AFE Question

[TCordero]

Well, I finally got rid of my stock muffler and put on a Magna Flow, I must say it sounds better without being too loud and it seems that my EGT's drop a little sooner and are slower to climb. Now for my next move, I'm looking at putting on an AFE Stage 1 Pro-Guard 7 intake with the Torque Tube. There seems to be quite a variation in prices on the web with the lowest being $279 + $91 for the torques tube (Diesel Performance Parts & no I don't work for them) all the way to $465 for the Stage 1 intake alone at AFE's web site.

My first question is this: any "buyer beware" stories from the cheaper websites? and secondly, is it worth the money? I'm looking for better performance when towing, mpg's would be nice and mainly just taking care of the motor and making its life easier.

Thanks-



04. 5 2500 4X4, LB, 6 sp, QC, 3. 73's, towing 28' toyhauler 5th wheel

 

[Bob4x4]

If you want the most air flow possible... ... ... ... yes it is worth it. I like to buy products from those that give good support and are willing to share their knowledge... ... ... not just the lowest price available on the net. I hear horror stories everyday from people who did not understand the product they bought and in some cases not knowing the down sides or risk factors.



Bob

 

[bill8333]

Nope never had a problem purchasing any item from vendors listed as this web site sponsors. Now going out side this web site you take your chances.



My2 cents

Bill

 

[JVolpe]

The 279 + 91 is about 25 less than I paid last summer. I would find a local performance shop that will match the total price(shipping, etc). That is what I did. When ever possible I like to be face to face with who I buy from.



The AFE is a good product and seems to be the choice for most, although there are other products that have satisfied and loyal owners. As long as you get the right model for your truck, there is not much to worry about. I am satisfied with my AFE w/Pro-Guard 7 and Torque Tube.

 

[daytripper63]

Whatever you do make sure you buy the pre-filter for the AFE it keeps it alot cleaner longer

 

[jwilliams3]

www.cmpchips.com they are pretty good to deal with and have some cheap prices.

AFE's factory prices are higher so their dealers get the business.

 

[JCleary]

Is it worth it?

Definitely make sure you get the pre-filter. I ruined my first filter by not having one, which let it get soaked with water. I guess it's not ruined, but it needs to be cleaned and re-oiled.



I found that I love the sound with the new intake, however there are no real performance gains. At least not measurable on a dyno, in my experience.



I tested with a Banks exhaust, and everything else stock. I tested again on the same dyno a month later, with the AFE being the only difference. I lost 1/2hp and 1. 5 ft-lb of torque.



I don't think the AFE intake swings the power either way. Weather conditions were similar, and the first time on the dyno my two runs were withing 1hp and a month later within 1/2 hp.



It does sound nice, and maybe it lets the turbo spool better, but unless you're running huge power mods it is not necessary, IMO.



I also noticed a fuel mileage decrease when I installed it. My right foot keeps calling for more fuel. I can't figure it out. It seems there's a direct link between my ears and my right foot :-laf

 

[Buffalo]

Att'n: BOB 4X4

Hi, Bob 4X4.



In your experience, what do you think about the filtering capabilities of the AFE Pro-Guard 7 with the Pre-filter? I know it "moves" a lot of air but, does it "filter" well enough? Would you put one on your truck?



The reason I ask is, on the Dieselplace.com website, there is a guy named SPICER that Performed a serious test on different filters and the AC Delco (stock Chev. Filter) filtered the best. I was just wondering if we are better off just using the stock filter unless we have substantially higher horsepower.



As usual, I always appreciate you sharing your opinions with us, since you have a lot of experience "actually wrenching" on these trucks.



BTW, from a warrantee standpoint, how does DC feel about these aftermarket filters?



Thanks for your opinions and suggestions.



Joe F. (Buffalo)

 

[Mark Craig]

TCordero,



That's the correct price on a Pro Guard 7 system, we got triple shipped on them by accident so we got a special price going to clear out soem of the inventory, only while supplies last though. Concerning the pre filter, remember we are selling the Pro Guard 7 system, for most applications that shouldn't require a pre filter. You won't have any need to be concerned as we are a Sponsor here and many other sites. Call us if you have any questions etc.



Mark @ DPPI

 

[ChrisKringle]

I would go with the BHAF setup. Basically, it's just a large diameter paper element filter (Fleetguard AH19037) you clamp to the end of the flexable intake tube. Sounds shady, but I'm of the opinion it's one of the best things I could have done for the intake.



1) Reliable paper (paper is good) filtration, exceeds capabilities of 'aftermarket high flow units'.



2) Only costs $50 and half an hour.



3) Will last 50,000+? miles with water repellent 'Outerware' prefilter ($25).



4) Huge surface area, has to outflow probably even K&N. I would be surprised if that thing is restrictive, it's 10. 5" dia. x 10. 5" long--all filter.



5) Sleep well at night knowing (thinking?) you've done the right thing.





