Volant CAI Intake Install

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iceman302

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I finally got around to installing the Volant intake this afternoon. It came with both an oiled conical filter and the new Powercore filter. Its a new filter design and its supposed to outflow the older type. Its kind of an odd deal because it appears to be made of paper and it looks like it only flows from the end since its wrapped in a paper material. I decided to try the Powercore.

Volant Donaldson PowerCore Filter-RH3

I did discover one interesting item during removal. I had read several threads about water ingestion issues from the fenderwell. My truck appears to have a rubber apron or blocker in the fenderwell by the airbox. The lower snorkel of the box actually feeds through the hole and gets air from the other side. Does everyone's look like this? Is the water ingestion problem actually on the other side of this apron?

DSC06795.jpg

The quality and fitment on this intake is good. The looks are excellent as well. Plus, you get a box that's sealed from under hood heat. The bottom of the box has a large opening on two entire sides that draws in air from the fenderwell. The main box itself has two posts that sit down into the factory rubber grommets. Overall, its a pretty well sorted intake.

The sound is dramatically louder than stock. I haven't had a chance to floor it yet but you get a deep, throaty sound even at part throttle. Part of this undoubtedly has to do with the removal of the factory intake silencer.

Now for the negatives. First, I'd like to be critical of the instructions. I actually could be if the damn thing actually came with any. I don't know if it was supposed to or not... mine only came with a parts list and diagram. I had to figure out all the disassembly stuff myself. Second (and a bigger issue), the location of the new coolant tank does not jive with the factory hood closure switch that ties into the remote start. It is dead in the way and won't let you bolt up the coolant tank. I ended up using a metal L bracket that was provided in the parts bag. I couldn't figure out where they wanted me to use it so I bent it flat and used it to relocate the hood closure switch. You can see it in the upper right corner of the picture below. It almost looks factory and I doubt most people would notice. The best part is that it works.

Overall, this is a great intake with a few installation related shortcomings. I'll update this thread once I get a chance to drive it a bit more. I'm very happy with it so far.

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YouTube - 2011 Raptor 6.2L with Volant CAI
 
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pirate air

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Nice write up! I know those powercore style filters have been used in both the Powerstroke and Duramax factory air housings for a few years now. They're supposed to be pretty good, but I dunno how they do in extreme off road situations. I like the Volant kit but I'm worried the non-cleanable powercore would clog with dirt and I'd be buying 100 dollar special order filters all the time. I didn't know the kit came with two filters, so I guess for extreme stuff the oiled conical filter is supposed to be used?? Did you happen to measure the inside diameter of the new MAF housing or intake tube? I'm curious if it's any bigger or not.
 
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iceman302

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I didn't take any measurements. I can try to get an approximate measurement tomorrow. The intake tube itself doesn't appear to be much (if any) larger. The biggest difference would be on the filter end, being a much larger oval/conical filter with less restriction and a direct path for the incoming air. The filter is actually a large oval where it exits the interior of the box and funnels into the intake tube. I'd guess the factory silencer chambers cost a little power too.
 
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JP7

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Very informative Iceman!
As for the water intake issue - I don't have a rubber flap in the wheel well, and I had experienced water/mud ingestion once when I had hit a puddle too hard. From what I could tell, the porting comes through the wheel well and is possibly fed through the side vent?
So I would offer the opinion that yes, the water issue is on the other side of the apron, and advise all to avoid deep puddles or 'headlights deep' mud :)
 

pirate air

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Now its got me wondering but I think mine also has that rubber apron....
 
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iceman302

iceman302

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After driving it a bit more, the sound is definitely throaty... far louder than stock. Even moderate throttle inputs will get the intake "bellowing". I would actually prefer that it was a little more subtle and not quite so loud. I've run a lot of these types of intakes and I'd have to say this is probably the loudest. The sound isn't bothersome but not perfect either.
 
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iceman302

iceman302

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This is the CAI I want to get. I want my truck to be a little louder and throatier. I just need to get some funds. Thank you for the write up.

Here is the instructions I found on Volants website. Did they send you this???
http://volant.com/3dkls/iddb/Tfile/FILE/Instructions/Trucks/19000_Ford/19162_2.pdf

It was similar but less detailed.

I actually just ordered a 4" to 3.5" rubber reducer and a couple hose clamps. My plan is the retain the Volant box and filter, but have the intake tube feed into the stock intake silencer to muffle the intake noise. This should make the same power and be a bit quieter.
 
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