The 6.4 Powerstroke Cold Air Intake Instructions. For a variety of reasons, cold air intakes are among the most popular first mods. Drivers are mostly looking for improved performance and induction sounds. But how does an improved intake affect the Ford 6.4 Powerstroke diesel engine? This post will look into 6.4 Powerstroke intake improvements, power gains, perks, and more. Stock, this engine produces 350 horsepower at 2,000 rpm and 650 lb-ft of torque at 3000 rpm. The 6.4L Powerstroke may be powerful enough for most truck drivers. An improved intake system, on the other hand, might be one of the best bang for your buck mods for enhancing efficiency, performance, and power.
The Ford 6.4 diesel engine is recognised for its power rather than its reliability or lifespan. The 6.4L’s reliability is regarded mediocre to below average, especially when compared to the workhorse Ford 7.3L diesel engine. This article will go over some of the advantages and disadvantages of each recommended intake method, as well as their implications on reliability and power. First, we’ll need to go deeper into some of the greatest intakes on the market, as well as their prices and advertised performance data. Regardless, improved airflow will undoubtedly boost the performance of any engine, much alone this massive diesel.
Advantages of a PowerStroke Intake Upgrade
Power increases are frequently related with a new intake system. However, there are numerous advantages to upgrading your 6.4L intake, including:
- Increase in horsepower of 5 to 15 percent
- Increase of torque of 10 to 20 lb-ft
- More rapid throttle response and turbo spool
- improved airflow by 15 to 30%
- a cleaner engine compartment
- More powerful induction sound
As is customary, the majority of the benefits described above rely on other supporting mods and a solid tune. Power is substantially boosted with extra mods, as it is with most engines.
With increased power comes improved throttle response and a faster turbo spool. A redesigned intake increases airflow, resulting in a more responsive and powerful engine. Because of the enhanced airflow, the Ford Powerstroke 6.4 engine should notice a boost in fuel economy.
Installing a new cold air intake system can also help to clean and organise the engine bay. When compared to the factory system, many improved intakes are easier to install and remove when necessary. Furthermore, drivers may expect quicker repairs and maintenance with a cleaner engine bay due to improved accessibility.
Many drivers enjoy the increased induction sounds provided by a cold air intake system. Notably, open intake systems versus closed or boxed systems can have a substantial impact on engine sound. Closed intake systems, on the other hand, are quieter and allow for less airflow. Let’s have a look at the various intake designs available for the 6.4 PS engine and analyse the differences and benefits of each.
6.4 Comparison of Powerstroke Cold Air Intake to Others
It’s worth noting that throughout this post, we’ve referred to the 6.4 Powerstroke intake improvements as cold air intakes. Because of the various types of intakes on the market, this could be a misnomer. Cold air intakes, for example, are intended to improve airflow by bringing cooler air into the engine compartment. The engine may then draw in cooler air, improving engine output.
Unlike a short ram intake, which tries to minimise friction rather than reroute the intake filter to a cooler place in the engine compartment, this intake aims to reduce friction. When there is less friction, there is greater airflow for the intake. Throughout this essay, we will explicitly name each sort of intake we propose and explain the benefits.
Intake Systems: Closed vs. Open
Air enters the filter and is routed through a turbocharger in the case of the Ford 6.4 Powerstroke. The turbocharger’s air compression generates a lot of heat. The hot air is subsequently cooled by passing through the intercooler. As a result, the temperature of the air entering the intake has little effect on the engine’s power and performance. This is necessary to assist drivers in deciding whether to use a closed or open intake.
There are two types of intake systems available for the Ford 6.4 Powerstroke: closed air intake and open-air systems. The filter is exposed to the engine bay in open-air systems. Closed air refers to a filter that is enclosed or contained within a boxed structure. There are other aftermarket alternatives that can be characterised as “semi-closed.” These semi-enclosed choices can be partially exposed, converted to an open intake, or fitted with a heat shield.
For the 6.4 Powerstroke engine, we believe that open-air intake systems are the best alternative. Open-air systems simply encourage the maximum amount of airflow through the filter. An open system may draw hotter air from the engine compartment, but the intercooler serves to lower the temperature.
