pkugrsq

Alright, so it's started to seriously bug me. My check engine light has turned on after installing my CAI without a tune. My LT Header, Catted Xpipe, and Catbacks themselves did not pop a CEL.

Around late Winter in Indiana, when the first CEL came up, (around 40-50F), thats when it was a come and go, went to pep boys to pull the code, said my O2 sensor was not functioning properly. Then it stayed off until Summer in Georgia (85-100F), so I went to my Ford Dealership and they said my Cats weren't functioning properly. I took really no heed to that, assuming it's because it just needed a tune, which is what the ford technician told me. Currently, the CEL has stayed on in outdoor temperatures ranging from 70-110F.

Now, I read somewhere that a lean A/F Ratio (Which I'm assuming is more air) causes the engine to burn hotter, which can slowly melt anything internal and even the cats.

Is this a valid concern for me? Is it temperature sensitive? I can't put my stock airbox back on until December and I definitely can't tune it now.

2005Redfire6

Lean is never good... I would look into a tune or return the intake to stock until you can get a tune to be safe.

Derf00

OP, why did you install a tuneless CAI? Also LT's should've been tuned.

jz78817

and if those are high flow cats, they may not work effectively enough to prevent "catalyst efficiency" codes.

pkugrsq

I don't know. I got such mixed reviews about CAI in the newer mustangs. I guess it was pretty stupid decision.

They mentioned that the LT's didn't need tuning though. But if I get really paranoid before December, I'm just going to get the tuner.

Derf00

Iirc 2010+ stangs already use a CAI so the additional power gain is about 90% from the tune.

i guess i should clarify my question... Did you buy a tuneless CAI, if so, why (see above for why i ask)? Secondly, even if you did buy a tuneless CAI, between it and the LT headers, you absolutely need a tune. I'd park the car until you do get a tune. Without it, you risk damaging the engine from running too lean.

audioAl

I agree, get a tune. I got just an Airaid tube to install between the stock air box & throttle body. Sounds great, better gas mileage too.

pkugrsq

Welll ****. I guess there's a few months of ignoring the warnings. Hope not too much damage. So, I suppose I will be getting a tune...

on a second note. This is definitely going to void my warranty, isn't it?

2005Redfire6

What the tuneless CAI? Nah, unless they can prove it caused a failure on your car. Just remove it and put the stocker back on in the meantime.