jrphelps1

I put an aluminum cold air intake on my V6 and now have two air filters to choose from. Both are Spectre brand cone air filters and are similar in width but one is much larger in length. A comparison of both shows that they both have pros and cons and I was wanting to get the general opinion of which is better.
Both filters provide around the same performace with only slight differences. The smaller filter gives much more sensitive throttle response(almost jumpy response) while the longer filter gives better overall acceleration. These differences are slight but noticable. My MPG is the same with both filters(tested at ~63 degrees) at an average 21-28 MPG.
The longer of the two both looks and sounds better but pulls in more air than the engine's computer is set for and sets off a trouble code. This filter also causes the RPMs to shift up and down at idle but only very slightly.
The shorter doesn't look or sound as good but doesn't set off the code. I feel that this filter isn't as good performace wise but it also doesn't cause the RPMs to shift at idle.
So far i have mainly used the longer filter but the RPM shifts, while minor, are slight cause for concern. Any opinions or advice on this issue would be appreciated, as said I am curious to see what other mustang owners think on the issue.

Nuke

Why are you bothering with these as stand-alone CAI's which only gain you 3-4 RWHP when you can do it right with a CAI & tune and gain about 20 RWHP without throwing codes? The tune also improves throttle response and, for autos, the shift points and firmness.

And who the hell gives a s*** about fuel mileage? Nothing will improve mileage on these cars besides driving habits and you didn't buy it for economy.

rls82959

go with the filter that doesn't throw a code. As stated above, a CAI that doesn't require a tune won't get you much. Hell, I got my tuner first, then got the C&L CAI about a year later. The CAI didn't do much even with an updated tune.

157dB

Its the cross section of the CAI where the MAF is located that determines
if a code will be thrown, not the air filter flow capabilities.
You will be running lean with either air filters if the
cross section of your CAI is larger than the OEM stock air tube.
If the air filter is impeading flow enought to not throw codes,
then the air flow has not increased enough for any HP gains.
Get a tune and a CAI combo and quit screwing around.....

2005Redfire6

Damn just come out with it.