To validate this install,...
To validate this install, we took the truck to R&D Dyno services in Gardena, California, to lay down some baseline numbers. R&D made a few pulls to get an average, before unstrapping the truck and sending us on our way.
We are always saying that a motor is an air pump and more air in will net you more power out. So an air intake tube will usually produce 15 hp or so in gains. But what if you've bolted on a forced air induction system (supercharger) to your motor? Do the same laws and theory apply? Do you still need a new intake? The answer to all these questions is yes.
Look at it this way: Under boost, your engine could need as much as 50 percent more fuel and air. Since we're talking about computer-controlled engines, the ECM will add the fuel, so all that's left to add is the air. You can't take full advantage of your supercharger and you won't be able to make maximum boost unless you feed the supercharger with air of its own. It's very simple: If a supercharger can't draw the air in, you can't get horsepower out. So by removing the restrictive OEM air intake system and replacing it with a free-flowing unit, boost levels come up.
We are not going to sit here and tell you that your $6,000 supercharger won't work with the stock system. On the contrary, most systems are made to work with them to pass smog laws and stay within warranty parameters. So what are we telling you here? By adding an aftermarket intake, you can push your boost levels up. Case in point is the Ford Harley-edition F-150. This truck is equipped with a supercharged 5.4L that makes around 8 pounds of boost. By adding the AEM Brute Force Intake System on the snout of the blower, we now see 1 to 2 pounds of added boost.
1.Here is the Brute Force...
1.Here is the Brute Force Intake setup from AEM. It features a one-piece four-layer cotton gauze AEM filter and CNC mandrel-bent 6061 aluminum tube with TIG-welded fittings and brackets for maximum durability. These are constructed completely in the USA at AEM's facility and are CARB-exempt, with a limited lifetime warranty.
2.While the stock airbox was...
2.While the stock airbox was being removed, we took a tour of AEM's facility and followed the manufacturing process. This is what all the intakes start out as - long aluminum tubes.
3.Here is a shot of one of...
3.Here is a shot of one of the jigs that AEM uses to build the initial unit. The company hand-fabricates the air intake first, then builds a jig to reference back to for quality control.
4.Once the prototype intake...
4.Once the prototype intake is made, all the bends are inputted into this CNC mandrel bender. This bender will make all the appropriate bends to the tube in a matter of seconds.
5.After the tubes are bent,...
5.After the tubes are bent, they are sanded smooth and all the correct bungs are welded in place.
6.Then they're sent to the...
6.Then they're sent to the polishing department for a quick shine-up.
7.The tubes are then placed...
7.The tubes are then placed in an ultra-sonic cleaner to remove polishing residue or any other harmful contaminants.
8a.Here is a side-by-side...
8a.Here is a side-by-side comparison of the stock and AEM setup. Right away you can see how the new unit will cut down on turbulence and be more efficient, thanks to the straight-through design and, of course, the high-performance cotton-gauze filter.
8b.