Cold Air Intake mpg / performance gains?

[2006TJ1]

so to my surprise, my Jeep has a cold air intake on it! that probably sounds bad, but this is my first Jeep and so when I saw the engine (and the dealer didn't mention it had anything special), I didn't really think much of it...... but now that I know what it is, does anyone know what kind of performance/mpg it adds if any? I know the purpose is to take the air from the outside rather than under the hood where the engine is, but does it really do anything?

 

[JamesAndTheSahara]

so to my surprise, my Jeep has a cold air intake on it! that probably sounds bad, but this is my first Jeep and so when I saw the engine (and the dealer didn't mention it had anything special), I didn't really think much of it...... but now that I know what it is, does anyone know what kind of performance/mpg it adds if any? I know the purpose is to take the air from the outside rather than under the hood where the engine is, but does it really do anything? View attachment 27226

You won't see any type of measurable performance increase on a STOCK 4.0L engine. On a forum a long time ago a Jeep Engineer explained that created the stock intake of the 4.0L to be as unrestrictive as possible while still filtering harmful elements.

 

[2006TJ1]

You won't see any type of measurable performance increase on a STOCK 4.0L engine. On a forum a long time ago a Jeep Engineer explained that created the stock intake of the 4.0L to be as unrestrictive as possible while still filtering harmful elements.

oh okay, what kind of improvements would there have to be to actually be beneficial?

 

[StG58]

oh okay, what kind of improvements would there have to be to actually be beneficial?

Cam, head work, stroker, new ECM.

 

[2006TJ1]

Cam, head work, stroker, new ECM.

oh okay, glad I didn't put it in then! not sure why the PO did that unless they either had big plans or just didn't know what they were getting into...

 

[Chris]

Check this thread out, it's very informative:
Cold Air Intake FAQ

 

[2006TJ1]

Check this thread out, it's very informative:
Cold Air Intake FAQ

so basically the PO just got sucked into marketing

 

[2006TJ1]

Check this thread out, it's very informative:
Cold Air Intake FAQ

in response to that tho, what would this be considered, more of a snorkel? it takes it in through the cowl so it's not actually a snorkel, I get that, but it's also not in the engine compartment

 

[Jerry Bransford]

in response to that tho, what would this be considered, more of a snorkel? it takes it in through the cowl so it's not actually a snorkel, I get that, but it's also not in the engine compartment

To me it was more of an exercise the fabricator of that air intake tube took because he could. I've had 3-4 variations of different air intakes on a couple TJs and none made a bit of difference in noticeable performance. Personally I want the best filtration possible due to the dusty conditions I often wheel in so I run the AC-Delco paper element air filter in my OE factory air intake box. I replaced the Airraid CAI air intake my '04 came with with that and there was zero perceptible difference in performance.

 

[Chris]

in response to that tho, what would this be considered, more of a snorkel? it takes it in through the cowl so it's not actually a snorkel, I get that, but it's also not in the engine compartment

That's a cowl intake. So a cold air intake essentially, but just sucking air from the cowl. You won't gain any power from it, and like Jerry said, I value good filtration more.

 

[Chris]

so basically the PO just got sucked into marketing

Precisely. Don't get me wrong, air intakes DO make a difference on certain vehicles. The Jeep 4.0 just isn't one of them, and never will be.

 

[TJ2]

oh okay, what kind of improvements would there have to be to actually be beneficial?

There is none, bec. the 4.0 is designed at high temp. that is my opinion.
I asked my trail buddies and they said so the water does not go into the intake (they do not like the snorkel).
It makes them feel good about doing it though.

 

[2006TJ1]

There is none, bec. the 4.0 is designed at high temp. that is my opinion.
I asked my trail buddies and they said so the water does not go into the intake (they do not like the snorkel).
It makes them feel good about doing it though.

so it's like a in-between the normal intake and a snorkel?

 

[TJ2]

Yeah but there is no advantage. It's cleaner air and colder air in the cowl, that's all.
However if you like working on your rig, then it is a "self satisfaction thing" more than anything else.

I like it because I am a jeeper my budies says just to show off their innovation.

 

[2006TJ1]

Yeah but there is no advantage. It's cleaner air and colder air in the cowl, that's all.
However if you like working on your rig, then it is a "self satisfaction thing" more than anything else.

I like it because I am a jeeper my budies says just to show off their innovation.

well in reality I can't even say I did it LOL... well I guess I can but it's not true hahaha.... hoping start working on it a little bit after the holidays. my buddy has a lift, so that should make things a lot easier for suspension stuff!

 

[derekmac]

I put a cowl intake on mine using a Ford Windstar intake. I went that route cause it was dirt cheap, and still offers great filtration using good stock filters. It also freed up enough room under the hood to mount a 50 cal ammo can, which I have an air compressor mounted in.

 

[Ron Hockett]

Intake for my 04' with Banks turbo and intercooler.

 

[TJ2]

Ron, I like your set-up. Good job !!!

 

[jeep_boss]

To me it was more of an exercise the fabricator of that air intake tube took because he could. I've had 3-4 variations of different air intakes on a couple TJs and none made a bit of difference in noticeable performance. Personally I want the best filtration possible due to the dusty conditions I often wheel in so I run the AC-Delco paper element air filter in my OE factory air intake box. I replaced the Airraid CAI air intake my '04 came with with that and there was zero perceptible difference in performance.

My 05 TJR also came with a Banks Airaid. When I cleaned my tube the other day, there was MUD in it.

I will be replacing this next.

 

[Andy5150]

My 03 tj came with. Volant CAI. I sold it on Craig's list for 150.00, got a used stock air box , and an AC Delco element for combined 50.00, and had 100.00 for beer. The Jeep lost no power or fuel economy with the stock set up. Life is good.