The Best Intake For Your 7.3 Powerstroke Diesel

► S&B Cold Air Intake Ford 7.3 Powerstroke : amzn.to/2NBbo2z
► S&B filter cleaning kit : amzn.to/2Rqaatu
► Craftsman tools I use : amzn.to/3T5t34p
Recommended alternatives by quality of product:
► Banks Cold Air Intake Ford 7.3L : amzn.to/2J0p5eL
► Airaid 7.3 SynthaMax Dry Filter Intake System : amzn.to/33YlVP2
► aFe 7.3 Power Magnum Intake System : amzn.to/3kCl6lI
It's upgrade #2 time for my 2002 Ford F250 with the beastly 7.3 Powerstroke diesel engine! I picked up what I think to be the best cold air intake for your Ford 7.3. The S&B cold air intake claims a 53% airflow improvement over stock with a 99.37% efficiency rating. This is a super simple modification for your 7.3 diesel truck and delivers impressive sound and improved efficiency in my testing!
Subscribe to my channel for weekly racing videos, car & truck modifications, and more!
Check out all of my F250 7.3L Powerstroke diesel upgrades!
► MBRP S6200AL Turbo Back Exhaust : amzn.to/2LFWqaW
► Mishimoto Ford 7.3L transmission cooler : amzn.to/2RG3RT7
► YITAMOTOR Towing Mirrors : amzn.to/2Lw1uC1
► Auto Meter Under Dash Pod : amzn.to/2Rk581g
► Auto Meter 8404 Boost Gauge : amzn.to/2A4W4cJ
► Auto Meter 8449 Trans Temp Gauge : amzn.to/2uKct0W
► Auto Meter 8444 EGT Gauge : amzn.to/2NEE6zt
Check out my other Ford F250 7.3 Powerstroke videos below!
► Upgrade Your Tow Mirrors : kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5a1e4Roqd-hbpo
► S&B cold air intake : kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmOyn6ybh72JhJI
► MBRP 4" Exhaust : kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6vOi4iud82noac
► 7.3 Oil Change : kzbin.info/www/bejne/bGbKkH-FgK2jZrs
► Mishimoto Transmission Cooler Upgrade : kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2aceaKXgsedq8U
► 7.3 Fuel Filter Change : kzbin.info/www/bejne/lYSmhqdvgtZ_a6s
► F250 Stereo Upgrade : kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZe6oYqef51jgZY
► F250 Heater Core Bypass : kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZyooq1rhZWAa8U
► Trailer Brake Controller : kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4arqZJ8gJt8m68
► Legendary 7.3L Powerstroke diesel : kzbin.info/www/bejne/l33GlX6pjbdrqbM
► Follow me!
Instagram: thebtrjustin
Website: btrgarage.com
Facebook: TheBTRGarage
00:00 Introduction
00:32 Unboxing S&B cold air intake and parts review
02:50 Removing battery and stock airbox
03:15 Assembling S&B intake
04:21 Installing S&B intake into the truck
06:20 Close look after installation
06:46 First start
07:41 First drive and impressions of the S&B intake
11:20 Conclusion
BTR Garage is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

[@TheBTRGarage]

*More engine upgrades for my F250! What do you guys think of the sound?* *Don't forget to check out my other Ford F250 7.3L Powerstroke videos below:* *► MBRP 4" Exhaust : **kzbin.info/www/bejne/f6vOi4iud82noac* *► F250 Stereo Upgrade : **kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZe6oYqef51jgZY* *► YITAMOTOR Tow Mirrors : **kzbin.info/www/bejne/n5a1e4Roqd-hbpo* *► Trailer Brake Controller : **kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4arqZJ8gJt8m68* *► Legendary 7.3L Powerstroke diesel : **kzbin.info/www/bejne/l33GlX6pjbdrqbM*

[@timmytool1231]

Whistle is a wonderful thing.

[@gregchamberlain8519]

I sure wish my garage was that Clean and Bright. Nice Video.

[@bbq713llcbarbeque4]

Thank this is exactly what i wanted to see. Ordering thus for my 2001 7.3

[@lbj808]

Excellent choice!!..I have the same in my 7.3 🤙🏽

[@alanarmstrong2323]

I have an AFE cold air intake other than pricy 500 bux it works well and has a dry filter.

