What's The Best Quality Cold Air Intake?

[Tklei14]

I know some people on here are against CAI's, but please try to keep that out of this thread. I have a 09 Sierra 1500 5.3, I would like to get the best quality CAI. The Volant looks like

my best bet, anyone know of a better brand? My biggest concern is quality fitment, I have had poor quality cai's for other cars.

[96chevy7.4L]

VOlant is about the best one i have seen. Its truly insulated.

[knipper_03]

I had the k and n. Think it should been called a warm air intake. Vol ants look nice. I drop in will net you the same though imo.

[Stevens03]

Check out S&B Filters... they make a nice one too that's not as pricey as Volant.

[yv1650c]

I do not have one, but i believe K&N is the leader!

[daylower]

If you have an 09 then there arent many options, at least there wasnt when I bought mine anyway, but that was about 4 months ago. I have a Volant, and I like it, it was a bit pricey but its nice, you dont hear it as much as the KnN I had on my titan before this one other than a faint little whistle/swirl sound.

[Stex]

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-8...19000671314610#

[Neutron]

I have an Airaid tube with a drop-in K&N.

[Shatterz]

.

[daylower]

IMO most people that get a CAI are just mainly looking for some engine spruce up type things to throw some chrome or color into the engine compartment and the "added hp" is just a perk.

[09Jimmy]

I have the 09 specific GM Performance Parts cold air intake that is true "cold air" with a nice polished aluminum cover. Sales however, have been suspended on it recently. My parts manager said that GM is looking into whether the increased flow may contribute to the 5.3 oil consumption issues by drawing oil out of the valve cover PCV baffles and into the intake manifold.

When you are shopping around be aware that on 09 models the MAF sensor is part of the airbox and 07-08 versions will not fit without some modifications.

[Bowtie2Sierra]

I have the GMPP CAI on my '08 5.3 and I really like it. The fit was excellent and it looks really nice. As far as oil consumption issues posted above, I haven't experienced it.

[09Jimmy]

I have the GMPP CAI on my '08 5.3 and I really like it. The fit was excellent and it looks really nice. As far as oil consumption issues posted above, I haven't experienced it.

 

I agree that it's the nicest one out there, and works really well. I'm just saying they stopped selling it.

[Spurshot]

The factory air box and duct are probably the best designed of the "CAI" aircleaners. They have frequency attenuators to reduce the intake noise (for some reason, people think lower noise costs horsepower) and actually get air from outside the engine compartment. But, if you're convinced either you want more noise and/or want the underhood dress-up of an aftermarket system to impress 16 yr old gas station attendants, the Volant and GMPP both look good and make more noise. GMPP also has some good looking valve (rocker) covers. If performance is on your mind, you might consider a new larger throttle body and a tune to go with that "CAI".

[mudaholicZ71]

The factory air box and duct are probably the best designed of the "CAI" aircleaners. They have frequency attenuators to reduce the intake noise (for some reason, people think lower noise costs horsepower) and actually get air from outside the engine compartment. But, if you're convinced either you want more noise and/or want the underhood dress-up of an aftermarket system to impress 16 yr old gas station attendants, the Volant and GMPP both look good and make more noise. GMPP also has some good looking valve (rocker) covers. If performance is on your mind, you might consider a new larger throttle body and a tune to go with that "CAI".

 

 

why does the added noise have to be to impress 16yr old girls? lol. I mean do people put superchargers on their car so that the whistle will attract dogs? In most cases a simple drop in filter along with a tube change will net you the same gains as a full CAI. BUT if you want peice of mind, looks under the hood,extra flow, etc.. the volant is the best way to go. not only is it extremely well built, it pulls air from inside the fender and not inside the engine bay,comes with a dry filter guranteed to last 100k miles,looks awesome,performs well, has a nice flowing tube, and last but not least has an optional ram air tube that you can add now or later. a tune would be nice after the addition of the CAI unless you have plans on doing other mods soon just wait until they are done and have it tuned.