Air filter and elevation

[Whitmore]

I have read many posts from across the land about which air filter to use and big concerns about EGT's. I know this has been hashed over alot but I want to bring it up again for the main reasoning that the elevation makes a big difference because of air density, in the higher elevations the air is not as dense and it makes a big difference on which filter you run. Alot of folks here say that the OEM filter is good up to 350 HP and I would bet that at sealevel up to say 2 or 3k elevation that is prolly correct, another factor to consider is the outside temps or inlet temp to the filter, the colder temps are optimum and the warmer temps are alot different, towing over a mountain pass during the summer will be the worst conditions that we can experience so we have to gear our trucks for that. I am not saying that one system is better than any other but I am saying that before you bomb your air filter please consider where you may travel to and what kind of conditions your truck will be subjected to.



cheers, Kevin

 

[24V-DSL]

I agree with the elevation point, Kevin.



I live at sea level, but took a trip to New Mexico last summer and couldn't believe how much more my truck smoked, higher egt's through the Rockies, etc. And, all that with a aFe Mega-cannon, ATS manifold, unloaded, etc. Someone told me that there is ~25% less oxygen at these 5-7K ft. elevations.

 

[mschoenheider]

I can't agree more. At sea level you have about 14. 4 psia pushing air through your air filter, but up at 7000' you ha about 13 psia. Any restriction in your air filter at sea level won't do too much, but if you are already starting out down 1. 4 psi, then any further loss due to an air filter will run your EGTs through the roof. Basically your turbo has to work harder to achieve the same output pressure, which generates more heat in the intake charge, and can push your turbo into an area of the turbo map that has a lower efficiency. End result higher EGTs and less power. That being said, I still have my stock airbox. Hopefully will be replacing it with a clear Scotty 2 soon.

Mark

 

[MLee]

air pressure/temps

i have noticed about maybe 50* difference in temps in differing altitude and maybe10* of boost, from 10M' to sea level, at moderate speeds, i might have mine set about rite, how ever i am a watch dog on the boost and temps. but there is soooo many factors that one has to consider, especially the right foot.

just my penny's worth



Marv.