Replacing replacement Cold Air System

[rcolety]

When my 2005 was new I installed a Bully Dog air filter system. Based on the comments in the Geno Garage catalog, I have been considering moving to the Airaid system.



Much has been written about going from the stock system, but do you think there is any advantage to me changing from Bully Dog to Airaid?

 

[DaveHess]

This is a question that has beleagured me for awhile now. I had a PG7 in mine with oil samples coming back with Silicon at 5. All of my samples. Did some research here on the threads and decided to go back to the Fleetguard paper. Not rolling the dice on this one. We'll see what happens at the next sample. Interestingly, did you check the graph in Issue 55 or 56 when TDR magazine did a comp of air filters and intake systems? Not a huge difference between the PG7 and the paper at that time. It was in PG7's favor HP wise but it wasn't a runaway. Doesn't really answer your question. Just my . 02

 

[CToney]

If the paper gets wet it gets sucked into the intake. I just talked to a fellow that said large dealers see one wrecked engine a month from this. I think the PG7 would stand up better.

 

[rcolety]

I made the switch. Went with the AIRRAID MXP Series Air Intake System.
Noticeable difference. Engine was more responsive when accelerating, less smoke when punching it and more power when towing.

Glad I had the factory system in the garage. I needed some parts that the BD system didn't use but it took only 45 minutes to convert.

 

[R.Taylor]

Stock air box with the PSM Cool power hose kit and the DPP Cool tube with a drop in Amsoil Ea filter... ..... Blows doors off of ALL the aftermarket kits. Flows better, Filters better and looks better. Stay away from oiled type filters like K&N and so on, Run a dry filter. It took me months of reading posts and looking around at what's out there, My conclusion came from TDR folks input.

 

[billjoh]

2 questions. I'm an old guy with an old wife who doesn't like a lot of noise.

I have a 2003. It's stock with a 31/2" exhaust and stock muffler. Do you think the 4" would be worth the investment?

How much louder, I know it's difficult to quantify that, is your exhaust?

Does the cool hose add much compartment noise?

I tow a heavy 5th wheel whichs adds significantly to the db level.



Thanks,



Bill

 

[Regcabguy]

2 questions. I'm an old guy with an old wife who doesn't like a lot of noise.

I have a 2003. It's stock with a 31/2" exhaust and stock muffler. Do you think the 4" would be worth the investment?

How much louder, I know it's difficult to quantify that, is your exhaust?

Does the cool hose add much compartment noise?

I tow a heavy 5th wheel whichs adds significantly to the db level.



Thanks,



Bill

The Cool Hose does add a very slight whistle to your interior. My wife and I found it too much. Bryan Howell@Diesel Performance Products sells a TAG device that quiets it back down. I've got the stock 4" exhaust on my '07 with a Shuttleworth Diesel Muffler spliced into the stock muffler's location. A bit throatier sound w/zero drone.

 

[billjoh]

Thanks RCG. Appreciate the good info.



Bill

 

[JJPage]

2 questions. I'm an old guy with an old wife who doesn't like a lot of noise.

I have a 2003. It's stock with a 31/2" exhaust and stock muffler. Do you think the 4" would be worth the investment?

How much louder, I know it's difficult to quantify that, is your exhaust?

Does the cool hose add much compartment noise?

I tow a heavy 5th wheel whichs adds significantly to the db level.



Thanks,



Bill

In order for the 4" exhaust to be of any benefit over the 3 1/2", you also have to change the cast elbow off the back of the turbo, then you can go with a 4" down pipe also. Your stock cast elbow on your 03 goes from 4" off the turbo , to 3 1/2" to the downpipe.



You can find used cast elbows, I actually went that route, but until I installed a larger turbo, the results were not worth the effort.



The Cool hose is a nice upgrade, thick silicone, no baffles, I did not notice any noise increase until I pulled out the silencer ring from the inlet of the turbo, then it whistled quite a bit over stock.



Really, in all honesty, if your 03 is stock, changing your intake and exhaust will only net you cooler egt's, if you retain a closed airbox like the Icebox(closed to engine temps). I do not believe you will notice any mileage gains, if so they will be minimal, you may gain some hp & tq by removing the restictions in both intake and exhaust, but they will also be slight.



Just my . 02

 

[MChrist]

Bill, want a suggestion? If you like it quiet, save your money on intake and exhaust and buy a Smarty Jr. You WILL gain MPG, power, response, and still be just as quiet as you are today. No wrenching, cutting, torching needed. I've built up my '06 step by step, and the Smarty Jr made the biggest difference so far. (until my twins come in this week!!)
Good luck.

 

[DaveHess]

A little Off-Topic but R. Taylor, how do you keep your engine so clean???

 

[JGheen]

A little Off-Topic but R. Taylor, how do you keep your engine so clean???

I'm assuming Simple Green and a pressure washer... ... keeps my engine bay spotless.



Joe

 

[DaveHess]

The pressure washer doesn't cause damage in the compartment???

 

[billjoh]

Here's another issue. I have a dealer installed Jacob exhaust brake. Installed when I bought the truck. Don't know if the outlet is 31/2 or 4 inch. It appears they welded a 4inch flange to reduce to the 31/2 pipe. Can't tell for certain.



Bill

 

[R.Taylor]

A little Off-Topic but R. Taylor, how do you keep your engine so clean???

Simple green is correct..... Plus I installed the Defiant Truck products stainless steel rock shield / crap deflector. It protects everything really well and makes a HUGE difference when it comes to dirt and dust covering everything.



Defiant Truck Products - 03-08 DODGE 4x4 2500/3500 STAINLESS ROCK SHIELDS



PS: No pressure washer, Just a garden hose with a decent nozzle (We have 119psi of water in our house since we are close to a boosting pump station).