Installed Afe Stage 2 Si Cai 08 Sd

Denali_Joe · March 18, 2010

Like the title says, I installed an aFe (Advanced Flow Engineering) Stage 2 Si CAI P/N 54-81072 on my 08 Sierra Denali this evening. I purchased this on Truckcustomizers.com for $268.80 - $25 aFe rebate for a total of $243.40. This intake had the Pro Dry S oil free washable filter.

Install took me almost 2 hours, way longer than I expected, but I had to run to make one of the mounting holes bigger on the bottom of the intake box for mounting and was too lazy to mark and remove, so I drilled the hole with it in the truck. Of course the cheapo bit I use caught the bolt hole thread, and snapped off. I had to fish it out of there and run a tap through it to clean up the threads.

Once I had the airbox for the system mounted, I needed to run to the hardware store and get another clamp. I had enough in the kit, its just they only had 2 big ones and 6 small ones, and I needed one more big one. Instructions were pretty clear. Filter is big. As far as quality of the complete system, including fit and finish, I'd only give it a 6. I give it 6 in comparison to the Volant CAI I installed in my 07 Tundra (flame on, I got rid of it and got the SD!).

The lid on the system does not seal tight at all, why put a lid on? Also, the airbox sits probably 3/4" away from the inside of the fender, whats up with that? I shouldn't have to modify mounting holes for proper fit. The construction of the rest of the system seems to be good. I specifically chose this system because of the dry filter, sealed box, & plastic intake tube to better repel engine heat. The gaps on the box seem to cancel out those benefits. I'll be getting some weather stripping to put around the lid of the box to seal it up and see if I can find some thick enough foam to seal up the gap between the fender and box. I'll also be adding an outerwears type prefilter as well. With the little "snorkel" on the bottom of the airbox seems to have a better chance of getting moisture in there. You also don't have a prayer of getting your hands in to change a headlight on the passenger side either!

Sound is as quiet as stock under normal acceleration. When you punch it, it makes some noise! I think the sound will improve when I can seal up the lid on the box better, can hear some buzzing from it vibrating. Under light acceleration going 40 mph seemed to have a slight hesitation/slow to accelerate, but it just may be more pronouced with the intake installed. For the price and over all quality of the system I am happy with it and will be keeping it. If I paid list, I'd be pissed it doesn't seal good, why buy a box and put a lid on it if it doesn't seal? Here are some pics, I'll report in on any mpg gains down the road. Getting a Blackbear tune next month, so happy I have it before that! I only put about 10 miles on it durning my test drive. Here are some pics:

BigBlueLB756 · March 20, 2010

Wouldn't be as much fun if everything went as it should. Looks good and I hope it works well for you.

Denali_Joe · March 20, 2010

I added some foam around top and between the box and fender. Sound is much improved, no more "buzzing" from the lid. Here is a shot of the box out when I was adding the foam the other night. You can see the snorkel on the bottom for pulling in more air. A lot happier with it now, sounds good now and not cheap!

Nytemare · March 20, 2010

Everyone remember this post when aFe pops out an improved design intake, for a tighter fit...get Joe his dues.

Looks like a nice intake man, I really like the cover.

BigBlueLB756 · March 21, 2010

"I wouldn't have something I couldn't modify"_Ronald G. Wade.

It's all about making it your own and making it better.

Denali_Joe · March 22, 2010

I was talking to someone over on the Denali Forum and he gave me contact info for someone at AFE that helped him out when he had similar issues with his box not lining up with the bolt holes and the cover fitting like ass. Said AFE sent him a new box and fit is much improved. Just dropped him an email tonight, so we'll see where this goes. It was also pointed out that AFE now has the part number as 54-81072 instead of 51-81072. Both part numbers have the exact same description on their site.

Denali_Joe · April 20, 2010

Update, contact at AFE got back to me today. AFE is re-designing their air box and adding 2 more screws to the design for the lid. Should be on the market in 3 months. They are going to send me a new one when they are done! That's customer service, I'll update when I get the updated product!