Maybe this is a stupid question. But I figured I'd ask and see what opinions I got back. I've got a MAC intake on my Ranger and I love it. I've been running a Scangauge for awhile now to keep an eye on the actual water temps, RPM's and Intake Air temps. I've noticed that for the most part, my intake air temp has pretty much doubled. I sort of expected that since I'm basically pulling air from the engine compartment, but I'm pulling more air with less resistance. That seems to be the idea anyway. So my question is this, my cars normal air intake temp is around 85 to 95 depending on if im moving or sitting still. The Ranger's is way higher due to the type of intake. Would I be better getting an intake like a Volant that is sealed from the engine compartment air and seems to get cooler air from a neutral location? or should I just leave it be? Just curious of the good and bad points of the whole intake thing. I love my MAC don't get me wrong, but my intake air temps are well above 120 lately.

 

Colder air is denser air. However the computer is adjusting fuel for this. So you really won't see a change in mileage. You stand to gain full throttle power though.

And for what it's worth. I have the conical K&N kit. Data logged intake temps after putting it on too. It runs 15-20F higher than ambient. Then when I slow or come to a stop it goes up very quickly. Haven't measured it since winter.. can only imagine it's very hot now that summer is here. If I can remember... I'll take a look at it this weekend.

Rich

 

Mine was about 150-160 a week ago while I was data logging for a custom tune.

 

Mine was floating around 130 this afternoon going through town. To be completely honest with you, I'm not terribly concerned with improving or hurting mileage at this point. The truck doesn't go out very often amd isn't my daily driver, so mileage isn't much of a factor. I'd rather have the throttle response personally. I'm wondering if anyone has an intake installed that has an aftermarket airbox similar to the Volant?

BTW, Thanks for the info guys. If you think of it Rich, let me know what your temps are like. Seems I'm not the only one lol, which i expected and I'm sure it's normal. Just curious as to what everyone thinks would run better. Since colder air is more dense, it would have more oxygen then right? I personally like to idea of the truck getting cooler air rather then warmer. I'd like to see what the idle temps are on a Volant equipped Ranger vs. an open filter intake like a MAC or a K&N.

 

This is by no means scientific, but on my 03 completely stock intake, my intake temp. is usually 5-15 higher than the ambient temp. while driving. Idleing it will jump to sometimes as high as 35 over, but comes back down once the truck starts moving again. I am basing this off my ohc temp. and the intake air temp. from a scangaugeII, with the readings done while the engine is at normal operating temp.