[@Ghost3dOnline]

I'm a big fan of obnoxiously loud turbos, I put in a wicked wheel 2 with a banks big head wastegate and took the foil off of my intercooler piping haha

[@caleswartwood7616]

I love your truck soooo much. I would LOVE to have one like it!!!

[@williamiwaniuk5561]

Installed S&B CAI in my 7.3l Excursion yesterday including the filter sock. I believe my mileage is up some. Have to take a road trip to tell for certain how much. Very pleased with it. When transmission shifts, I can hear a very notable swoosh from the left front that was not present before the installation. More to follow.

[@TheBTRGarage]

Very nice!

[@nutteyconcretecutter1852]

I was also looking at the banks cold air intake for my 02 7.3 i just put in a new kc 300x stage 1 turbo and it def woke it up a little

[@robdelg1510]

Awesome video bro You’re very detailed. 👍

[@TheBTRGarage]

Thanks!

[@TG-dn5li]

How much room is there between the alternator and the air passage way to the left of the battery?

[@handyman432011]

I installed one of these on my 7.3 and the only problem I found is that when you go to check the power steering fluid you have to disconnect the air tubes going to your To the Turbo because it is in there such a way that it in it prohibits you from Pulling the dipstick out of the power steering reservoir

[@peyton240]

Don Williams have a banks intake it’s the same except you have to remove the whole air box

[@tonywillingham8109]

Any noticeable improvement in fuel economy?

[@guyrubsamen5491]

How imperative is it for one to reattach the air intake restrict or gauge????

[@johnvandevusse6123]

Thank you , I appreciate your input, I tow approximately 15k a few times a year. Very helpful information.

[@MikeInsane3921]

I have the same one and had it a while. I’m getting rid of the whole thing except keeping the intake but a new one that fits my new powder coated red intake pipe. The box builds too much dirt. The intake filter is bigger but there is still a bit of air flow restrictions with the way the pipes are made. I’m removing the box and just piping and and filtering to get way more air flow and less dirt build up. That cover does nothing. I keep it clean but it’s still stained from dirt and morning condensation/pollen. To me this is not worth the money.

[@stephanimbeault2140]

What about the E350 cold air intake??

[@christianmichaels7912]

Wouldnit be worth drilling a hole at the end of that tube going into the grille? A little forced air? Idk...

[@graysonsgarage5157]

I had the same intake on my 01 F250 7.3, it was sure better than the K&N intake it came with when I bought it. The only downsides I can say about it, is that it makes the turbo whistle and bark much louder than your stock intake.

[@graysonsgarage5157]

It is when you have a completely stock turbo that surges like hell.

[@thejman99]

@@graysonsgarage5157and probably a tuner too huh? I’ve heard that it’s the combination of a tuner and this intake that leads to surge. Has that been your experience?

[@graysonsgarage5157]

@@thejman99 Mine didn't have a tuner on it (sadly), but it did also have a 4 inch Magnaflow turbo back exhaust. But it still had pretty bad turbo surge when you're heavy on acceleration, which I mostly blame the compressor wheel design coupled with the small 3 inch turbo inlet for that.

[@thejman99]

@@graysonsgarage5157 interesting. Appreciate the info

[@allenduke1979]

Very informative video and I absolutely love my 7.3. My question is related to EGT, did you notice a reduction in EGT's with the added air intake? I use my 2000 F350 primarily for pulling my fifth wheel. I've added the edge CTS2 with attitude. Upgraded 5 inch exhaust. Looking for an intake that complement's what I have. Thanks for the info, and sweet truck!

[@TheBTRGarage]

Unfortunately I wasn't able to test that with the intake. I'll be installing a new turbo compressor wheel soon, which is supposed to lower EGT's slightly. We'll see, and thanks for the comments!

[@Bwanar1]

@@TheBTRGarage You don't have an EGT gauge on your truck?

[@splashfrank4945]

I see that you got a tuner but haven’t made a video on it ,could you please make one?also you have some nice vids definitely subbed

[@TheBTRGarage]

Thanks! Yep I have a tuner and have some video recorded for it, just no time to edit. Hopefully soon.

