AirRaid Intake Power Loss

[Sam2627]

I have a 07 PT Pacific Coast Highway Edition, 2.4L no turbo.

I recently installed a AirRaid intake quick fit system. The installation went smooth only took about 20 min. After driving with the AirRaid, i wasnt very impressed. It sounds cool, but i think i actually lost power, my gas mileage has even dropped from 20 to 17. What can i do to fix this issue? will a Jet chip help? i think my air/fuel ratio is off. any help?

[CREWZIN]

Sam, Welcome to the forum.

Let me take a guess that before you put on the Airaid filter you drove modestly and were happy with 20mpg. Now you say it sounds "cool" with the new filter. To hear that sound, your accelerating faster than you were before and that's going to drop your mileage.

The Jet Chip (not actually a chip) will give you a few more HP but at about $300 and the chance the dealer will flash your computer and set everything back to normal, it probably isn't worth it.

You shold have noticed a bit better acceleration from a dead stop with the Air Raid (that's what opening up the air intake does to the PT) but loose a little at middle and top end. But if your worried about top end, you shouldn't be worried about gas mileage.

Go for synthetic oil and a less restrictive exhaust system. That will help a little bit on performance but don't look for neck snapping, crowd cheering performance from the non-turbo, unless your willing to spend big bucks.

It's a cruiser, enjoy the ride.

[Sam2627]

i spoke with someone about the issue, he said when you add a aftermarket air intake, it messes up your air/fuel ratio, therefore burning more fuel. if that is true and my motor is getting more air than fuel, what can i do to resolve the issue. also, what are the best cost efficiant parts that can increase gas mileage

[soonercruiser]

That's what I had testified to in an earlier performance thread.
I love the sound; so I tend to let the rpm "wrap up" in 2nd & 3rd, just to hear it. That has probably cost me some gas!
But, I do get a quicker pedal response and jump start when I need it.
Crewzin,
Any chance there is also maybe a problem with remount, or reconnect of the sensor contributing to less power? Does this call for a disconnect of the battery, to let the computer reset?

[CREWZIN]

Frank,

You asking me? It's always a good idea to disconnect the negative cable of the battery for a few minutes when adding an aftermarket performance part so the computer will learn how the engines running with the part, BUT, it will enventually learn the new part on it's own without the disconnect.

The IAT connector plus other sensors should adjust for any change in the incoming air flow and adjust the air/fuel mixure accordingly/automatically. Make sure it (IAT) is set in correctly with no air gaps and be very careful of the tip (which does the incoming air measurement) and is easily broken off.

[quicksilverdon]

Welcome, Sam.
Double-check everything is tight with the AirAid. I had one on my '02, and mileage didn't get worse, and it felt "peppier" - no more "throttle lag".
As to a jet chip, it can help:
PTCrew.com - Learn it or Burn it.
Put 3-4 more PSI in your tires than the door sticker says - you can feel that, too.

[Mean Green]

Originally Posted by Sam2627

i spoke with someone about the issue, he said when you add a aftermarket air intake, it messes up your air/fuel ratio, therefore burning more fuel. if that is true and my motor is getting more air than fuel, what can i do to resolve the issue. also, what are the best cost efficiant parts that can increase gas mileage

Sorry, that is wrong. Computer controlled cars have parameters so it's really impossible to mess up a/f ratio. The computer also learns but still keeps within parameters. The only way you can really change anything is a piggyback computer or a stand alone one. SCT has come out with a handheld unit that actually allows you to change parameters in the pcm. A little spendy at $600, though. I had the Airaid on my automatic '01 PT and it worked great. There are no magical things you can add to your car to get a noticeable increase in mpg. In this day and age with the price of gas car manufacturers do everything they can to give your commuter car the best mpg possible. As long as your car is properly tuned, tires are properly inflated and you don't have a heavy foot you get what you get. No aftermarket intake, exhaust system, magnets, spiral vortex generator, etc will do it. MPG greatly varies so you have to get your numbers over more than just a couple of tankfuls.

[Hooligan]

Had a '02 with AiRaid system, was getting up to 24 mpg. Traded it in for a '06 both NA's, Was very disappointed in my mileage when new. After about 3000 miles the mileage increased. Now we have 38K and the AiRaid, just drove 287 miles and got 27 mpg, I drive around 67-68 on the Interstate. Replace plugs and wires at 500 miles due a slight hesitation.

[Sam2627]

do aftermarket plug wires better?

[Mean Green]

Originally Posted by Sam2627

do aftermarket plug wires better?

The factory plug wires are garbage.