turbo noise. Low end responsiveness is better with this setup too. The 2.3 needs all the help it can get before the turbo lights.

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[Imaginary Friend]

Buy a decent washable high-flow filter element (I've liked AEM's dry units) and keep the OEM airbox.

 

[Voyna]

Factory. Do you think Ford left MPGs and HP on the table by not simply optimizing the intake?

I feel like most car companies do this to lower costs and to make everything easier to manufacture.

I have the Injen CAI and Flowmaster muffler. I've been running it for about 15k miles now. Sounds great, I get a little more turbo noise. Low end responsiveness is better with this setup too. The 2.3 needs all the help it can get before the turbo lights.

Ive been checking that one out. Do you find temps run cooler or that you gain mpg? Most people on here keep saying to run OEM but as a floridian, and someone who has several buddies that have installed a CAI on their trucks/ car who say they would never go back to OEM, it is definitely a good investment for me.

 

[Voyna]

I'm going with the Cobb

How is that one from what you know? I’ve seen it’s similar to roush in that it keeps the OEM tubing but allows for a bigger filter.

 

[tdhyden79]

I feel like most car companies do this to lower costs and to make everything easier to manufacture.

Ive been checking that one out. Do you find temps run cooler or that you gain mpg? Most people on here keep saying to run OEM but as a floridian, and someone who has several buddies that have installed a CAI on their trucks/ car who say they would never go back to OEM, it is definitely a good investment for me.

I can't confirm lower temps, but I live in Texas and it certainly gets hot. I also recently took a week long wheeling trip to Big Bend. The 2.3 seems unaffected by the Texas temps. Coolant temp stays at normal operating level and oil temp never gets over 212.

 

[Voyna]

I can't confirm lower temps, but I live in Texas and it certainly gets hot. I also recently took a week long wheeling trip to Big Bend. The 2.3 seems unaffected by the Texas temps. Coolant temp stays at normal operating level and oil temp never gets over 212.

Wow that sounds great. As for installation how was it? I’ve heard the Injen is a bit tricky, but many say it’s worth it for the benefits, and apparently the noise is very satisfying as well. Was it done using basic garage tools or would there be anything I should stop at auto zone to get for it?

From what I’ve seen performance wise people also get up to an additional 10 hp which seems great since you could theoretically get that premium fuel performance on regular octane.

 

[tdhyden79]

Wow that sounds great. As for installation how was it? I’ve heard the Injen is a bit tricky, but many say it’s worth it for the benefits, and apparently the noise is very satisfying as well. Was it done using basic garage tools or would there be anything I should stop at auto zone to get for it?

From what I’ve seen performance wise people also get up to an additional 10 hp which seems great since you could theoretically get that premium fuel performance on regular octane.

Regular tools, no issues. I have an onboard air compressor mounted close to the airbox so I had to modify the compressor bracket, but for a factory setup you shouldn't have any issues.

I installed a JB4 tuner on mine also and run the hottest tune. I also have MT 37's, front and rear bumpers, winch, 4WP coilover lift.... lots of heavier upgrades, AND I usually have my wife and 3 kids in the car with me. So even with all the weight, I get about 14.3 mpg mixed. I would suggest a tune and running premium. If you really want to maximize the efficiency (and enjoyment) of the little 2.3l, squeeze everything out of it that you can. Also, turbo motors run higher cylinder pressures and are constantly battling heat. Because of this, running a higher octane number helps to stabilize fuel and prevent pre detonation, which we all know is a killer for an engine and a more serious risk for a boosted setup. Manufacturers do leave plenty of power on the table, there are a number of reasons for this, but that's for another post.

 

[JediMcMuffin]

I would install the FPP tune BEFORE a CAI. The improvements are substantial, especially in an automatic transmission. Good luck though if you're convinced the CAI will help, plenty of folks seem happy with them.

 

[Voyna]

Regular tools, no issues. I have an onboard air compressor mounted close to the airbox so I had to modify the compressor bracket, but for a factory setup you shouldn't have any issues.

I installed a JB4 tuner on mine also and run the hottest tune. I also have MT 37's, front and rear bumpers, winch, 4WP coilover lift.... lots of heavier upgrades, AND I usually have my wife and 3 kids in the car with me. So even with all the weight, I get about 14.3 mpg mixed. I would suggest a tune and running premium. If you really want to maximize the efficiency (and enjoyment) of the little 2.3l, squeeze everything out of it that you can. Also, turbo motors run higher cylinder pressures and are constantly battling heat. Because of this, running a higher octane number helps to stabilize fuel and prevent pre detonation, which we all know is a killer for an engine and a more serious risk for a boosted setup. Manufacturers do leave plenty of power on the table, there are a number of reasons for this, but that's for another post.

Nice setup. I’m definitely looking to get it tuned eventually, most likely the ford performance one and have the dealer do it so everything stays under warranty. I usually try running premium but my local gas station prices it really high sometimes.

 

[Boreal]

@Voyna I’ve yet to see a CAI that actually improves on the IATs, since temp seems to be your main point of concern. The factory ducting pulls from a diverter at the grill, I don’t know how you can get any Colder air than that.

You’d be best off deleting the grill shutters, as well as the Intercooler shutters, and running 91/premium fuel. That would be the most cost effective way to lower IATs and reduce cylinder temps.

Slapping in a different box and a round (vs flat filter) have little effect on what you want to achieve.

Also, runnin 91+ yields a 30hp bump over 87 octane. The FP Tune bump that’s another 15hp? If power is your goal, that’s the place to start - as @JediMcMuffin said

 

[soupcansam]

One thing I've been wondering about, and is pretty much the reason I've been hesitant on getting a CAI is that I read somewhere that the OEM one has a block or something similar that prevents water/snow from entering the intake whereas most aftermarket don't.

This probably isn't an issue in warmer climates but I live somewhere that gets all seasons equally. But, has anyone found an aftermarket CAI that explicitly has that feature? Or do they all remove it for better air flow?

 

[Voyna]

One thing I've been wondering about, and is pretty much the reason I've been hesitant on getting a CAI is that I read somewhere that the OEM one has a block or something similar that prevents water/snow from entering the intake whereas most aftermarket don't.

This probably isn't an issue in warmer climates but I live somewhere that gets all seasons equally. But, has anyone found an aftermarket CAI that explicitly has that feature? Or do they all remove it for better air flow?

@tdhyden79 does the Injen have something to do this? I feel like I’ve seen people saying it does but I can’t find the thread I saw that on.

 

[Aonarch]

One thing I've been wondering about, and is pretty much the reason I've been hesitant on getting a CAI is that I read somewhere that the OEM one has a block or something similar that prevents water/snow from entering the intake whereas most aftermarket don't.

This probably isn't an issue in warmer climates but I live somewhere that gets all seasons equally. But, has anyone found an aftermarket CAI that explicitly has that feature? Or do they all remove it for better air flow?

Correct. Snow as well.

 

[tdhyden79]

@tdhyden79 does the Injen have something to do this? I feel like I’ve seen people saying it does but I can’t find the thread I saw that on.

The Injen is completely enclosed except for an OEM style ram air duct, much larger of course, close to the front hood seam. In fact, Injen is planning on a snorkel attachment for their Bronco unit. The box was designed with that future addition in mind. So yes, it is designed very well and keeps the weather out.

 

[drewski]

If you are honestly concerned about your engines health, just stay with stock.

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