[@25XP1]

Have you performed the ZooDad mod as well? I would think it would help even more to get more air to the box.

[@TheBTRGarage]

Nope, haven't heard of that one but will look into it.

[@elijahward7371]

Great video, did you notice better mpg or performance?

[@TheBTRGarage]

Thanks! Very mild performance gain, mostly in throttle response. I didn't realize any MPG's or big efficiency gains until I added the larger exhaust system and tuner, along with the intake. The combo of these 3 upgrades made a pretty drastic improvement all around (more so performance/efficiency than MPG).

[@robertkwiatkoski1292]

Would be cool to do a "drive by" video to hear the upgrade. I'm more old school less noise and flash. I wanted to do upgrade for mpg and longevity. Ie: cold air intake,4" exhaust and tuner. If recommended a new turbo wheel and waste gate. 2000 7.3 powerstroke with manual trans. My old 93, 7.3 idi served me just fine. Hailed load of wood, rock. Pull work trailer and 20' boat no problems. Only 166 HP and 384-394pounds of torque?? Try to pull some one in 2wd. Tires slip. Put it in 4wd low in 1st gear/ reverse(manual) give it a LITTLE fuel and ease of the clutch. She will pull them right out with no fan fare , whistling or show Time. Thank you for the video and any recommendations on the powerstroke upgrades.

[@TheBTRGarage]

I tried to capture some (interior) sound in my most recent Boost Relief valve video. Drive by video is something I've wanted to do, hopefully get to that soon. My approach to truck upgrades is the same, primarily looking for efficiency/reliability type upgrades. The Mishimoto (or 6.0) transmission cooler is probably the upgrade I recommended the most.

[@chuckparson6712]

So the biggest change is the noise ? The Mod box is the same configuration as the stock box. The intake is still getting the air from the exact same places it was getting it from with the stock box. The modification doesn't increase air flow , the only change is the filter type. Wouldn't using a better quality filter with the stock box be just as good

[@zachhusk7129]

The instructions are now online they just give you a card inside the box with a QR code for the website for the instructions

[@kamakazecam]

Other videos for this air filter setup say that it makes it hard to check powersteering fluid since it is right underneath. How much of a hassle it it? Also did your fuel economy go up any?

[@TheBTRGarage]

Not a big deal on PS reservoir, intake is easy enough to remove if needed. No direct MPG increase from just this, gotta do exhaust and tune as well, to see any gains there in my experience.

[@omargs2008ify]

Thanks for the video i definitely buy a cold air intake filter for my completely stock 2000 f-250 7.3 with almost 500,000 miles on it

[@dunnoyolo2238]

You ever think 🤔 about installing a TS 6 position chip? Did mine like it brings it to life 🤠

[@TheBTRGarage]

Yep! I installed a DP Tuner chip not long after I did the intake, huge difference!

[@cccEngineer]

I keep hearing Hydra is better. Any opinion on that? I'm looking at tuners myself right now

[@Bwanar1]

More noise, well that's a negative. Have you recorded increased mileage that would justify the expense?

[@dunnoyolo2238]

Does box block access to power steering filler cap ? How you like it so far ? It have better throttle response ?

[@TheBTRGarage]

I don't believe so, but I'd have to double check. I love it, better throttle response for sure. Just cleaned and re-oiled the filter a few weeks ago!

[@stephenlane7951]

Can you feel any difference in acceleration? Also have you been able to calculate any benefit to your MPG? Thanks.

[@TheBTRGarage]

With the MBRP and S&B filter combo there was a noticeably small increase in acceleration. The engine just does not feel choked out anymore and breaths a lot better. When I added the DP Tuner there was a dramatic change in acceleration and drive-ability, that video is coming soon. I plan to do a video on how the MPG changed after the mods installed (specific to towing). It didn't make as big of a different to the MPG as I had hoped, about 1-2 MPG (when towing). What I did notice is the truck just towed so much smoother and it did not struggle or have to downshift when going up small hills or grades. When it was stock the truck would constantly downshift on the same small hills or grades and seemed like the turbo could just not push enough air through the systems quick enough. That all went away after the mods (tested on the same 500 mile trip). See comment I made below for more details.

