Sealing Airaid Intake (Take 2) Comparison Modded K&N vs Stock VS Modded Airaid

[ZSHO]

Remember it needs to fold out away from the air box.

Thank you SHOnUup thats what i did,and the picture was before closing the hood which could be a challenge until it breaks in i guess.

[Airbornemaikai]

So how have you guys gone about getting the taller blade? Is this something they are offering free to us current owners? I did some video from inside the engine bay while closing the hood, and even after adding the 1/2 in foam im easily 1 inch from making any sort of contact. I really had no idea how bad it really was, im wondering how on earth people with the normal blade they shipped with are having any contact, surely there cant be that much difference in hood clearances. Here is some pics from inside with the hood closed with the blade, with the foam, and with the gap in between foam and blade to make any contact at all

[SHOdded]

For the mfr, these clearances are probably irrelevant, since the intake is a "closed" system and the overall design takes priority.  I think even with the Flex, the clearances are more than the SHO.  For those of us modifying the intake system, it is a challenge that needs addressing.

Airaid used to ship the taller blade upon request initially for free, now they charge $20 if after the fact IIRC.  I don't know if they would send the taller blade upon request with a new system in addition/exchange.  Probably still not tall enough for the X, BUT it would give you a stiffer base to add the foam onto.

[Airbornemaikai]

From what I can tell in the pictures others have posted, I'm thinking I should have a really good fit with a taller blade and foam added on top (as you stated the differences in hood clearances, mine shouldn't be cutting into the hood anyway). I just emailed Airaid earlier to see how I can go about getting the taller blade. Just hoping to have all this sorted by the end of next month if not earlier so I can help cut down factors that may hinder my 1/4 time when I go to the track next month

[SHOdded]

Do a run with vs without (stock vs Airaid).  That'd be living proof

[ZSHO]

The taller blade first of all is optional and not recommended by Airaid for the SHO,the X might have more clerarance in the hood for the upgraded taller blade,but after dealing with Airaid on a couple occasions.the best way to sum it all up is the only way they will send you one for free is if the old one defective and they need a reason&pictures of the original.

[Airbornemaikai]

So I guess if anything, it just goes to show us with the x have it even worst... I mean if they were aware this was an issue, (clearly the x must have a taller hood) why are they shipping these with the smaller blade and then telling us to pay more for the replacement?
On a side not I received an email response telling me to call them. I will report back after the phone call

[ZSHO]

So I guess if anything, it just goes to show us with the x have it even worst... I mean if they were aware this was an issue, (clearly the x must have a taller hood) why are they shipping these with the smaller blade and then telling us to pay more for the replacement?
On a side not I received an email response telling me to call them. I will report back after the phone call

Your best bet will be to explain to them that you have torque app and theres an increase in IAT temps,compared to stock intake and based on the significant clearance with regular blade a taller blade would be more suitable based on clearance.

[Airbornemaikai]

Just got off the phone with Airaid and they're shipping me the taller blade
I explained to them how I believe the explorer hood is much taller than the Taurus because of the significant gap between the strip and making any contact with my hood and how I had pictures if they would like. They said that wasn't necessary. So yea, happy to announce it wasn't but a 5min phone call and they're going to ship off a new one tomorrow. Yay, I may actually have some things sorted before track day

[SHOdded]

Airaid +1   Probably still need the foam, but it should seal properly now.

[Airbornemaikai]

Did my air box tonight. Just waiting on the taller blade to see how well it fits. If need be I'll add the foam as well
Thanks to ShoBoat for the write up, mine isn't as pretty but it should all work the same

[SHOdded]

Looks good to me

[Airbornemaikai]

Ok so here is another update. I got the taller blade from Airaid today with some pictures to go along (keep in mind this is on a Explorer Sport)
As you can see there is still a shadow between the top of the padding I added to the blade and the hood. So there is still a very slight gap, I couldn't find any padding thicker than this so I'll have to keep looking. The last picture is where I filled in that little space from the CAI and the engine

[SHOnUup]

Try this stuff. It comes in larger sizes than this one (1/2" piping).

[Airbornemaikai]

I've actually got some of that, just wanted a cleaner not so ghetto look. I may not have a choice though. Stay tuned 😜