Cold air intake with out a tune...will it lean out or damage your engine

jasonpell1117 · 08-21-2009

Hi everyone, I am new to the forum and recently bought a 2009 Mustang gt. It is completely stock and I was looking at a K&N cold air intake as my first mod. This intake does not require a tune (and i don't want to have to tune) but I have heard many people saying that if you don't tune with a CAI then it will cause your engine to burn lean and could damage it by increasing the temp, especially at high rpm's.

Is there anyone with experience with a cold air intake and not tuning their mustang. Especially if you have had it a few years and not had problems, I would love to hear that.

**stlwagon** · 08-21-2009

You'll be fine running the K&N with no tune. You won't hurt anything.

...and welcome to AFM!

ajaxthemax · 08-21-2009

I agree. Welcome to AFM

MaverickMLFD371 · 08-21-2009

a CAI that doesn't require a tune will not hurt or burn your engine in the long run. so go ahead and get the K&N intake!

i think what you read is those people who bought CAI that require tuning and didn't bother to buy the tuner. if you decide not to tune a CAI that is requiring a tune, your car will throw at CEL (check engine light) and it would be a lean code. because what your doing now is your drawing more air into the engine than fuel. if you drive like that in the long run, yes you can do some damage.

welcome to AFM!

MN Mustang · 08-21-2009

Welcome aboard! The K&N setup doesnt require a tune, but you will see a greater difference in performance with a CAI and a tune.

Heavy Armor · 08-21-2009

So long as the CAI inlet diameter is the same as the stock one, there won't be a problem. The MAF sensor is calibrated for a certain volume of incoming air, so if you monkey with the inlet size, the MAF has no way of knowing it, and you'll run lean. The CAIs that don't require a tune provide the extra HP simply by reducing the amount of drag, allowing the engine to breath easier. The stock filter setup has all kinds of twists, turns, angles, and other restrictions.

~HA

big8ter · 08-21-2009

welcome to the site

i bought a bbk cai that didnt require a tune but it threw codes left and right even though bbk said it wouldnt it turns out that bbk only tested the can in low elevation california so a k&n might be the same way just something to ask K&n if you get a chance

jasonpell1117 · 08-21-2009

Thanks for the help! I have called K&N and they said they fully back their product due to the extensive testing they do before putting it on the market. They told me they design their CAI to work with all the factory settings (factory tune, 87 octane, etc.). I also asked about the factory warranty because i don't want to throw that away after owning the car for only a few months and they told me about some law that protects the consumer from the factory voiding the warranty just because it is an aftermarket part. I will be stopping by the dealer this weekend to make sure they will not be like those few "hard ass" dealers out there that will try to void the warranty with out any merit to do so.

**stlwagon** · 08-21-2009

I think you'll be fine with that intake. If you require warranty work, you could always reinstall the stock airbox temporarily if you're concerned.

CruizinConcepts · 08-21-2009

2005-2009 GT K&N Intake

I'll take 10% off retail.

chp2150 · 08-21-2009

You'll REALLY miss out if you don't go with a CAI/Tune combo. It's like a different car. The difference is really worth the cost.

jasonpell1117 · 08-21-2009

Thanks but I don't want to mess with the computer, especially when still under warranty. I have heard that the dealer can still tell if you have messed with it, even if you flash it back to factory settings

**stlwagon** · 08-21-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasonpell1117

Thanks but I don't want to mess with the computer, especially when still under warranty. I have heard that the dealer can still tell if you have messed with it, even if you flash it back to factory settings

Then the K&N or Airraid CAI would be the right choice.

jasonpell1117 · 08-21-2009

thanks for everyone's help! I will prob order one soon

ATXSilverGT · 08-21-2009

I built the other parts of my car(suspension) till I was tired of worrying about the warranty. I then got an intake and tune and am glad I went this route. Just seems to me the tuneless intake is a decoration no one sees. Not bashin' just sayin'