BBK cold air intake vs. these eBay specials
02-15-2012, 05:24 PM
#1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Georgia
Posts: 7
BBK cold air intake vs. these eBay specials
I've been wanting to get a cold air intake for my 2006 convertible GT for a while, and I've been looking at the usual suspects like BBK and K&N, then I took a look to see what was on eBay.
So, it looks like a BBK intake is like $320, a K&N is around $250 and then you've got some eBay specials like this running for $130:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/05-06-07-08-...item27c31fa634
Why are the 'big names' so expensive? It seems like a fairly simple contraption. Will I get that much more of a performance boost from a K&N or BBK over something like what I posted above?
So, it looks like a BBK intake is like $320, a K&N is around $250 and then you've got some eBay specials like this running for $130:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/05-06-07-08-...item27c31fa634
Why are the 'big names' so expensive? It seems like a fairly simple contraption. Will I get that much more of a performance boost from a K&N or BBK over something like what I posted above?
02-15-2012, 05:38 PM
#2
6th Gear Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Honolulu, HI
Posts: 6,130
the one you posted is Spekter, it is not good.
i would not risk money on a cheap CAI that throws codes and does not work.
then you'll wind up spending more money on one of the big name ones, and end up spending double.
instead, do it right the 1st time.
the big names are expensive bc they work well, and get good power increase.
C&L or JLT is better than BBK or K&N.
most CAI will need a tune, so a CAI/tuner combo is what you really need.
I like the C&L or JLT. JLT is one of the cheaper ones.
but I found a used airaid CAI for $90 on ebay.
if you want to save money, look for a used good one.
i would not risk money on a cheap CAI that throws codes and does not work.
then you'll wind up spending more money on one of the big name ones, and end up spending double.
instead, do it right the 1st time.
the big names are expensive bc they work well, and get good power increase.
C&L or JLT is better than BBK or K&N.
most CAI will need a tune, so a CAI/tuner combo is what you really need.
I like the C&L or JLT. JLT is one of the cheaper ones.
but I found a used airaid CAI for $90 on ebay.
if you want to save money, look for a used good one.
02-15-2012, 06:09 PM
#3
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Georgia
Posts: 7
Great information onederful. I'll be keeping an eye on eBay to see what I can snag.
I've noticed that a few of the C&L ones come with an SCT tuner in the package so you can do your own chip tunning. Very interesting. I'm going to research that more.
Something else I noticed is, on several of the used ones, the part that sits behind the filter like a backstop doesn't seem to be included for some reason. Any reason why that may be? Would installing this without that piece reduce it's effectiveness?
I've noticed that a few of the C&L ones come with an SCT tuner in the package so you can do your own chip tunning. Very interesting. I'm going to research that more.
Something else I noticed is, on several of the used ones, the part that sits behind the filter like a backstop doesn't seem to be included for some reason. Any reason why that may be? Would installing this without that piece reduce it's effectiveness?
02-15-2012, 06:25 PM
#4
CAI without a tune is like a beer keg without a tap: it won't work the way you want it to.
A standalone CAI will net you about 4hp. Staggering, right? Grab a CAI and a tuner. Like onederful said, you can find a used CAI on ebay, just make sure it's one can be used with a tuner by contacting a company that offers CAI/tune combos, just to be doubly sure you're not throwing away your money.
What do you mean, no backstop? You mean no heat shield? The heat shield is generally there to help keep the CAI anchored in the engine bay... Is that what you're asking about?
A standalone CAI will net you about 4hp. Staggering, right? Grab a CAI and a tuner. Like onederful said, you can find a used CAI on ebay, just make sure it's one can be used with a tuner by contacting a company that offers CAI/tune combos, just to be doubly sure you're not throwing away your money.
What do you mean, no backstop? You mean no heat shield? The heat shield is generally there to help keep the CAI anchored in the engine bay... Is that what you're asking about?
02-15-2012, 06:48 PM
#6
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Georgia
Posts: 7
CAI without a tune is like a beer keg without a tap: it won't work the way you want it to.
A standalone CAI will net you about 4hp. Staggering, right? Grab a CAI and a tuner. Like onederful said, you can find a used CAI on ebay, just make sure it's one can be used with a tuner by contacting a company that offers CAI/tune combos, just to be doubly sure you're not throwing away your money.
What do you mean, no backstop? You mean no heat shield? The heat shield is generally there to help keep the CAI anchored in the engine bay... Is that what you're asking about?
A standalone CAI will net you about 4hp. Staggering, right? Grab a CAI and a tuner. Like onederful said, you can find a used CAI on ebay, just make sure it's one can be used with a tuner by contacting a company that offers CAI/tune combos, just to be doubly sure you're not throwing away your money.
What do you mean, no backstop? You mean no heat shield? The heat shield is generally there to help keep the CAI anchored in the engine bay... Is that what you're asking about?
I'll keep looking and keep in mind the tuner. Like I said, I've seen a good number from C&L that have a tuner included.
02-15-2012, 08:22 PM
#8
6th Gear Member
I wouldn't bother with a stand-alone CAI unless you're doing it just for the look. Little to no power gain and even a no-tune required CAI is known to throw a CEL for running lean (which can eventually damage the engine). The tune is where it's at for power and the CAI simply augments the tune.
02-17-2012, 03:32 PM
#9
As has been mentioned, a good CAI requires a tune. I have this combo on my 2006 GT and it works great! (30+ hp)
http://www.uprproducts.com/mustang-b...sct-tuner.html
http://www.uprproducts.com/mustang-b...sct-tuner.html
02-17-2012, 04:40 PM
#10
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: Woodstock, GA
Posts: 485
Yeah. That's probably what it is. A heat shield. The piece that sits behind and under the filter. That would make sense. I don't know why some of these on eBay are going without the heat shield, but I've seen a couple that was nothing more than the filter and pipe to the throttle assembly. Makes me wonder what else they may be forgetting to include.
I'll keep looking and keep in mind the tuner. Like I said, I've seen a good number from C&L that have a tuner included.
I'll keep looking and keep in mind the tuner. Like I said, I've seen a good number from C&L that have a tuner included.
That is the big difference; parts built to a certain specification, or just some parts cobbled together that happen to 'sorta' work as well - on a fair weather day..
The before-mentioned 'good' CAI's are form fitted with heatshields, to reduce engine bay heat, made with better product to 'withstand' heat, and are tested and backed by reputable aftermarket names you won't find 'only' on Ebay.
That's the $100+ difference. To some that doesn't matter - to some it does.