However, closed intake systems are available on the market for a reason. For drivers looking for a more delicate sound from their enhanced intake, a closed system is the ideal alternative. A closed intake can help to lessen the overall noise contributed by your improvement.
Upgrades for the 6.4 PowerStroke Cold Air Intake
Finally, let’s look at some of the best intake mods for your 6.4 Ford Powerstroke. When it comes to an enhanced intake system for your 6.4L diesel engine, you have a lot of options. Obviously, our list below does not include every possibility. Instead, these are the top 6.4 Powerstroke intakes in terms of price, quality, and performance.
1) S&B 75-1505 Cold Air Intake for 6.4L Powerstroke
For many years, S&B has been a well-known maker of air intake systems on the market. Aside from large diesel engines, S&B filters can be found in a wide range of improved engines. You can’t go wrong with S&B intakes if you value dependability and quality.
This closed version includes a removable top section that may be converted into an open-air intake for maximum airflow. This improvement has the ability to boost airflow by up to 23.1% (as promised by S&B). This simple design is dependable and effective in increasing the power of your engine. The clean looks and ease of use are also a great touch for the price. It’s never a bad idea to go with a reputable and well-known brand like S&B.
Price: $350
2) Ford 6.4L Powerstroke Sinister Diesel Intake
Our next pick comes from Sinister Diesel, a firm known for producing dependable items with dramatic aesthetics. This option is enabled, allowing for maximum ventilation and simple access to the intake. The cotton filter included with this Sinister Diesel kit makes maintenance and washing simple.
This option is difficult to overlook, especially when evaluating the overall design and performance, independent of price. At $443, this system offers a significant improvement in sound, speed, and throttle response. The blue colour from the sun glinting on your engine will make this improvement feel like money well spent once fitted.
However, the cost of simple aluminium tubing and an air filter on an open-intake construction can appear to be prohibitively expensive. Especially given that open systems are typically less expensive. However, it’s difficult to dispute that Sinister Diesel provides a high-quality design with good power improvements and a stunning appearance.
Price: $443
3) Cold Air Intake K&N 6.4 L Powerstroke Blackhawk Series
Our final suggestion is again affiliated with a reputable intake manufacturer. The Blackhawk series from K&N does not shy away from an above-average price tag, despite its understated appearance. This option is now available for a high price of $450. This intake choice allows drivers to relax, knowing they have purchased a high-quality and long-lasting product.
This option, once again, boasts improved power, throttle responsiveness, and fuel economy. The black powder-coated aluminium tubing and matte black overall colouring give any engine compartment a humble yet aggressive appearance. This upgrade is unquestionably a high-quality alternative, especially given that K&N claims it can be fitted in an hour and a half.
Most K&N alternatives on the market are excellent. Along with the other power and performance gains we mentioned, the Blackhawk Series intake upgrade promises a louder and more dramatic engine sound. At $450, this item is our most expensive recommendation. Drivers, on the other hand, may rely on K&N to provide a high-quality mod.
Price: $450
Related : The P1014 Code: Symptoms – Causes and Solutions
Summary of Ford 6.4 Powerstroke Intake Upgrades
The basic 6.4 Powerstroke has plenty of power, but a cold air intake addition might take your engine to the next level. Having saying that, this powerful diesel engine responds nicely to upgrades and tune. So it’s difficult not to consider an enhanced intake when it could be the missing piece of your diesel project’s puzzle.
We discussed the various names and labels for intake systems, as well as the advantages of open-air and closed-air intakes. We covered how open-air systems promote maximum airflow for your engine. With a good intercooler, the excess heat entering the filter should not be an issue. Open intakes are often less expensive than closed versions, however closed intakes provide less increased sound.
S&B, Sinister Diesel, and K&N all provide extremely dependable and performance-driven designs. You can always try your luck with an Amazon wildcard option for only $56. There are no assurances regarding fitment or quality with our wildcard suggestion. However, Amazon’s return policy is unbreakable. We advise readers to mind the adage “you get what you pay for.” Let us know in the comments if you’ve had any luck with Amazon’s lower-cost intakes or adjustments. We do not officially advocate or support these devices, despite the fact that there are many respectable manufacturers of air intake improvements on the market.