[@tomsmith5947]

@@TheBTRGarage We are getting ready to pick up our S&B intake, we already have a hydra tuner installed and man what a difference when that went in, just on the basic 65hp tune around town its so much easier to drive, put it on 100hp and watch the grin on your face, I don't want to stress it too hard so didn't install the 140hp. We also tow a lot of cars home on the trailer, so usually with car or small SUV and trailer we are around the 7-8000 lb mark, its so effortless with the towing options on the Hydra, it was the best purchase since the truck.

[@TheBTRGarage]

Nice! The tunes definitely make a big difference, and the supporting mods just improve on that.

[@operationhotshotinc.6887]

What’s the biggest best turbo suggest for a 2001 F250 Lariat 7.3 diesel power stroke?

[@TheBTRGarage]

Not sure on that one, I have not done a turbo upgrade yet. What is your primary use of the truck? That should drive what kind of turbo upgrade you need/want. I am installing a new turbo wheel soon to help with towing and my "surging" issues.

[@user-uc9pw3tb4q]

Do you have any long term input? I have a OBS 7.3 with a AFE CAI. When on the highway at 1700 RPM, it has a very loud obnoxious hum that over takes the sound of everything. I have to staying at a higher or lower RPM for the noise to go away. The AFE came with the truck. Have you had similar issues? I’m thinking the boxed in design of the S&B would eliminate the sound I’m hearing.

[@TheBTRGarage]

Nope, no issues or anything like what you've experienced. Just have to clean and oil the filter once a year or so.

[@extremepoweraddicts2978]

Make sure to install a 6.0 transmission cooler if you haven't already. If you start tuning it and the transmission is original 160k I would start thinking of the possibility of a new transmission. Anything over stock tune will start hurting a stock 4r100 with that mileage.

[@TheBTRGarage]

Thanks for the feedback! I do have the 6.0 trans cooler, just haven't installed it yet. I will be doing that shortly before the towing season starts. I will keep that in mind about the trans, I know they are kind of the weak link in these trucks (friend of mine blew his a year ago).

[@extremepoweraddicts2978]

@@TheBTRGarage they sure are haha... Yet a well built 4r100 is pretty bullet proof... Many people swap them into newer diesel trucks when used for competition high hp applications.... Everyone will say buy a bts transmission.... But the price is a bit steep... When you're in the market to buy one... Look into a sam Wyse stage 1... Or even dorsey transmission. Wyse builds great transmissions and offers a 3 year unlimited mile warranty. Stage 1 will hold all the power your pmr rods could possibly handle, he does not care about any mods done and will not try to sell you on anything you dont need... I am not sponsored by him in anyway haha... But I had a couple hundred hours in researching who to buy from.... I usually do all my own work but at the time didnt have a work space.

[@TheBTRGarage]

Awesome, thanks for sharing! That was my plan, to just swap in a built trans if/when mine does start to die. The truck is just a tow vehicle so it is not doing anything crazy, hopefully this trans will last a while.

[@deangullberry4848]

My zf6 7.3 handles the tunes no problem ;)

[@graysonsgarage5157]

Been there, done that. However, mine actually failed around 150k, I had it rebuilt with a new valve body and a billet torque converter. Looking back, I wish I had saved up some money to get a brand new built transmission all together, but it did manage to get the job done for the cheap wallet I have.

[@fabianomc1]

I heard that if i want to keep my 7.3 safe with no issues i should keep original, what you think about that?

[@TheBTRGarage]

I would say that is probably a safe bet. However, mild upgrades like I've done to my truck should not have any long term negative effects either. When you start upgrading the turbo, increasing boost significantly, and things like that, you will definitely be more prone to problems. Your mileage may vary though, I'm sure there are plenty of highly modified trucks that are reliable out there.

[@boomnailedit1609]

There are a ton of 7.3’s running around with all kinds of mods. Keep your filter clean and you shouldn’t have any issues.

[@tyesejohnson3608]

So how was the overall results in MPG?

[@TheBTRGarage]

MPG? Probably none by just adding this, I didn't test it. This was 1 of a combination of mods I wanted to do, which as a whole, gained maybe 2-3 MPG when towing.

