Cold Air Intake

[Big Skin]

2020 gmc sierra 2500hd with led rgb in hood induction vent.

The pic with them in the truck is with one row and it was not enough so I added 2 more rows. I will post another pick when put back together

[BowtieSquatch]

Yeah I have mixed feeling about an intake.  After reading the thread by Rotofab and seeing all the opinions tossed back and forth.   For the price you're going to pay for an intake vs. the end hp/tq gain results its not worth the money.   I truly believe GM invested enough time to craft the perfect setup for this engine unless you plan on doing some crazy overhaul setup.   I also noted with the GM aftermarket filter kit you require a re-tune but Rotofab and K&N don't..?   I think I'll trust GM Engineers when they say a ECU update is needed with mod's.

To each their own obviously but I think a 375hp truck is plenty to have fun with.

Edited February 11, 2020 by BowtieSquatch

[econometrics]

Anyone do the GM CAI install themselves? I'm on the fence between the GM CAI and the Rotofab. The reviews of guys on here running the Rotofab are really positive, and the Rotofab claims of power gains seem a bit more than the 2hp the GM CAI seems to add. 

 

The conservative side of me is leaning toward the GM CAI, just so I don't have to fight some petty battle with a dealer in case my DFM 5.3L needs warranty work. But the Rotofab comes with excellent DIY instructions. Just wasn't sure if the GM CAI did, too? 

[RyanbabZ71]

Like my rotofab, clean factory like look works as advertised. Never had any issues when taking in for and of my recalls




Ryan B.

[TNTSierra]

I'm impatiently still waiting for my S&B CAI. I am a believer in them. My 2018 truck was a better performing truck with the S&B CAI. Then I added my exhaust, and a Hypertech tune and it woke it up even more.  I've spent $350 to $500 (depending on what CAI you get) on sillier things!! To each their own. 

[econometrics]

I just watched a YT video of a guy do an install of the GM CAI at home, after watching a few of the same for the Rotofab. The GM install just seemed a wee bit easier and more "natural" in fitment. No shocker there. 

 

So I pulled the trigger on ShopChevyParts.com for $468 for my 5.3L. I'll install it next weekend before I take the RST into the dealer for the GMPE, then have them flash the ECM at the same time. I feel good about it, even if the performance gains aren't as strong as the Rotofab. I like having the GM part in there, and I really ain't gonna feel a few extra HP at the wheel in my 5.3L from a CAI, probably. 

Edited August 21, 2020 by econometrics

[rmacdona]

I put the K&N on a 20 RST 5.3, woke it up a bit and gave it a much better growl on acceleration....took less than an hour.

[Julio13]

On 9/14/2019 at 2:39 PM, AutoTerry said:

I just installed the GM Cold Air Kit on my 2019 Silverado 6.2L. I had the chance to buy and compare both the K&N 63-3109 and the GM Part #  84789804. The price difference was about $85 more for the GM kit. On examining the over all kit construction and design of both, the GM kit is by far superior in fit, form and function. Better built and in my opinion and more durable. all the factory brackets and holes to attach wire looms are in the same place as the OE box I removed. The clear plastic top gives you the opportunity to see the filter for examination, plus it looks better than the K&N filter boxes solid black top. Also the hose on the GM kit that goes from the air box to the throttle body is heavier duty and the design will allow less leaks or loosening over time. It is the old story of, you get what you pay for! Is it more expensive than the K&N or other brand Cold Air kits, Yes. But when spending the amount of money on my truck that I did buying it new, why not buy the BEST. I have been in the Automotive Enthusiast for over 40 years, ASE Certified, worked for an Automotive Supplier for my whole career and I have seen a lot of accessories, installed many and did a lot of mods over the years and know when items are just right. This is the kit you want. Now for how it works, I also have the factory performance exhaust as well, the cold air kit did not add a lot of sound volume. You can hear it a tad more but not a bad sound note at all. Sounds better in my opinion. The throttle response is better and feels like it adds to the performance. From examining both kits, one will not give you any better power than the other. Don't get me wrong, the K&N kit is a nice piece of hardware and will work well, they make great products. I just prefer the fit,  form and function of the GM kit. Plus, it is also covered under the warranty program along with my truck, and you will never have to fight with the dealer if there is an engine management issue down the road as this is an OE kit. That makes a difference in itself. The GM kit has a dry filter media, which I prefer. Now, the above is just my impressions of the kits and my opinion. You will have your own and know what works best for you. Good luck to all of you out there with modding your trucks and whatever choices you make on products will make it your own unique

rig ! Below pics are of my install. 

Did you get computer flashed I’m getting a good deal on one but no code to get it re-flash wondering if it’s really needed

[Julio13]

On 2/8/2020 at 10:42 PM, WyoAT4 said:

for the guys who only installed CAI did you flash the computer. No exhaust just the CAI

Did you get any answer I’m trying to get a used one with no re-flash code so wondering if I’ll have any issues 

[rmacdona]

3 hours ago, Julio13 said:

Did you get any answer I’m trying to get a used one with no re-flash code so wondering if I’ll have any issues 

I did not flash, but did turn off my air filter reminder...works great.

 

[Transient]

Did you get any answer I’m trying to get a used one with no re-flash code so wondering if I’ll have any issues 

Iirc, the code is simply to tell the dealership you've already paid for reflash by buying the kit new from GM. I may be wrong, but I think the dealership may be able to do the reflash, but will also bill you for it. I think I read somewhere that GM was authorizing the dealerships to charge $100 +/-$25.

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[rmacdona]

I did not flash, just unhooked battery for a reset. I have the K&N.

Edited January 27, 2021 by rmacdona
added my brand

[AutoTerry]

It came with the Flash coupon to take to the dealer. Not sure but i think the flash will mainly allow for you to pass emissions in states that do testing. I installed the unit and it was a few days before I took it to the dealer and in that time line it ran just fine. I fortunately do not live where they do emissions testing. Good Luck!

[Transient]

It came with the Flash coupon to take to the dealer. Not sure but i think the flash will mainly allow for you to pass emissions in states that do testing. I installed the unit and it was a few days before I took it to the dealer and in that time line it ran just fine. I fortunately do not live where they do emissions testing. Good Luck!

I did the install myself on my truck, except the reflash. I do not recall seeing a "coupon" in the package. The info the dealership needed were in the installation instructions, which didn't come with the CAI. I had to find and print them. The "coupon" I think you're talking about was actually a sticker that needs to be placed somewhere under the hood. It is needed for emissions and states like California with stupid laws on modifying vehicles. It says the intake is 50 state compliant. I did put this sticker on my truck because I was 2 weeks away from leaving Virginia and heading to California, where I'm stuck for at least the next 2.5 years.

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[bluemonstercali]

anyone have any suggestions for getting a s&b cai system in California????? I really one and live near their factory but due to California's "wonderful laws" i ca not get one. open to ideas fellas.