Ingredient Two:A Pinch Of Cold Air
K&N 77 Series metal intake kits combine performance and underhood style in one package. The 77 virtually eliminates restriction in the intake air path thanks to the mandrel-bent tube, and the oversize High-Flow conical air filter provides increased surface area and dust capacity. To maintain cool air entering the engine, the kit also comes with a heat shield that seals against the hood to isolate the air intake from engine heat. Unlike other K&N kits, the 77 Series is designed to add flash under the hood with polished-aluminum or gun-metal gray powdercoat finishes.
1. As with the exhaust system,...
1. As with the exhaust system, the first step was to remove the factory setup. The tube that runs between the airbox and the throttle body was removed first.
2. The mass-air meter was...
2. The mass-air meter was unplugged and the airbox pulled out. The airbox snaps into grommets on the bottom, so a forceful yank usually gets it out.
3. The mass-air meter can...
3. The mass-air meter can then be removed and set aside (it will be installed on the K&N tube shortly).
4. The heat shield was assembled...
4. The heat shield was assembled on the tailgate following the provided instructions.
5. This particular truck doesn't...
5. This particular truck doesn't have one of the holes needed for the heat shield, so it was necessary to drill one with a 5/8-inch bit.
6. The mass-air meter and...
6. The mass-air meter and silicone hose ends were installed on the tube and lightly tightened up.
7. The filter mounts to the...
7. The filter mounts to the heat shield instead of the tube, so that was put in place.
8. After some trial and error,...
8. After some trial and error, the technician found it was easier to install the tube with the hose attached to the throttle body.
9. After all of the hose clamps...
9. After all of the hose clamps were tightened, the provided crankcase vent hose was pushed over the nipples on each end. With the intake install completed, the truck was started up before moving on to the next modification.
Ingredient Three: The Tune
The Max Energy Power Programmer from Hypertech is like a little magic box that extracts every bit of energy possible and allows us to tweak the truck to our liking. This unit is a plug-and-play-type install and will let us raise the top-speed limiter, raise the engine rpm "rev" limiter, change transmission shift points, increase transmission shift firmness, and correct the speedo for tire and gear changes. The programmer also displays and clears diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), and best of all it gives us premium- and regular-fuel power-tuning options.
Installing the Max Energy...
Installing the Max Energy Power Programmer is pretty straightforward, requiring just a few simple steps. After plugging the module into the diagnostic port under the driver side of the dash, the key was turned to the "Run" position. Then it was just a matter of answering a few yes or no questions, and the programmer did the rest.
The Final Word
After the parts were on the truck, we got 2.2 additional miles per gallon and the satisfaction of knowing we could pull away from a stock truck. Leaving tire tracks and passing the pump are two excellent benefits to be gained from this combo of modifications.