[@handyman432011]

I installed one on my 2001 7.3 power stroke very good joint complaint I have is you can hear that terble when it spools up-and-down and he also do not need to add the air restriction gauge is not necessary to have on their the only problem I have is when I check power steering I have to loosen intake pipe

[@pilot3016]

The air restriction guage is only if it has a electrical wire sending info home to momma. Mine does not, and plan on doing this C.A.A. box.

[@psd28]

Ah yes, the cold air intake. The death of 7.3 long term reliability

[@wheatsuperduty3773]

I have two 7.3 trucks. One is stock and one has a tune. Can I put your exact cold air intake on both? Just wondering if this filter needs a specific tune

[@TheBTRGarage]

You can put it on both trucks, no tune required. I had mine installed before I had a tune.

[@wheatsuperduty3773]

@@TheBTRGarage I love the idea of a cold air intake. My turbo is already fairly loud when accelerating. I have the stock air box with a drop in wix filter. If mine is that loud bone stock I can only imagine what a s&b would do😂😂😂🔥

[@billc4232]

I didn't realize this used an oiled filter. Is there a non oiled filter that can be substituted?

[@TheBTRGarage]

There is a dry filter version of the same intake.

[@billc4232]

@@TheBTRGarage thank you

[@cndsoda]

Is your exhaust from your turbo stock?

[@TheBTRGarage]

No, I installed an MBRP 4" exhaust as well. Check out the video link in description.

[@mackmuhlbeier4531]

It’s that a zf6 or an automatic trans?

[@TheBTRGarage]

It has an automatic 4r100.

[@usvcrescuecrew9563]

Did you need to cut the hole to the fender

[@TheBTRGarage]

No holes needed to be cut.

[@levigardner1151]

I'm in the market, can anyone speak to S&B vs. AFE?

[@TheBTRGarage]

I have had aFe intakes on multiple other (non-diesel) vehicles. They are good products but I feel like the quality is a step up on the S&B. The aFe Power Magnum for this truck is a worthy alternative (link is in description), I don't think the power/efficiency benefits would be all that different between the two.

[@realistyl]

can a 6.0 powestroke take a 7.3 intake ?

[@TheBTRGarage]

No, it is a different design on the 6.0. The S&B model for the 6.0 is SB-75-5070.

[@javierdguez9928]

How about fuel mileage??

[@LemonySnicket-EUC]

Myths

[@Scott-un6qt]

Whats that clicking noise when you turn every time?

[@TheBTRGarage]

Not sure, I only heard one thing when leaving the house and I think I just ran over something :D

[@Scott-un6qt]

I believe people call that clicking noise a blinker but I haven't heard people say anything about it in the past 20 years...🤣

[@wheatsuperduty3773]

ok I have a 1999 f550 with stock air intake. if I install the s&b cold air intake will it make my turbo louder?

[@TheBTRGarage]

Yes, you will definitely hear more of the turbo noise with just about any aftermarket intake, including the S&B.

[@wheatsuperduty3773]

@@TheBTRGarage sorry if I sound dumb but someone told me I can't put a s&b cold air intake on my 1999 f550. No idea why lol

[@TheBTRGarage]

If it has a 7.3 diesel engine it should work fine, might want to check S&B website to confirm fitment.

[@wheatsuperduty3773]

@@TheBTRGarage it only goes up to f350

[@TheBTRGarage]

That's a bummer, must be something different in the body/engine bay area that makes it not fit 😕

[@derekblotske266]

Did you notice much of a MPG increase?

[@TheBTRGarage]

No not really.

[@itsaxonnic3848]

What difference does a cold air intake do performance wise?

[@TheBTRGarage]

According to manufacturer, improved flow and efficiency. They have a detailed data sheet here: drive.google.com/open?id=0B2evqL8Y1pdHd2JzUjhuMGdReDQ

[@itsaxonnic3848]

@@TheBTRGarage ok thanks 👍

[@tomjones5783]

Currently unavailable that sucks

[@TheBTRGarage]

You should be able to pick up the S&B intake from your favorite online diesel shop. Or, I know friends with the Banks intake and it is just as nice and similar install, but a bit more $ than the S&B : amzn.to/2J0p5eL

[@johnvandevusse6123]

Did it help with your fuel economy at all

[@TheBTRGarage]

If it did it was negligible. With the intake/exhaust combo I am seeing about 1-2 more mpg when towing. The biggest difference is the truck does not have to work as hard to maintain the same towing speeds, or make passes (evidenced by reduced downshifting and easier acceleration by having and evacuating air easier).

