In my younger days, I was always looking to change things out like the airbox. All it ever added was more noise. Fast forward to last year and I was watching the Motor Trend show Engine Masters. They tested cold air boxes and found NONE of them increased power. The power increase was eliminating MULTIPLE bends in the system. The results REALLY surprised me. I think the increased noise always makes people feel like they're getting mor HP, but you're really not.
They also tested using various octane fuels. In naturally aspirated engines, the higher octane DID NOT improve HP, but was recommended for turbo and super charged engines for better performance.
As far as the higher octane fuels go, I use them because of the additive packages. I am fortunate that my employer pays for my fuel, so the extra cost isn’t affecting me. I would probably add my own additives if I were using the lower grades of fuel. I don’t want my engine to have any excuses to give me problems because of buildup on the valves or injectors. As it is, I still run added Techron or other additives in the high grade fuels every 3-4 tanks.
For the airboxes, you didn’t mention what vehicle they used for testing. Factory vehicles are carefully engineered to maximize efficiency in all of the systems, and that comes with trade offs. Introducing more intake air can help a bit, because the intake systems are designed to adjust to it. But there are built in ceilings in place, including the amount of fuel and spark that’s available, and then everything downstream from the airbox.
Engines built for high performance have systems that are designed to forgo efficiency and longevity for performance. Factory trucks do not.
Obviously it’s not a 1:1 comparison, but it’s similar to our bodies. We can introduce more fuel, but unless we include more exercise and recovery, they are capped as to the benefits we receive from the food. And, over time, if adjustments aren’t made, we get fat and the other systems for dealing with it break down. Our arteries clog, our joints wear prematurely, our liver, heart, and kidneys suffer, our endocrine systems get overloaded, etc.
You’re not going to destroy your truck with an intake and taco Tuesday isn’t going to destroy your body. You just have to be realistic with your expectations.
Also, it’s totally ok to spend money on a cool looking intake that makes a cool sound, even if you don’t get a ton of hp from it. Life is hard. As long as it isn’t hurting anyone else, enjoy yourself!
