Ready for my first performance mod. Leaning toward the K&N CAI because I can use it without a tune. Has anyone had any major issues with K&N? Have not found much negative in my searches, I know there are better made, higher horse varities, but they need a tune and seem to slightly increase error code chances. I am after problem free reliability first, power second upgrade.
How much louder does the CAI make the Stang? I live in a fairly reserved subdivision and leave for work while most are sleeping. My wife says she can hear me two blocks away in the morning. Any installations tips? I LOVE this car!! Thanks in advance.
The K&N Cold Air Intake was a snap to install. The most difficult part was installing the black cushion that goes around the air deflector/box for the intake filter. The only other problem was that a picture of a mounting bracket is shown in the instructions backwards, so you can't orient it in the direction that they want you too. But once you figure that part out - it's easy.
Also, the instructions say to re-install the carbon filter that came from the factory. But Ford stopped installing them during the mid 05 model year. In any case, if you have one you can go ahead and leave it out.
In my opinion, I think the car has more power with the K&N over the Ford intake. You definitely will notice a change in the exhaust sound on start up & idle. It's a deeper, throatier note, but I wouldn't say that it's any louder. At least not significantly louder.
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05 Perf White GT Premimum with IUP, ICAP, Running Mustang Floor Mats, Sequential Turn Signals, Dark Tinted Windows, Engine Plenum Cover, K&N CAI, Diablosport Predator Tune, Roush Front Fascia, matching Red Rocker Panel and Shelby Stripes
Don't believe all the advertisements on 'no tune required'. Anytime you add additional air to the equation you'll benefit by custom tuning to adjust the A/F mix. Even if a tune isn't required, a tune would really help. A CAI isn't going to significantly change the sound. Intake sound will be different. Exhaust note won't change much.
I love mine. The only problem I had wa I had to cut the palstic a bit to get the sensor to fit, but that was pretty easy. It did sound a bit "throatier" after install. Look on Ebay to purchase. I got mine for $200.
Ditto on the carbon filter. I spent about a half hour looking on my garage floor and everywhere looking for it, I then realized I never even had one.
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Ordered 4/26/05. Picked up June 11, 2005. 05 Mustang GT Premium Coupe, 5spd, Performance White, with red accent leather (ICAP), Shaker 500, IUP, active alarm, side airbag, spoiler delete. MODS: Baltimore Street Mods 10' red stripes and red rocker stripe. window tint. K & N aircharger. Pony Package fender emblems. Added 18" Polished Alum. Bullitts Hurst comp shifter
I love mine. The only problem I had wa I had to cut the palstic a bit to get the sensor to fit, but that was pretty easy. It did sound a bit "throatier" after install. Look on Ebay to purchase. I got mine for $200.
Ditto on the carbon filter. I spent about a half hour looking on my garage floor and everywhere looking for it, I then realized I never even had one.
Wow, . . . $200 is a heck of a good deal. I believe I paid around $330 last Christmas.
In any case, be thankful that you didn't have the carbon filter. It was pain to try and remove it from the old air intake.
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05 Perf White GT Premimum with IUP, ICAP, Running Mustang Floor Mats, Sequential Turn Signals, Dark Tinted Windows, Engine Plenum Cover, K&N CAI, Diablosport Predator Tune, Roush Front Fascia, matching Red Rocker Panel and Shelby Stripes
I got the K&N first and as stated the hardest part is getting the rubber around the heat shield, the rest is easy. For sound you can hear it sucking air alot more than stock, but its not much louder actually. Worked great without a tune and definatly noticable increase. I eventually did get a tune and it is even better now
but a tune isn't needed.
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Ordered 2/8/05 ->Build Week 3/7/05 ->Convoy 3/12/05 ->Delivered 3/22
2005 Sonic Blue GT Premium
K&N Aircharger, XCal2 with Bamachips tune
Metallic Pewter 10" Shelby Stripes 2" Space
Webelectric Sequential taillights
The first mod I did was a K&N CAI and Flowmaster exhaust, so I can not really say if the K&N CAI made a significant difference by itself, but with the exhaust...nothing but compliments. Damn it sounds good. I originally went without a tune, but I have since then tuned with a SCT XCal2 from Brent and it sounds and performs even better. The sound is better, meaning deeper and throatier, but not significantly louder. I grant, with the exhaust, a bit louder, but MUCH more deeper and throatier.
Couple Of K&N CAI Questions 
