I have been thinking about replacing the stock intake tube on my jeep. I want to keep the stock airbox and filter so this wouldn't really be a CAI. I just want to reduce the resistance. I have read many mixed reviews about CAI and jeeps. Still, I think replacing the tube with a smooth tube would have to be beneficial. Has anyone replaced just the tube?

 

So you figure there's something wrong in the first place

 

I am in agreement, in general, with your thought. If you take the old adage " a motor is an air pump and anything done to make it breathe in and out easier is and has a performance benefit". However, some things may not be noticeable. I think if you smooth out the path and increase the volume slightly at the same time it may be noticeable. Also, before you start, get a base line on your performance (I'm talking about solid MPG for both city and highway as well as a planned route) where by you can get an honest assessment of what was done. Now, keep in mind that the computer is going to do what it wants based on the data it receives from the sensors; but it may do so at a slightly lower RPM; which will equate to slightly higher MPGs. I also suggest that you try to keep the joints and bends to a minimum in order to maximize the effect. Keep in mind I'm not guarantying that you will have success, but if no one thinks outside the box once in awhile life would be boring as s**t. Good luck.

 

I understand your thought process here but I really doubt that the intake tube is the creating enough turbulence or restriction that you would see any difference at all. The stock intake box and the throttle body are both probably a lot more restrictive than the intake tube.

 

I found a Airaid tube online that goes from the throttle body to intake box. I'm not sure why it is so expensive though. I agree the gains will be minimal. After looking at intakes kits, it seems like most replace it with something smooth. That is what got me thinking.

 

Just like to state that manufacturers have nothing to gain by designing and building something stupid.
A fish has scales and that makes for a rough texture. After a couple of hundred million years they still haven't changed that design....I guess they don't swim very well
If it ain't broke why throw money at it to fix it?

 

I have not done this, so my opinion only provides something to think about.

You're not going to find a restriction in your intake that is worse than the throttle plate.
If the plate isn't fully opened, the ribs in the intake tube won't be a factor.

Your thinking is in the right direction, though. I just can't see it making a difference at part throttle, which is where it is almost all the time.

If you do like mentioned above and get a baseline mpg, that baseline has to be over enough tanks of gas to average out driving conditions and seasonal changes. Then, after the installation, the new baseline has to be just as inclusive of driving conditions and seasonal changes.
Lots of people post that something they have done improved their mpg figure on the next tank or two of gas. It's not enough data to make it meaningful.

 

I don't know, the stock headlights on my JK feel pretty stupid...

 

The scales are only rough if you stroke them from tail to head. Head to tail it is actualy very smooth. That may be why fish don't swim backwards

 

restriction is more in the filter... put in a hi flow filter, but need to change oil more frequently.