AEM Brute Force Intake

jhawk · June 16, 2003

I've been thinking about adding a low restriction intake for a while. I was leaning towards UPD (NSV) until I heard about the problems some folks are having with them. So, I saw AEM had a new system for my 5.3 Silverado and checked it out.

Truckin' magazine did a dyno review of this intake and found good improvements in horsepower and torque. I don't have the article in front of me, but if I remember right, they found an increase of about 7-10 HP and 14 ft\lbs with the addition of the intake (rear wheel).

AEM's web site has nice graphs showing power and torque increases, but the graphs only start at 2500 RPM and go up to around 5000 or 5500 RPM. Further, their ads are a bit misleading (surprise!) as they tout really big power gains, but don't mention that those gains happen at higher RPM ranges (4500-5500) that most pple don't see in daily driving. Even when stomping on it, I don't think my truck has ever exceeded 3000-3500 RPM. It sure as heck has never gotten up to 4500.

Anyway, based on the trend of their graph lines, I'm guess there is about a 7 HP and 10 ft\lb power gain at around 1500-2000 -- the range I drive in the most. So, I bought and installed it.

There is somewhat of a noticable difference when driving. It's a bit louder, of course. But it seems to be a bit quicker and to be breathing easier (engine not working quite as hard). I haven't had it in long enough to see if there is mileage difference yet. As you would expect, these changes are subtle and not dramatic. And, they're only measured by seat-of-the-pants type feelings.

The intake is made up of quality materials that don't look thin, cheap, or crappy. Instructions are very clear. The primary tube is chrome with the AEM badge on it...looks cool. It does not take long to install. Overall, I'm happy so far.

Now for the exhaust....

FRW · June 16, 2003

I had the AEM on my 03 Tahoe and had to take it off. It had a terrible resonance between 1800-2300 RPM that I couldn't deal with. I went back to the Airaid unit I had on my 99 Sierra only with the addition of their new intake runner. I am very happy now. Hope you enjoy your AEM more than enjoyed mine.

As for power gains I think many of those are to be found somewhere between our heads and the seat of our pants, but hey it's only money right. And besides our trucks all look and sound so much better:).