fred,
thanks for the info/advice. the only intake I'm seeing online so far are k&n kits. these kits do not extend outside the engine compartment though, do you know of any kits that do? also, what is if any, the benefit of changing gears? what ratio? ive always been a mustang guy, im not sure if a 4x4 will benefit the same way a mustang would. what do you think??
thanks, charles
Note: I'm talking about stock engines.
The advantage of keeping it stock is that there are controls on a stock intake that aid in cold weather start and run. I don't know of any kit that supplies air from outside the engine compartment to that type of filter. I have heard of it being moved outside but as I recall it they had to do a lot of cutting. I suppose a box could be built and ducted to the original intake location.
Some people think that filter supplies more air, and the question is, "For what?" I know it makes a different sound, but that is just because of the design of that thing. That's like putting playing cards in your bicycle spokes, it makes noise and might sound cool, but that is all. If at a given RPM and displacement your engine requires 350 CFM both filters will supply 350 CFM. Unless something is done to the engine to make it require more air than the stock system can supply, then there is no advantage to increasing the possible supply of air.
As far as gearing, what Browncityredneck says is true. There are different reasons for re-gearing 1. would be increasing tire size which if you go too far turns your truck into a real dog off the line without re-gearing. 2. Would be to increase torque to the wheels. which is similar to the first one but just to get more torque and a quicker off the line response, (Unless that is accompanied by some running gear beefing up it could result in a broken drive shaft or axles). 3. gearing also can depend on what the truck is going to be used for. (An off road only truck would be geared for torque and to keep the RPMs up. However, gearing for off road only usage will result in an engine that is screaming if trying to cruise at 65 MPH). So basically you need to think about how you are going to use the truck, what tire size and then design to that. If done properly, you need to think of the effect any change has on the over all running of the truck.
That's just a few thoughts, but generally for a road vehicle, re-gearing is to accommodate increases in tire diameter, to keep the engine RPM down at cruise, and to keep the speedometer accurate. In an off road vehicle it is done for torque and to keep engine RPM UP while going slow over rough terrain.
That's just a basic over view, hope that helps get you thinking.
Good luck,
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