Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) BHAF, is it the way to go?

[johncameron]

I want to get rid of my stock air box and K&N filter soon. I've done a bunch of research and I seem to find mixed opinions. I've even read that someone lost MPG and had their EGT's increase????



I have a stock turbo so it can only flow so much air, so I think it would be a good upgrade for me. Does the heatshield make a big difference too?



Any experiences and input is appreciated.



BTW, I don't want to spend 300$ either!



Thanks, John

 

[darkhorse]

An AFE drop in Pro7 for your stock filter box would work but you need to remove the plastic snorkel to the fender & possibly cut a few holes in the bottom of the box. A BHAF is probably the most economical solution in the short run.

 

[johncameron]

you need to remove the plastic snorkel to the fender & possibly cut a few holes in the bottom of the box.

I've alerady done that with my K&N filter. The BHAF must flow more air than any filter in the stock box? The bottom of my airbox has cracked also so I should change it anyway.



John

 

[darkhorse]

Then it sounds like the BHAF is your budget way to improve filtration & air flow. I would recommend an outer ware cover for moisture protection & the heat shield is pretty simple to add.

 

[johncameron]

Thanks for the input, I'll check with our local Fleetguard dealership for a price.



John

 

[pcarlson]

John,



If you go back to your magazines there was an article about air filters in there. I can't remember the issue number right off but your stock filter I believe would support your hp.



I have the stock box, BHAF and Scotty II and I have been playing with all of them. So far my mileage is best so far with the stock box (w/snorkel). EGT's haven't presented a problem either, but I haven't towed a heavy load since I started playing with these. The snorkel isn't a flow restiction that I would buy into. Look at sq area of the snorkel and say a 4in pipe.



Play around with your setup and see if you can tweak it before spending too much. Cutting holes in your stock box will make it draw air from under the hood and the hot air will be of little gain. If you cut holes in the stock box make up a tubing to draw air from outside.



Keep in mind this is just my observations on my truck and my opinion.

 

[darkhorse]

Not to be argumentative, but in my experience, I found I could suck the filter minder down with one near full throttle run with either the stock filter or an AFE pro 7 drop in. Removing the snorkel solved that problem. I put no extra holes in the box.

 

[Regcabguy]

I 've been through an AFE drop-in,AFE Stage I(this one I swear made a difference,lower EGT's and slightly better response,but NOISY)to the BHAF I now employ. I feel the BHAF is the best compromise for my situation. I'm not using a heat shield and the outwears are only slightly warm on most days.

 

[amnewsom]

I got a great deal on a AFE replacement system (stage 1), buddy has the 2 on his 2nd gen, I had the KN drop in, but it was a great deal and I just dont dig on the KN anymore. BHAF is a nice simple upgrade, I would think a heat shield would benefit me here in the heart of Texas, but elsewhere maybe not. My thoughts, take them as you will.

 

[Signal73]

I used to suck down the filterminder with alot less fuel and air then Im running now with a K+N in a stock airbox. Not so with the BHAF with 8K on it, hasnt moved. $30-40 from some online retailers such as filter1.com or fleetfilter.com.

 

[McLaughlin]

Might look at "green intakes" they seem to be in the price range your looking for. Link is here. Don't know what impact it had on EGTs since I didn't have a gauge before the install. It did seem to help performance (a little bit). Fuel mileage was about the same before and after. I can hear the turbo spool up now.

 

[Nyoest]

Getcha a Bhaf, a heat shield and pull the silencer ring and enjoy that cummins! Dieselminded has a really good heat shield template that i used on his website.

 

[broeser340]

AEM Bruteforce/BHAF Hybrid?

I'm thinking about getting the Bruteforce setup for my '05. I will have to wait and see how well the oil free AEM filter works. I am not too big of a fan of oiled filters. The afe stage 2 setups are a little out of hand (price wise), and the Volant seems too "stock" to even bother with it. Has anyone changed the Bruteforce over to a BHAF? Regardless, I will run a filter sock. Also, is the filter a WIX or Fleetguard? Part numbers anyone? Thanks.

 

[RAJohnson]

BHAF info: http://www.dodgedieseldatabase.com/toppage2.htm

 

[johncameron]

Well I did it, here is my BHAF.

 

[CFowler]

john, how does it sound? i have never heard a bhaf before.

 

[johncameron]

The turbo whistle is about the same as my previous drilled stock aribox without the silencer ring and the fender tube removed. The intake growl (low frequency) above 2000RPM is definately louder. At my regular 1900RPM cruise it is about the same but when I downshift it rumbles quite a bit more. I'm going to put my silencer ring back in and see how much that changes the whistle.



John

 

[Signal73]

Looks good. I got 7K on mine now, its a litle more grey then yours. Ill probably get 20 K at least on it Id expect before the minder starts to move.

 

[surfbeetle]

I have been contemplating using a bhaf. The previous posts reference the filter minder, is it the same one from the stock box, where does it attach to, or does the bhaf have its own filter minder? thanks.

 

[Signal73]

I drilled a hole in my intake tube and inserted it in there inbetween one of the ridges. looks pretty slick too.