Jump to content

Is OEM GM CAI worth it?

Philipgonzales3
 Share

Recommended Posts

Philipgonzales3 Enthusiast

Philipgonzales3

Posted
Posted

I have a 2019 LT Z71 Texas Edition with the 5.3L in it.  

 

So far I have done mostly small cosmetic things to the ride.  Like the illuminating bow tie, black vinyl stickers on the bow ties in the steering wheel and wheels, etc.  

 

I do have a Black Widow Venom 250 Muffler installed.

 

I just ordered the JLT catch can today and I kind of have the itch to do something else to the ride.  

 

Debating on buying this but I'm so indecisive lol.  

 

https://www.shopchevyparts.com/performance/2019-silverado-1500-air-intake-kit-performance-cold-air-53l-engine/84789802-p-92300615.html

 

Either that or maybe add the fog lights to the truck.  But Ehh, not sure any of these two mods will make much of a difference.  

 

https://www.shopchevyparts.com/electronics/2019-silverado-1500-led-front-fog-light-package-models-without-task-lighting-set-lights/84125494-p-92300703.html

 

What do you think?  

  • Replies 34
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Popular Posts

Philipgonzales3
Philipgonzales3

Sounds good to me.  Sometimes SPG (Smiles Per Gallon) is more important than MPG.  

KARNUT
KARNUT

I remember back in the day I used to tell my wife that dual glass packs and an open air cleaner saved gas. It’s true it does. It takes a long tim. And you have to keep your foot out of it. Who does th

Grumpy Bear
Grumpy Bear

Ops! The Holland tunnel would flow more air yet on a test bench as a stand alone. Thing is, the motor doesn't. If this were not so then 4X more air = 4X more power not 8 hp at peak rpm at WOT. A place

Posted Images

TNTSierra Senior Enthusiast

TNTSierra

Posted
Posted

I agree! They don't claim HP numbers, but what they do claim is air flow and air restriction. They "minimize air restriction and flows 51.69% better than stock."

The GM's air intake is rated at 13% air restriction.  So in theory the S & B is 4 times better than the Gm intake. So it probably makes 8 to 10 HP compared to GM's 2 that they claim if you take it from the performance package. 

When I put it on my 2018, I could truly feel the difference, and the sound was amazing. 

I can't wait for mine on my 2019, and the price is fantastic for the product you are getting. I don't believe even the RotoFab flows that much air and the S & B is $170 cheaper!!  You won't be disappointed. 

  • Like 1
Philipgonzales3 Enthusiast

Philipgonzales3

Posted
  • Author
Posted
6 hours ago, TNTSilverado said:

I agree! They don't claim HP numbers, but what they do claim is air flow and air restriction. They "minimize air restriction and flows 51.69% better than stock."

The GM's air intake is rated at 13% air restriction.  So in theory the S & B is 4 times better than the Gm intake. So it probably makes 8 to 10 HP compared to GM's 2 that they claim if you take it from the performance package. 

When I put it on my 2018, I could truly feel the difference, and the sound was amazing. 

I can't wait for mine on my 2019, and the price is fantastic for the product you are getting. I don't believe even the RotoFab flows that much air and the S & B is $170 cheaper!!  You won't be disappointed. 

Yep, I already pulled the trigger on this lol.  S&B CAI comes on monday.  Wohoo!!

Grumpy Bear Senior Enthusiast

Grumpy Bear

Posted
Posted

Ops! The Holland tunnel would flow more air yet on a test bench as a stand alone. Thing is, the motor doesn't. If this were not so then 4X more air = 4X more power not 8 hp at peak rpm at WOT. A place you visit about what? Once a year? The OEM is a CAI. On the road it will be within 2 or 3 F of ambient. In town it doesn't matter. What you buy with a CAI is noise. If you like noise then great. There are cheaper ways to get noise than a CAI. 

  • Like 1
  • Thanks 1
OnTheReel Senior Enthusiast

OnTheReel

Posted
Posted

For what it’s worth, I saw two different people on the FB group complain about loss of throttle response with the S&B intake. Safe to assume it’s pulling timing with the stock tune, but what they feel may just be perceived.


What isn’t just perceived is the “check engine air filter” message people get in the DIC with these “open” type intakes. 

