Closed Box vs. Open Element: Which Intake is Best for the F150?
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You want to upgrade the performance of your 2015–2020 Ford F-150. The easiest, most popular mod is the Cold Air Intake (CAI).
It looks cool under the hood, adds a nice growl, and frees up a few horsepower.
But as soon as you start shopping, you see two very different designs:
- The Open Element: A massive filter sitting behind a metal heat shield, exposed to the engine bay. (Think K&N).
- The Closed Box: A filter encased in a plastic housing with a clear lid. (Think S&B Filters).
Which one is better?
If you want noise, the Open Element wins. It lets all the induction sound escape directly into the bay.
If you want performance, the Closed Box wins. It insulates the air from engine bay heat, ensuring your engine is actually sucking in cold air, not just more air.
In this guide, we break down the pros and cons of each style and help you decide if you should choose a Dry or Oiled filter media.
Compare Intake Styles
Maximum Noise or Coolest Air?
|
Intake Style |
Sound Level |
Air Temp Control |
Best For |
|
Closed Box (S&B) |
Moderate. Louder than stock, but refined. |
Excellent. Seals out engine heat completely. |
Performance/Towing. Best intake temps and protection. |
|
Open Element (K&N) |
Loud. Distinct sucking sound. |
Good. Uses a heat shield, but not fully sealed. |
Sound. You want to hear the engine roar. |
|
Dual Tube (aFe) |
Aggressive. |
Good. |
EcoBoost. Unique twin-tube look for turbo trucks. |
|
Jr. Kit / Drop-In |
Low. |
Factory. |
Budget. Replaces just the tube & filter. |
Frequently Asked Questions (Cold Air Intakes)
Will a Cold Air Intake make my EcoBoost louder?
Yes. The factory intake has silencers specifically designed to mute the turbos. Installing an aftermarket intake (especially an Open Element style) will make the "whoosh" of the turbo spool and the blow-off valve much more audible inside the cabin.
Do I need a tune?
No. All the systems in this collection are "No Tune Required." The Mass Air Flow (MAF) or MAP sensor location is engineered to read correctly with the stock ECU calibration. You can bolt it on in 45 minutes and drive away without a Check Engine Light.
Does it actually add horsepower?
Yes, but be realistic. On a stock truck, expect gains of 10-15 HP and similar torque. The real benefit is Throttle Response—the engine gets air faster, so it feels snappier off the line. If you combine an intake with a Tuner, the gains are much more significant.
Let it rip.
Get better throttle response and hear your engine work. Shop our verified collection of 2015–2020 F-150 Cold Air Intakes.