[@YamiSama77]

What's the air filter replacement part No# or a link to purchase it. I have the black ver. From previous owner

[@lsxpower3367]

Is these smog legal?

[@TheBTRGarage]

Yes, according to the S&B filters vendor description. * Each S&B Cold Air Intake is CARB-approved and 50-state legal or pending approval

[@slomango7927]

Throw a wicked wheel on it and sound like a jet taking off!!!

[@TheBTRGarage]

I have it on my list! I do get some of the turbo surging on occasion so hoping the wheel will help that.

[@slomango7927]

BTR Justin sounds good! I have the XDP X-wheel which is their version of a wicked wheel and I love it! It is cast but only $100 and cured my surging along with sounding awesome!

[@nicholasmaguire7468]

how are you liking this 5 years later?

[@TheBTRGarage]

I like it, works great! Just did the yearly clean and oil of the air filter a month ago, but no issues or anything.

[@nicholasmaguire7468]

Awesome thanks!

[@pilot3016]

The "Secret" to power is indeed..COLD air intake. Of course air flow matters too..but anyone who thinks they are going to gain power using warmer air.. and a high flow filter, needs to talk to a pilot. When I Replace mine..It WILL be the S&B. (2001 7.3 Diesel). And yes..the reservoir issue should be solved. You listening S&B?

[@metcom]

When you box your filter in like that you are starving your truck of air.. 7.3 needs a lot of air..

[@TheBTRGarage]

It's not boxed in, there is an intake snorkel and large hole for air. This is made specifically for the 7.3 engine.

[@cencoast_7.340]

The whole point of the intake is that it flows MORE air genius.

[@dangitgrossman]

You are not supposed to have the surge at the end of the “spooling” cycle. Need a turbo. I have a ZF6 on mine and was much more pronounced between shifts. I thought it was awesome to hear it but it’s not supposed to sound like that. The whistle yes, the “woosh” sound no. Hope that helps

[@dangitgrossman]

I ended up upgrading my turbo to a KC300X 63-68 and the swoosh sound went away and now the whistle is even more of a sound of beauty

[@TheBTRGarage]

Yea, I have an upgraded turbo compressor wheel that is supposed to help with the surging, while also improving other areas. Have yet to get it installed, but the surging is one side effect of this intake I've found.

[@colt45northtexas]

Sounds like a 7.3

[@earlsmith3894]

I thought banks was the best!

[@CCFONESOL]

So...not much different than the stock air box...

[@ryanwyrick6947]

thats a work truck and its wayyyyyy too clean

[@TheBTRGarage]

Yep, all it does is tow and haul. I keep my stuff clean, whats wrong with that?

[@tlp_gaming282]

Good video but I have to disagree with you on that being the “best” intake. The 6637 filter from Napa on the stock intake is much better. Reason I’m saying is bc I have had both and I have way more airflow and build a lot more boost with the 6637

[@slomango7927]

TLP_Gaming I agree just on price difference alone! S&B is $300. The riff raff kit with a filter sock is $60.....no comparison

[@cencoast_7.340]

More importantly than flowing more air and more boost is the density of the air. You’re flowing more air/boost but the air is way hotter than this Intake thus you’re actually making LESS POWER!

[@estranged85]

ridiculously expensive though..

[@TheBTRGarage]

It's all relative and depends on what you consider expensive. ~$300 for a complete cold air intake did not seem to bad to me. Compared to a DIY K&N air filter setup or something similar, I can see this being somewhat pricey, but definitely not "ridiculously" expensive.

[@estranged85]

@@TheBTRGarage should've mentioned I don't live in the US. Most parts are much more pricey where I live. Its like 700$ where i live. That's why I said it's ridiculously expensive.

[@tanykolisnyk4219]

Mpg-no Noise- yes Power - no