Philipgonzales3 Enthusiast

Philipgonzales3

Posted
  • Author
Posted
1 hour ago, Grumpy Bear said:

Ops! The Holland tunnel would flow more air yet on a test bench as a stand alone. Thing is, the motor doesn't. If this were not so then 4X more air = 4X more power not 8 hp at peak rpm at WOT. A place you visit about what? Once a year? The OEM is a CAI. On the road it will be within 2 or 3 F of ambient. In town it doesn't matter. What you buy with a CAI is noise. If you like noise then great. There are cheaper ways to get noise than a CAI. 

Well I already have an exhaust, and the noise does sound sweet.  Next up, turbo whistle in the exhaust! lol JK

  • Haha 1
Philipgonzales3 Enthusiast

Philipgonzales3

Posted
  • Author
Posted
33 minutes ago, OnTheReel said:

For what it’s worth, I saw two different people on the FB group complain about loss of throttle response with the S&B intake. Safe to assume it’s pulling timing with the stock tune, but what they feel may just be perceived.


What isn’t just perceived is the “check engine air filter” message people get in the DIC with these “open” type intakes. 

I've read and seen lots of videos that say the throttle response is improved with the S&B.  Also may just be placebo effect but ehh either way.  I could always change it out if I'm not happy with it.  

 

Not really worried about any messages in the DIC, I know it's recommended to turn off the air filter life indicator as it won't be accurate.  Could always drop a chunk of change and get a tune :D.  

nobaddays Enthusiast

nobaddays

Posted
Posted
1 hour ago, OnTheReel said:

For what it’s worth, I saw two different people on the FB group complain about loss of throttle response with the S&B intake. Safe to assume it’s pulling timing with the stock tune, but what they feel may just be perceived.


What isn’t just perceived is the “check engine air filter” message people get in the DIC with these “open” type intakes. 

All you have to do is turn off the air filter life indicator. Very simple. The S&B has a plexi-glass cover so you can see the filter condition without having to open the whole thing up.

  • Like 1
GA_RST Enthusiast

GA_RST

Posted
Posted

Y’all are gonna make me get one of these S&B CAIs here soon lol

Next up on the list will be the JLT Oil Catch can and the S&B CAI


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  • Like 1
GA_RST Enthusiast

GA_RST

Posted
Posted

Can anyone elaborate on the difference between the difference between S&B Cold Air Intake with Dry Extendable Filter VS. the one with the oiled cotton filter?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  • Like 1
Philipgonzales3 Enthusiast

Philipgonzales3

Posted
  • Author
Posted
6 minutes ago, GA_LTZ said:

Can anyone elaborate on the difference between the difference between S&B Cold Air Intake with Dry Extendable Filter VS. the one with the oiled cotton filter?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I went with the dry one, IMO it really doesn't matter that much.  Oiled filter technically filters more but is more maintenance I think.  I've never had an oiled one so I figured dry would be the way to go with me.  

GA_RST Enthusiast

GA_RST

Posted
Posted

After looking more into this thread, I don’t want any error messages to pop up about “check air filter” etc. also I want the air filter indicator to be accurate. Are there any direct swap CAIs that don’t affect any of these electronics?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

TNTSierra Senior Enthusiast

TNTSierra

Posted
Posted

I also have the dry one. The oiled ones can mess up the mass air flow sensor if not oiled properly.

 

@Grumpy Bear......that's your opinion, but I have had one of these and it makes a huge difference. Do you want to know how? Well, after racing my stepdads ecoboost, I gained a half a truck length, so you can take your ambient temperatures along with your stock air intake and grab a bowl of porridge and maybe you will be HappyBear!

Good Day!!

TNTSierra Senior Enthusiast

TNTSierra

Posted
Posted

Also with these CAI, you must unplug the battery for 2 1/2 hours and then shut off the filter light on dash, and you won't have any problems! 

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Forum Statistics

    250.4k
    Total Topics
    2.7m
    Total Posts

  • Member Statistics

    342,760
    Total Members
    8,960
    Most Online
    MASONV88888888
    Newest Member
    MASONV88888888
    Joined

  • Who's Online   2 Members, 0 Anonymous, 1,622 Guests (See full list)

  • Latest Articles

  • Posts

    • Coastie05
      Replacing 2.7L on 2021 Silverado with 2023 2.7L

      By Coastie05 · Posted

      I’m definitely interested to hear the end result here. 
    • MASONV88888888
      Another 6.2L engine failure!

