Initial Review of Cold Air Inductions Intake System for 2014 6.2L

GrnMtnRider · November 23, 2015

I received my new Cold Air Inductions intake from Diablew this week and finally had a chance to install it. As this was just recently released I thought I'd post some pictures and my initial opinion.

Packaging was excellent and everything you'd expect from a company with their reputation. Plenty of bubble wrap around all the pieces and the plexi-glass still had the protective paper over it that I had to peel off.

The kit came complete with instruction booklet that was color (a welcomed change from many companies).

Install was very clear and easy to follow. It took me roughly 35-45 minutes to remove the previous intake (Airaid Jr.) and install the new pieces. All parts went together very well and I never felt like I was forcing anything or that something didn't line up correctly.

I have no performance input as of yet but will comment back towards the end of the week.

There is only one thing I am slightly displeased with. As mentioned, I previously had the Airaid Jr. kit installed while I waited for production of the CAI. The Airaid included new, OEM type, fittings for the two hoses connecting to the manifold. The CAI included no connectors and no clamps. The instructions show to simply slide the hoses on to the connector, no clamp or any other means of holding them on. Maybe they aren't necessary, but for the comparison in costs it would seem to me that if Airaid could provide something the CAI should have as well.

In any case, I plan to call tomorrow and speak with them. Maybe they will educate me as to why there is nothing supplied or maybe they will send something. Either way I will report back and let everyone know how that goes.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have and I'll answer the best I can

Here is one of the connectors that was supplied by Airaid

jrob56 · November 23, 2015

How about the other side of those two connectors in front TB? Any worry there of coming apart or leaking? Push on as well?

Nice to see another option but unless there is a big gain, Ill still probably go Airraid Jr to retain factory box.

moosehead1 · November 23, 2015

Thanks for the post. Looks quality. Presume you could re-use the OEM hose clamps?

jrob56 · November 23, 2015

Thanks for the post. Looks quality. Presume you could re-use the OEM hose clamps?

Can't reuse OEM as the OEM line is one piece of hard plastic line with insulation on it for each side if I remember right.

That bottom picture is what Airraid sends with their kit and what OP had before. It's an OEM connector with quick disconnect clamps on a rubber hose. Much nicer way to reconnect those lines then just pushing on rubber hose like Cold Air Inductions wants you to do it appears.

fondupot · November 23, 2015

Be sure to check your intake tube after a few hundred miles of driving....I bet you a dollar you begin to pool up oil in the intake tube after this. Since now the valve cover vents are a direct connection to the tube. Whereas with the stock air tube, there are built in baffles to prevent this.

I installed a Airaid MIT and it pooled oil in the tube and it actually dripped down into the air box over time.

A Cleanside separator will prevent this though.

GrnMtnRider · November 23, 2015

Be sure to check your intake tube after a few hundred miles of driving....I bet you a dollar you begin to pool up oil in the intake tube after this. Since now the valve cover vents are a direct connection to the tube. Whereas with the stock air tube, there are built in baffles to prevent this.

I installed a Airaid MIT and it pooled oil in the tube and it actually dripped down into the air box over time.

A Cleanside separator will prevent this though.

Thanks! I'll be sure to keep an eye on it!

GrnMtnRider · November 23, 2015

Just got off the phone with Martin from Cold Air Inductions. Very nice guy to talk with, we chit chatted about the truck and modifications for a few minutes. He informed me that the two hoses are under no pressure and there is no need for a connector or fitting. He said if I wanted peace of mind I could put two hose clamps on them which I may do.

In regards to where the two hoses connect to the intake piping: I should have mentioned that they came already attached with what looks like some heat tubing over the connection (I will try to take a picture later today), but it is VERY sturdy and I have no worry about these coming loose.

In terms of performance I have about 100 miles on the intake now (probably the ONLY benefit of working 75 miles from my house). There is a noticeable difference at WOT. You can really hear the intake breathing in air, where with the Airaid Jr. you couldn't. Another note about the Airaid Jr.; while it was nice retaining the factory airbox and fitment, you are missing out on a lot of air that can be taken in from directly below where the air box sits. With the CAI you allow the intake to breath from the fender, down below and from behind the passenger headlight. I can't really comment on MPG yet as I was having a little too much fun driving the truck . I will comment back when I have some relatively stable numbers to report. Previously with the Airaid Jr. I have seen a high of 22.4 mpg, that's traveling primarily in a 50mph zone with occasional towns along the way. Truck specs and mods below for those who wish to compare.

2014 GMC Sierra 6.2L

3.42 gearing

Corsa Cat Back Exhaust System

Diablo Intune i1000 with custom tune from Diablew (highly recommend for those on the fence)

Rough Country 4.75 combo lift

305/55R20 Toyo Open Country AT2's on 20x10 Moto Metal Rims

Low Pro Tonneau Cover (I mention this because it did, without a doubt, help with the mileage)