Picture of a prototype system before the intake tube was coated (vacuum metalized).

Generally, when we talk Ford and the 5.0 V8 around here we are talking about the 2011-2012 Mustang GT. However, Ford uses more of the 5.0L V8 engines in the F-150 than it does in the Mustang. There is a strong aftermarket for parts to hop up the F-150 just like there is for our Stangs. K&N has unveiled a new Air Intake System for the 2011 F-150 with the 5.0 inside and the intake needs no tune so you can put it on the truck without having to mess with programming the computer.

The K&N part number for the intake is 77-2581KP. After installing the new intake on a test F-150, the gang at K&N strapped the truck to the dyno rollers to see what sort of gains can be had. The truck put 266 WHP to the ground when bone stock with 254.33 lb-ft of torque. After removing that factory air box and installing the K&N air intake onto the 5.0 the truck made a nice gain in both horsepower and in torque at the wheels.

The K&N intake added 9.95 WHP at 5508 RPM for a new number of 276.55 WHP and 9.97 lb-ft of torque for a total of 264.30 lb-ft. These gains are modest, but when you want all the power you can get out of your truck for fun and work and the simple installation the K&N Air Intake System is a nice choice as a first modification. The air filter with the intake system is washable and reusable. It can last up to 100,000 miles before it needs replaced.