Are the cool air intakes like the True Flow XDI Air Intake really worth the money? Is one better than the other or are they really all the same? I am looking to add a few HPs while saving some miles per gallons.

 

I think bringing in more air will always help a motor. There are many different brands and I think they will all help let your motor breathe. Personally I don't like spending $250 for the gain. I used a Rusty's Offroad version with a large K&N filter all for about 100 dollars delivered. It uses the stock air tube so it is not fancy.
Also consider that water is a big danger with most CAI. Hydrostatic lock is a very bad thing on a motor. Normal driving is no problem but if you get offroad and like to play in deeper water watch out. I can put my stock airbox back in with just a screwdriver and about 6 minutes.

 

I've had mine (AFE) on for about 5000 miles. My impression is that it makes no difference when I drive around town, but a decent improvement when I do a lot of highway miles. Just got more than 20 mpg on a round trip that was 3.5 hrs each way, all highway.

It definitely gave me more giddyup when I need it, and a better "growl".

Mine did result in a "whistle" sound from the engine that I've learned to live with, but may experiment with trying to dampen the air flow a little to cover it up.

Will it pay back? Probably, as I plan to have mine for many years.

 

Cold air intakes are really cool! I always try to change all my stock filters to these..I guess letting the engine breathe better(intake and exhaust) is always beneficial...on the JK,great sound when you rev it to 2500 rpm, awesome when you floor the pedal! just don't change your driving habits by being easy on the gas pedal..

 

Has anyone installed the True Flow XDI Air Intake yet? I'll be getting a cool air intake, but I am not sure which one yet.

 

I've no doubt some may well show gains on a dyno. I've also no doubt that some are just a gimmick. I can tell you this with 100% certainty. There is not ONE on the market that will give you 250-350 bucks worth of horse power. Not one. I may try one in the future. I have been looking at the True Flow XDI. Seems like it moves the air intake farthest away from the engine heat and it also is not supposed to have the "whistle" that come with some of the others. Then again, I may just leave mine stock.

 

My Airaid definitely made the throttle response a little better and the Jeep pulls better over 2000 RPMs, but we're not talking massive HP either. I haven't been able to really judge MPG because I put mine on late fall and my economy had already dropped (probably due to winter blend gas and other factors), but I'll be curious if I get anything better than what I got last summer.

Bottom line, if you're looking for a little extra, don't mind some noise, and aren't regularly doing water crossings or major mud then it might be worth a shot for you. As for the brand you mention, no experience with them, IMO stay with tested brands to make sure you get what little benefit they may offer. Lastly, if you do a search on this topic you'll get hundreds of responses to accumulate info from.

 

I just installed my XDI this weekend. It sounds great, and it gave me some giddy up in 2nd and 3rd gear.............looks cool too!

 

how much does the XDI cost?

 

$340 from Quadratec