Gen IV Typhoon CAI worth it? K and N

[SlowHawk]

I did a few searches about K&N's cold air intake for the 4th gens, but it seems to have gotten mixed reviews for the $600 price tag.

I've read that the gains are noticeable (claims are upwards of ~18-19hp), and I've also read that it's actually "worse" than the stock OEM intake/filter without a tune.

Does anyone actually have dyno results from pre/post install? Any noticeable gains on the butt dyno or better throttle response, or is this purely just for aesthetics? Any insight or real world testimonials greatly appreciated!

2008-viper-engine.jpg

[SSGNRDZ_28]

I would suggest the dyno is not a good measure for this mod, the K&N does not seal to the hood and therefore the “ram air” effects are lessened and the IAT will be higher as air is sucked in from the engine bay. Air flows through the Gen IV hood from the scoop and in front of the radiator and this won’t be seen on a dyno. The ECU starts to pull timing when IAT is 77 degrees F, on a Viper this can happen even at below freezing ambient temperatures.

Of course my suggestion is OEM airbox and the DSE heat shield. I looked at the K&N (I sell K&N parts) before developing the heat shield and it didn’t seem to have the expexted benefit. Not many Gen IV guys are aware of the IAT that can be 60 degrees over ambient because it isn’t on the gauges like on the Gen V but if the temperature is warm enough for good traction you’re likely already pulling timing and down on power. The heat shield helps quite a bit.

Thanks
Doug

[13COBRA]

I had one for about 4 weeks...sold it for $200 if I remember correctly.

Just as Doug said, IATs were through the roof. I did not notice any extra power, if anything it felt slower. I have a K&N drop in filter in my factory airbox and am happy with it.

ALSO, Doug's heat shield is the real deal (like the rest of his parts), I love mine.

[SlowHawk]

I appreciate the thorough explanation. Sounds like my $$ might be better spent elsewhere, especially if it might even inhibit performance. I guess I should trust that the engineers over at Dodge knew what they were doing to optimize air flow.

I'll definitely look into the heat shield, that IAT chart is pretty impressive. Do you recommend running a low temp thermostat as well? Still relatively new to the SRT-10 world and trying to figure out the best bang for the buck after exhaust.

[FIVESTAR]

Yes, the shrouding can be better on the K&N, and yes, the factory air box works perfectly- only because it doesn’t draw in any air out of the engine bay... but in all reality- that’s what the heat extractors are for, and the factory air box doesn’t have any ram air to speak of, it just pulls what ever it can draw through the slits in the hood that stub into the cavity in front of the radiator. Doug- when you test your heat reflectant shielding- where are you getting temperature readings from? I’m under the impression that the factory composite box isn’t really capable of getting heat soaked anyways... if your argument is that any intake shrouding that doesn’t seal to the hood like the factory box is letting heat in (which it obviously is), how is your shielding 100% effective when it comes to keeping this plastic box from getting hot?