Modern engines have come a long way in improving efficiency and increas-ing power, but there are countless compromises in the design of these powerplants that can be exploited by aftermarket bolt-ons. Manufacturers are saddled with the task of building a product that not only meets strict guidelines, but also the consumer's expectations. For the intake and exhaust of the '04 F-150, for example, Ford had to produce an intake and exhaust that would perform well while still keeping things quiet. For the average truck owner, though, the sound of air rushing into the intake and rumbling out the tailpipe is a welcome addition. (Of course, the improved power is another bonus.) Volant's cool air intake and after-cat exhaust system are simple additions to your truck that will give you a marked improvement in power and a sound that will turn heads, so don't say we didn't warn you.
1. The cool air intake assembly...
1. The cool air intake assembly is simple and sturdy, and comes with a high-flow gauze filter.
2. The factory intake uses...
2. The factory intake uses baffles to quiet incoming air. The downside is that it interrupts airflow. After a few bolts were removed it was ready to be pulled out.
3. Here is the end of the...
3. Here is the end of the intake ducting that pulls air in through the fenderwell. You can see that the factory piece is narrow and constricted...but not for long.
4. All of the factory sensors...
4. All of the factory sensors were replaced in the Volant piece. The intake air temperature sensor was bolted into the boss on the intake tube.
5. This intake support bracket...
5. This intake support bracket was removed to make room for the filter box.
6. After installing a neoprene...
6. After installing a neoprene gasket, the filter box was installed to draw air in through the same opening into the fenderwell.
7. Fitting the intake to the...
7. Fitting the intake to the throttle-body was a snap. You can also see the PCV tube that Volant includes in the kit. It was connected to the port on the valve cover to keep the truck legal in the emissions department.
8. The gauze filter fit easily...
8. The gauze filter fit easily into the box. After a few turns on the hose claps everything was finished on this end.
9. Volant's after-cat exhaust...
9. Volant's after-cat exhaust comes with two lengths of exhaust tubing. The longer piece is for early '04 models, and the shorter one is for later models. Don't worry! Volant supplies both in its kit.