How To Shop For An Intake

[Jennabear]

There are three different types of intakes:

 

Closed Box (ie. Volant, Outlaw)

Open Element (ie. AEM, K&N FIPK)

Drop In filter (ie. K&N)

 

When looking at manufacturers claims, one shouldn't just look at the HP numbers:

 

You need to look at the highest average airflow which is directly related to torque (subsequently HP).

 

Manifold pressure (MAP) is a measurement of restriction, the higher the number the less restriction, so this is another big point.

 

IAT (Intake Air Temp) recovery is another big factor in narrowing down a good intake.

 

Closed box intakes do better at lower speeds as there won't be as much of a heat soak issue. The open elements use metal shields which absorbs heat (heat soak).

 

The open element intakes drop temperatures a lot quicker at higher speeds which in turn creates denser air. The denser air allows for more airflow, which then of course makes more power.

 

This all being said, intakes (as well as exhausts) are a matter of personal preference, just taking off the stock tube takes off a lot of restriction. Realistically, the differences between intakes (ie. open vs. open and closed vs. closed) will be minimal. One thing I do encourage anyone who purchases an aftermarket unit to do, is check the fitment every couple hundred miles, these things find a way to wiggle loose and can cause a drop in performance as well as MPG.

[Jennabear]

Bump!

[Jennabear]

Here are the results of our dyno test-

 

From top to bottom on the horsepower curve on the graph is:

AEM no filter

KNN

AEM

Stock with KNN drop in filter

Outlaw

GMPP

Stock with Fram airhog

 

 

[WilliamBos]

Thanks.

[rc51matt]

what are your feelings on the vararam system. it seems to be the best of booth worlds

[Jennabear]

I personally am not a huge fan.

[rc51matt]

I personally am not a huge fan.

why

[Jennabear]

CAIs are pretty much personal preference, but we had a Vararam on the Silverado before the Radix, and it was a piece of junk.

[sic lsx]

i bet the factory K&N replacement would be right there with the other intakes if they start to make the smooth tubes like the did to the older Chevy's!

[[email protected]]

I feel good now as I have a k&n CAI on mine. Thanks! 

[atxman]

I personally am not a huge fan.

 

 

so jennabear, if you where to buy one --- which one would you say "is worth" the money.

 

thanks

[Jennabear]

I had an AEM on my Tahoe and was very happy with it. If I were to do it all over again, probably an AEM Brute Force or a K&N 77 series.

[sic lsx]

Some intakes work better then sitting still on the dyno better then others. Track #'s is what counts to me

[mtsusa]

Here are the results of our dyno test-

 

From top to bottom on the horsepower curve on the graph is:

AEM no filter

KNN

AEM

Stock with KNN drop in filter

Outlaw

GMPP

Stock with Fram airhog

 

 

 

Since stock with a KNN drop in outperformed the other closed style intakes, Would a k&n drop in + the Airaid MIT essentially function the same as a KNN/AEM full intake? Or does the open element factor of those give it an edge on anything that's closed in?

[Jennabear]

Since stock with a KNN drop in outperformed the other closed style intakes, Would a k&n drop in + the Airaid MIT essentially function the same as a KNN/AEM full intake? Or does the open element factor of those give it an edge on anything that's closed in?

 

The open style (based on our testing) performed better than the closed style. Remember to not look at the HP numbers, as that is just max HP. IATs and MAP are most important. I personally go with the MAP, as that means you have the least restricted path for airflow.