Improving tow vehicle performance requires a systematic approach. Many owners have found out the hard way that just slapping on one item and expecting it to completely change power output is a bit unrealistic. Therefore, we are spotlighting a company that offers a number of products designed to work together to achieve desired gains.
The BladeRunner intake manifold (pictured) for 2003-2007 Dodge diesel trucks is just one of the many performance-enhancing products available from Advanced Flow Engineering.
Advanced Flow Engineering (aFe) provides performance oil, fuel and air filters, cold-air intake systems, throttle body spacers and intake manifolds, intercoolers, exhaust systems, transmission pans, differential covers and tuners for the automotive market. Founded in 1999, aFe was originally created to address a lack of choices for high-performance aftermarket air filters in the automotive industry.
An engine is basically an air pump, and the more air you can flow through it, the more power you can potentially produce. Think of it like a kink in a garden hose: no matter how big the rest of the hose is, the kink will determine flow.
Air filters and ducting are important because the intake side relies on atmospheric pressure to allow air in, and even small restrictions here can reduce airflow substantially. The aFe cold-air intakes are designed to greatly improve airflow, and the company reports that its kits can boost power up to 50 horsepower and 112 lb-ft of torque.
The intercoolers (also known as aftercoolers) are designed to lower intake temperatures after the turbocharger compresses and heats the air. Some aftermarket “tuners” are designed with a function that increases the cooling capacity of the intercooler to maintain safe cylinder temperatures under heavy loads; aFe is among these. Testing by aFe has shown typical improvements of 100 degrees in exhaust gas temperature (EGT) reduction and 200 degrees reduction from the intercooler inlet to the intercooler outlet. Reducing thermal stresses in the engine improves power, service life and reliability.
The Scorcher Tuners are available for a variety of domestic light trucks and SUVs, including popular Dodge/Ram, Ford and GM models 1997 and newer. Scorcher works with aFe performance intakes, exhaust and manifolds and is designed to provide maximum performance over the entire rpm range, producing reported gains of up to 146 hp and 359 lb-ft of torque. It can also reset calibrations for large tires and gearing changes. Scorcher maximizes control of turbo boost and variable vane control and optimizes shift points for better performance.
Both street-legal and race exhaust components are offered by aFe. Street exhausts increase power by 10 to 20 hp, depending on application and other modifications. Large-diameter, mandrel-bent tubing ensures good flow characteristics, while 409 stainless-steel tubing prevents rust and provides a long service life.
Not all aFe parts have received a California Air Resources Board (CARB) executive order (EO) number, so buyers in areas with vehicle emissions testing should verify before purchase. To find your particular application, use the aFe website search engines at www.afepower.com or call 951-493-7155.
