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It always amazes me when someones says they get 1 mpg better with something. I mean, is that really measureable? Ambient air temp changes from 1 day to the next, foot is a little heavier, got a different brand of fuel etc.... When someone makes a claim like that, I have to ask if the conditions were controlled or not and what were the variables.
I didnt buy my CAI for better MPG but I was trying to provide the original poster my impression. I drive the exact same roads to work every day 5-6 days a week. I had the car stock for 6 months and average around 18.5MPG regularly, ie 50+ tanks of gas. I put the CAI and Tune on and running the 87perf tune I get 20.5MPG regulary ie 20+ tanks of gas. The rest of the time I switch between 93 Race and 93 torque just for fun and it really fluctuates but no matter how I drive I have never gotten worse than 18MPG for a whole tank. City driving I can watch the MPG drop quickly and on the highway I can see it climb quickly, much more than stock.
Personally I am happy with anything above 12MPG that I got out of my last mustang.
I recommend the lightening and free mechanical losses because that would also improve MPG but even better power.
But hey I am not comsumer reports I am only letting you know what I see with this mod.
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It always amazes me when someones says they get 1 mpg better with something. I mean, is that really measureable? Ambient air temp changes from 1 day to the next, foot is a little heavier, got a different brand of fuel etc.... When someone makes a claim like that, I have to ask if the conditions were controlled or not and what were the variables.
I didnt buy my CAI for better MPG but I was trying to provide the original poster my impression. I drive the exact same roads to work every day 5-6 days a week. I had the car stock for 6 months and average around 18.5MPG regularly, ie 50+ tanks of gas. I put the CAI and Tune on and running the 87perf tune I get 20.5MPG regulary ie 20+ tanks of gas. The rest of the time I switch between 93 Race and 93 torque just for fun and it really fluctuates but no matter how I drive I have never gotten worse than 18MPG for a whole tank. City driving I can watch the MPG drop quickly and on the highway I can see it climb quickly, much more than stock.
Personally I am happy with anything above 12MPG that I got out of my last mustang.
I recommend the lightening and free mechanical losses because that would also improve MPG but even better power.
But hey I am not comsumer reports I am only letting you know what I see with this mod.
I've had my Steeda CAI and Brenspeed 93 tune for about a month now, and that seems to match my experience. Overall, I was averaging about 20 MPG, and that's about what I'm getting now. I drive a mix of surface streets and freeway on drive to work. I think part of what's going on in my case is that since the throttle is much more responsive, it's harder to accelerate as gently from a stop. Also, since it's so much more fun, you tend to put your foot in it.
I also agree with the other point that was brought up in another post. The amount of increase in gas mileage will be hard to measure because of varying traffic conditions, weather, and other variables. I mean, heck, your mood can affect your gas mileage. Depends on how how gentle you are with that little pedal under your right foot. You could test before & after the install on the same stretch of highway with the cruise control engaged, but that still only tells you about the gas mileage you'll get on a highway with the cruise control engaged.
One thing's for sure, you won't see an overwhelming increase in gas mileage after you install a CAI / tune. But you will see a very positive improvement in the responsiveness of your car. I does, as many have pointed out, "wake up your car."
If better air flow from a CAI can't help gas mileage, then why does a dirty air filter hurt your gas mileage?
Like I said before, more air means more fuel. If you burn more fuel, what happens? Ford has tuned these things to use the least amount of fuel, in order to get the best power range. Sure, you can retune it to get more power but at what cost?? Higher gas prices and more gas used. It's a trade off, but for the best fuel economy, leave the 3.31 in it and stay stock.
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2007 GT Coupe Premium Windveil Blue, Born on date...3/07
If better air flow from a CAI can't help gas mileage, then why does a dirty air filter hurt your gas mileage?
Like I said before, more air means more fuel. If you burn more fuel, what happens? Ford has tuned these things to use the least amount of fuel, in order to get the best power range. Sure, you can retune it to get more power but at what cost?? Higher gas prices and more gas used. It's a trade off, but for the best fuel economy, leave the 3.31 in it and stay stock.
you didn't answer his question though. By your logic, if more air means more fuel, then less air (from a dirty air filter) would mean less fuel and a more fuel efficient vehicle. Clearly that goes against everything you hear and read. I'm no mechanic and I don't have the answer either, but I think it is an interesting question. If I had to guess, I would speculate that since a dirty air filter allows for less air than the tune calls for, you lose power and mpg, but thats just me guessing...
So if I never change an airfilter again, my gas mileage will continue to improve? Less air means less fuel being used. I'm not quite sold on that. Personally, I thinkengine efficiency factors in there somewhere. Even though I'd be the first to admit any gains with a cai may be negligible.That's JMO.
So if I never change an airfilter again, my gas mileage will continue to improve? Less air means less fuel being used. I'm not quite sold on that. Personally, I thinkengine efficiency factors in there somewhere. Even though I'd be the first to admit any gains with a cai may be negligible.That's JMO.
Oh come on you guys. Use your brain. If you NEVER change the air filter, your MAF unit will try to compensate but in time, the engine will run rich and fubar the plugs. It's all about the A/F mixture, NOT air-fuel amounts per say.
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2007 GT Coupe Premium Windveil Blue, Born on date...3/07
Well, I'd argue that Ford didn't use the airbox because it's the most efficient design but because it's the best at keeping foreign objects out of you engine. The box is restrictive, especially at higher rpms.By your theory, forced air injection vehicles would get the worst gas mileage versus naturally aspirated engines, but for some reason they don't. You're welcome to believe what you want, I certainly won't stoop to knocking your intelligence and I am no expert, Ijust think perhaps there is more to the equation.
Well, I'd argue that Ford didn't use the airbox because it's the most efficient design but because it's the best at keeping foreign objects out of you engine. The box is restrictive, especially at higher rpms.By your theory, forced air injection vehicles would get the worst gas mileage versus naturally aspirated engines, but for some reason they don't. You're welcome to believe what you want, I certainly won't stoop to knocking your intelligence and I am no expert, Ijust think perhaps there is more to the equation.
See, that's where you are wrong. If you force more air into the compustion chamber, you have to ADD MORE FUEl so that it won't run lean. FI guys aren't the most fuel efficient rigs out there.
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2007 GT Coupe Premium Windveil Blue, Born on date...3/07
Well, I'd argue that Ford didn't use the airbox because it's the most efficient design but because it's the best at keeping foreign objects out of you engine. The box is restrictive, especially at higher rpms.By your theory, forced air injection vehicles would get the worst gas mileage versus naturally aspirated engines, but for some reason they don't. You're welcome to believe what you want, I certainly won't stoop to knocking your intelligence and I am no expert, Ijust think perhaps there is more to the equation.
That's funny. Ford isn't worried about filtration. They conquered that one decades ago.
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2007 GT Coupe Premium Windveil Blue, Born on date...3/07
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RE: Increase MPG with a CAI?
