Does increased airflow increase gas mileage?

[motormike40]

If you slap some type of short ram air intake does it improve gas milage, or would I be better off putting a K&N air filter on? My main concern is getting the most MPG.
Mike

[curtis73]

External engine enhancements like K&Ns and ram air stuff can improve mileage, but usually they're not worth more than about a half of one MPG Where they really show their worth is when the factory setup is very restrictive.

It also depends on how you drive. If I put on a go-fast part, I usually drive with more right foot and ruin any mileage I gained.

You are correct in your assumption, though. Removing restrictions makes the engine work less to overcome them. The problem is, the style of driving you are doing in general daily life is not very demanding in the airflow category. I think this is why it doesn't usually return great gains like people hope.

[Ridenour]

Well I guess if you wanted to get technical, since you're saying increased "airflow", then you're talking increasing your displacement or air capacity of your heads = which would equal more fuel to compensate for more air = worse mileage. But I think you mean does less "restriction" (cold air intake, ect.) increase gas mileage, and like Curtis said, the answer is yes, because the engine doesn't have to pull as hard to get the air in - but it's very small, and like he said, very dependent on driving style. Just thought I'd hit upon that technicality.

[motormike40]

thanks