You pull out stock airbox (snaps), cut end off of flexable intake hose, stretch and clamp. Clearance under hood insulation a bit with utility knife. Done. Have a beer.

 

[DPKetchum]

Mines been on about 10k. I hve the prefilter,no torque tube(didn't want any more NOISE) I pulled my tubes the other day and NO signs of any dust or anything. Squeaky clean.

 

[ACerf]

I got my AFE from STC performance. I think I paid a fair price, and if I had problems I know that David at STC would take care of it. I also my X-Monitor from with as well.

I also have a MagnaFlow muffler, 36" in fact. If you are going to ever get a chip you are going to find out that most of the companies suggest that you have an increased flow air cleaner, along with the increased exhaust flow. Due to the increases in EGT's when using these products. This quarters TDR mag as a great article about the performance chips.



If you are going to do alot of towing you might also consider looking into getting a Mag-Hytec diff and transmission covers. The cover will increase your trans capacity by 4 qts and the diff cover by 2 qts.

 

[JVolpe]

I did get the pre-filter with my AFE/Pro-Guard 7 and Torque Tube. The pre-filter does seem to keep water and mud from being able to soak into the actual filter. I wont run without it. For the extra $30 or so it seems worth it to me.

 

[ASchwartz]

Bhaf

I was present at a Dyno day where a truck had the BHAF. It ran once with tons of black smoke pouring out of the exhuast. A quick change to the AFE ProGuard 7 and a rerun with no smoke at all.



I am a geologist and run my truck everyday on dirt roads. I clean my prefilter often and have my oil monitored and have found no increase in silica or other contaminants.



The noise does not bother me, however, I have straight piped my truck and enjoy that noise as well.



Hope this helps.



Avi



P. S. As for the price. I suggest you support your local dealer/supplier. They will be there when you need them.

 

[Smokin_Monster]

Well, I finally got rid of my stock muffler and put on a Magna Flow, I must say it sounds better without being too loud and it seems that my EGT's drop a little sooner and are slower to climb. Now for my next move, I'm looking at putting on an AFE Stage 1 Pro-Guard 7 intake with the Torque Tube. There seems to be quite a variation in prices on the web with the lowest being $279 + $91 for the torques tube (Diesel Performance Parts & no I don't work for them) all the way to $465 for the Stage 1 intake alone at AFE's web site.
My first question is this: any "buyer beware" stories from the cheaper websites? and secondly, is it worth the money? I'm looking for better performance when towing, mpg's would be nice and mainly just taking care of the motor and making its life easier.
Thanks-

04. 5 2500 4X4, LB, 6 sp, QC, 3. 73's, towing 28' toyhauler 5th wheel

I do a lot of business with (not for) Diesel Performance Parts. They are GREAT! I would recomend buying from them any day. The aFe Pro Guard 7 is the best intake you can find in my opinion. Before I put mine on I could get my EGTs to 1500-1600 empty. After, I have yet to get over 1250. The prefilter is also a good idea.

 

[Hercules130]

Would The Proguard 7 Work Withe The Diesel Power Products Cool Hose?

 

[ChrisKringle]

I was present at a Dyno day where a truck had the BHAF. It ran once with tons of black smoke pouring out of the exhuast. A quick change to the AFE ProGuard 7 and a rerun with no smoke at all.



I am a geologist and run my truck everyday on dirt roads. I clean my prefilter often and have my oil monitored and have found no increase in silica or other contaminants.



The noise does not bother me, however, I have straight piped my truck and enjoy that noise as well.



Hope this helps.



Avi



P. S. As for the price. I suggest you support your local dealer/supplier. They will be there when you need them.

Anyone else have an opinion about this? I would like to see some flow test on the BHAF. I know the AFE is the best you can do for a multy layer gauze. Gauze still doesn't filter as well as paper.

 

[Bob4x4]

I helped set up that dyno day. We pulled off a BHAF and installed an AFE. It made 8 more hp! Do you still think the BHAF flows enough?(as I recall that was a mild truck) I have run every AFE set-up on my Ram (for my model) and have been happy with them all. I saw a significant smoke reduction when changing over to AFE from my previous K&N cone filter. Same size-same tubing-same shielding.



Bob

 

[Bob4x4]

ChrisKringle,With your increased fueling you might want to dyno with an AFE then your BHAF just for s' & giggles. Oo.



Bob

 

[ChrisKringle]

I helped set up that dyno day. We pulled off a BHAF and installed an AFE. It made 8 more hp! Do you still think the BHAF flows enough?(as I recall that was a mild truck) I have run every AFE set-up on my Ram (for my model) and have been happy with them all. I saw a significant smoke reduction when changing over to AFE from my previous K&N cone filter. Same size-same tubing-same shielding.



Bob

K&N is less restrictive than most all other filter elements, including AFE. Of course alot more air AND elements get by the filter. I don't see how one could make more smoke (runnin' rich) on a K&N vrs. a AFE. There is a study on the site somewhere that shows K&N the least restrive.