      By MASONV88888888 · Posted

      My 2025 Silverado 1500 had to receive a brand-new engine (long block) under warranty last month at only around 16,500 miles. Before the replacement, the truck repeatedly displayed "Engine Oil Level Low" warnings, even though the Oil Life Monitor still showed around 50% remaining after about 6,000 miles since my last oil change. After seeing the warning several times, I checked the dipstick with the engine cold, and the oil level was completely normal. The next day, the message escalated to "Add Engine Oil." At first, I assumed it was just a faulty oil level sensor, so I brought the truck to the dealership. After inspecting the engine, they found internal cylinder wall scoring and ultimately replaced the entire long block under warranty. Before this happened, I was planning to install a 4-inch lift and suspension upgrade on my truck. After needing a new engine at just 16,500 miles, I honestly don't see the point anymore. I also contacted GM to ask whether my vehicle qualified for a buyback, but I was informed that it does not at this time. Anyway, this experience has left me with serious concerns about the long-term reliability of this engine. I sincerely hope NHTSA expands the current investigation or recall to include 2025 model and performs a thorough inspection of affected vehicles. My biggest concern is that these engines may fail shortly after the powertrain warranty expires. If GM truly stands behind this engine, then at the very least, please consider extending the powertrain warranty to 10 years for affected owners. That would go a long way toward restoring customer confidence.
    • Grumpy Bear
      OCI, not when but why?

      By Grumpy Bear · Posted

      Without exception but then I'm the odd duck, right? I know what goes into that test, how it is calculated and thus how to beat it. But EPA values are often not beaten by the general public and the government has in past years adjusted the means and methods to come to those values to more closely approximate "Joe Average".    The only real trick to beating that EPA average is don't drive like "Joe Average".    It's the same method you used to profit from "Economic Migration" and in doing so beat the 'stats'. But you, like me, are not "Joe Average".     The thing you don't seem to grasp is this "Purchasing Power Index" isn't forward looking. It doesn't predict what it going to be but looks backward and states what it was. They are not telling us what the THINK, they are telling us what they MEASURED. Example:    Wife says "I'm going to lose 40 pounds by Christmas". May she does, maybe she doesn't but the doctors office who weighed her when she made that statement and again at Christmas only REPORTS what the RESULT was. You and I can banter about what was possible and what aunt Tilly did till the cows come home but the result is the result. Arguing otherwise is.....irrational. That's all I'm saying. This isn't about:      What you are calling a 'Statistic' is a RESULT not a CALCUATION and as a result the RULE. Like gravity as a rule, it can not be broken. 
    • MASONV88888888
      Rattle in the rear!

      By MASONV88888888 · Posted

      Just wanted to say thank you for posting this. Years later, your thread is still helping Silverado owners.   I bought my 2025 Silverado 1500 in January 2025, and I've had what feels like the exact same rattle since day one. After reading your findings, I believe my truck has the same issue with the cable carrier contacting the rear sliding window. To be honest, I had pretty much given up on pursuing the issue. It wasn't until I recently drove another brand's pickup that I realized just how quiet their cabin was—and how noisy mine has been all along. On my truck, the rattle happens on almost any paved road, gets even worse on rougher pavement, and I can even hear it during braking and acceleration.   I actually referenced your thread when submitting my case to GM, hoping they'll recognize this as a recurring issue instead of treating it as an isolated incident. The reason I reached out to GM first is because my dealership told me they would need to keep the truck for at least two days just to diagnose the problem. I was concerned that even after two days, they still might not be able to identify the source of the rattle before giving the truck back to me. I had also asked a few dealerships about this issue during previous service visits, but none of them seemed to know what was causing it or had a solution. That's why I decided to contact GM directly first, hoping they might already have an official repair procedure or guidance for this issue.   I also hope GM eventually comes up with an official fix for this problem. I have a feeling there are many Silverado owners experiencing the same rattle, but most either choose to live with it or simply don't know what the cause is.   Really appreciate you taking the time to document your diagnosis. Your post is still making a difference years later.
    • Buckwild27
      Gas Prices

      By Buckwild27 · Posted

      I have 2 choices. 

  • GM-Trucks.com Clubs

  • Popular Contributors

×
×
  • Create New...