Is 2003 air cleaner better than 2000-01?

[CCrane]

I read an article that claimed that the 2003 air box is more open and flows better than the 2000-01. Anyone know if that is true?

[351CJ]

The air box for the air cleaner was actually changed at the start of the 2002 model year. You can buy a 2002 air box and put it on your 2001 LS. Howver it will be somewhat expensive as the only way you can buy the airbox is a complete assembly with the top cover including the mass airflow sensor. Lowest price I've heard is about $150 from internet places such as fordpartsnetwork.com

The new airbox and a new exhaust system is why the 2002 V6 has more HP than the 2000 & 2001. Rumors are that the airbox adds another 5 HP to the 2002 V8, but Lincoln choose not to change the V8 HP rating so the advertised increase for 2003 would be more dramatic.

For 2003 the manifold, throttle body and pipe from the airbox to the throttle body are all different, the pip is much shorter. I don't know if the airbox on the 2003 is the same as the 2002 or was changed again.

[ May 25, 2003: Message edited by: 351CJ ]