Torn between a cold air intake and a throttle body spacer for my 2018 F150

I spent about 3 weeks going back and forth on which mod to do first. Ended up going with a cold air intake from a local shop in Austin, figured it would give me more bang for the buck. Install took maybe 2 hours on a Saturday, mostly because I dropped a bolt down into the engine bay. Truck definitely feels a tiny bit snappier on the highway, but nothing huge. Kinda wondering if I should have tried the spacer instead since it's cheaper. Anyone else had to pick between these two and regret the choice?

3 comments

3 Comments

shane6551mo ago

I read on a Ford truck forum that throttle body spacers are basically a gimmick on modern trucks with electronic throttle control. The guy claimed it messes with the air flow sensor readings and can even hurt your gas mileage. I'd stick with the cold air intake you already put on. That spacer might be cheaper but from what I've seen online, it's just a hunk of plastic that does nothing useful. You probably made the right call going with the intake first.

dakotawood1mo ago

Laughing at that one @shane655 because it's honestly wild how much snake oil gets sold to truck guys. I've seen people bolt those spacers on and swear they feel a difference, but it's basically the placebo effect with some shiny metal in between. Your buddy on the Ford forum is dead right about the MAF readings getting all screwy, especially on newer trucks where the computer already adjusts everything. You're way better off with a proper cold air intake and maybe a tune down the road. Save your money for something that actually moves the needle.

wilson.sam1mo ago

Fell for that spacer scam myself a few years back, don't feel bad.