Ranger Raptor K&N Cold Air Intake being released +27HP

[jskrillz]

How does it sound?

It sounds great. It is louder than all of the other intakes for the RR. However, this is the only one that is “semi-enclosed” and due to the opening, you hear more. Not saying that is good or bad because I don’t claim to be an engineer, mechanic or an Intakeologist. I did consult the all knowing ChatGPT to see what he had to say ?:

? How It Works:

The K&N NextGen intake for the 2024–2025 Ranger Raptor is:

• A semi-enclosed system:
  It includes a heat-resistant high-density polyethylene (HDPE) airbox that shields the filter from direct engine heat.
• Draws air from the fender or front air duct — the same cool air source as the stock intake.
• But it has an open-top design (no lid), so under certain conditions — like sitting still in traffic or slow-speed trail riding — some hot engine bay air can enter.

? Real-World Effect:

• On the road, at moderate to high speeds, cool air is constantly pushed in through the front ducting — so the K&N mostly pulls cold air.
• At idle or in traffic, heat soak can raise intake temps slightly — but not nearly as much as an open intake.
• Some users report a 5–15°F increase in intake temps at idle compared to fully sealed boxes like S&B — not a dealbreaker, but worth noting.

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[jskrillz]

Although I do love to watch a good ol’ argument… after just I stalling the K&N CAI in my 24’ RR, I can confirm that the hood does not seal the air box. Had an S&B on order for over a month and the ship date kept getting g pushed so once this came out, I canceled the order and picked the K&N up from buckleup off road( was at my house two days later). I’ve had them in my last 3 trucks and always liked them.
No plans on doing a dyno so I can’t comment on performance. I’ve got FP tune and about 9500 miles. Mainly wanted to see if I got any increase in MPG. Likely nothing impressive but even +1 is a win for me. I’ll update when I’ve got some miles on it.

Figured I'd post an update with some data after about 300 miles with the K&N. My commute is about 75% highway/25% City. I am averaging 18.8mpg.

-Northern VA, 96 degree outside temperature.
-93 octane fuel, FP Tune, K&N CAI, Ford Roll-up bed cover
-Sport mode, Baja mode exhaust

I did not look at the temps when I had the stock airbox. Just wanted to share my experience with the K&N intake since I have gotten so much from all of you guys on here. Hope this is helpful to some of you.

First pic is during my drive on the highway about an hour of driving: 106 Intake air temp

Second pic: Heat soaked engine after an hour on the highway, sitting idle for about 5 min while I pumped gas... yes I left the truck running: 135 Intake Air Temp

 

[pohnz1]

If that's true (it's not) then why not just design it with a cover? That's a more reliable "seal" than hoping the hood covers it. Fluid flow follows the path of least resistance. This CAI is just going to suck hot air in from the engine compartment and mostly ignore the narrow cold air runner coming in from the grill.

This thread is full of pseudo-science, engineering nonsense tbh. I say this as someone who's studied fluid dynamics and did CFD finite element analysis as part of their job.

At least the thread has been entertaining. ?

But i mean. A simple cai can add 27 hp. that paltry FP tune only gave us 55hp. Wth. It makes no sense

 

[RaptorSAW]

Anybody have any sound clips of this yet?

All I’m after is a little more turbo flutter and some drama with this truck. I don’t really care if it adds power or sucks in more hot air thus losing power.

I just want some more sound!

 

[Ranger XLT Fan]

Wonder if the 27hp would be added to a V6 with Ford Performance Tune on it!

I'm no mechanic. But after watching YouTube videos, I was considering a CAI for 2019 Jeep Wrangler because it advertised similar HP gains and a few more MPG's. (can't recall the actual numbers, but I think it was an AFE or K&N?) There are about a million automotive engineers trying to figure out how to add performance and efficiency. It would surprise me if a passive CAI could produce any gains, much less 25 HP. If that were possible, it seems like they would be on every car. Also, it looks like my Ranger 2.7 already draws from the front grill area. So that is probably as "cold" as any passive CAI is going to draw I would think?

I still love them though. I love the way they sound. That sound and a sticker plenty of horsepower. Just not sure about the additional HP/MPG's as advertised.

 

[TurboRanger]

Take the air filter out that will give you 30hp

 

[DanielRayJ]

I am an automotive tech 35 years . I ran an OEM filter on my Monte SS and a oil fed filter my Z 28. Driving each vehicle close to equal mileage in a span over 10 years even though the Camaro was a couple of years newer with oil changes every 3K. Even with proper air filter element cleaning and re oiling the oil in the Z-28 the oil just didn't stand up as far as cleanliness was concerned compared to the Monte SS . Lesson here the oil feed filter just passes too much contaminants dirt. There are just as many reviews and articles written that verify my results. As an automotive enthusiasts like the rest of us on here I can assure you I've owned over 30 vehicles from corvettes to Porsches and I can tell you that 27 horsepower claim is quite a stretch just from an air filter replacement . There are also catalytic converter problems due to excess debris going through your intake system and exiting through your exhaust this happens over a longer period of time .These are not older farm vehicles there are MAP sensors MAF sensors O2 sensors and valves that control cam phases that can clog . A word to the wise If you happen to forget to take you oil fed filter at a Ford Dealership while in service they will void your warranty however according to a major manufacturer that produces these filters they say it won't void the warranty don't listen to that if you go into a dealer and see it they will void it. I'm glad that you had success with them but my experience is throughout my 40 years I see different results so we agree to disagree.

I believe you Sir! What is your preferred brand of filter?

 

[Grand Nat]

I believe you Sir! What is your preferred brand of filter?

There are a few good brands of filters on the market. You can stick with OEM or Wix filters. My post was based on my experience with oil fed filters I was not really interested in increased horsepower through the air intake system but more so on it's ability to keep contaminants out of the engine.

 

[amspwalters]

I have installed K&N CAI and now i keep getting a CEL for PCV Hose A Disconnected. All plumbing has been checked. Light is intermittent, after resetting it triggers every 5 to 10 days (10 to 20 Drive cycles). Is there anything i am missing here

 

[DanielRayJ]

Two comments, people on here hoping a CAI makes their engine sound like a F-1 Race Car, lol it will not, ever. And when your vehicle is moving there is a MASSIVE amount of air that flows thru the openings in the grill and from under the truck and it all swirls around. So having a lid or no lid should not make a big difference in air temperature. Make your own lid out of some cardboard and gorilla tape if you’re that concerned.

 

[DanielRayJ]

These engines are in essence an air pump, add more air, more fuel, more power. If the intake has some margin to flow more air and the exhaust does not then the exhaust becomes the new limit to making more power. Displacement, Compression Ratio, Air Flow, Fuel Flow, Rolling Resistance, Wind Resistance and the list goes on and on. All these factor into the overall performance of the whole vehicle. We can’t make a Silk Purse out of a Pigs Ear, just tinker and enjoy and don’t over estimate your hard earned money’s return. These trucks are an engineering marvel in my mind. Enjoy the ride………. please

 

[SnyperX]

'Oil fed filter' keeps getting used in this thread. That is not a thing. An oiled air filter IS a thing.

 

[Boosted6G]

So having a lid or no lid should not make a big difference in air temperature. Make your own lid out of some cardboard and gorilla tape if you’re that concerned.

There's a hood seal that goes around the stock air intake to keep this from happening. Keeping a lid off a CAI will do exactly what you're describing. The stock intake is already a CAI. Taking the lid off the filter housing bypasses the concept of a CAI.

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