GM CAI or Rotofab for 6.2?

[GS357 S]

2020 GMC 1500 6.2    GM CAI with the "recalibration" or the Rotofab with no tune adjustments?

[CamGTP]

To me it honestly comes down to looks, doubtful you'd notice any difference between the two. Maybe just in intake sound if they are different box designs.

[Coles5515]

I thought of both but then decided on the aFe and enjoy the tone it gave me with the muffler delete. 

[Black02Silverado]

What gets me is GM's requires an ECM flash.  Has anyone figured out why GM does but nobody else's CAI's does?  Has to be a reason.  Considering a tune can wake up these new engines, a simple change to the ECM because of a different CAI must do something, otherwise why do it.  

[econometrics]

1 hour ago, Black02Silverado said:

What gets me is GM's requires an ECM flash.  Has anyone figured out why GM does but nobody else's CAI's does?  Has to be a reason.  Considering a tune can wake up these new engines, a simple change to the ECM because of a different CAI must do something, otherwise why do it.  

I installed the GM CAI today, then went to the dealer. The guy who oversees the service dept area that does performance installs told me it’s pointless and to not even worry about getting the ECM flashed. He said it was just so the computer can know when the filter wears out more accurately due to more air flow. 
 

I had it flashed anyway. Lol 

 

OP, I had the same question and went with the GM product over the Rotofab. I was glad I did when I did the install, as it was VERY easy using the GM product. 

[OnTheReel]

The GM does come with a MAF calibration and is obviously 100% warranty safe. On the downside, the dry filter and corrugated intake tube it uses are not optimal for flow. 
 

The Roto-Fab plays really well within the stock calibration while still providing nice gains. It is also nicer to look at IMO. 
 

 

I’ve put about 10k on mine and never had a check engine light, check air filter error or anything else.

I’m sure you’d be happy with either one, just take your risk tolerance for aftermarket parts / warranty and oiled filters into account with your decision. 

[TNTSierra]

I went with the S&B cold air intake.  Flows more air than GMs CAI and Rotofab. I just installed mine last weekend. This is my second one and their products are very nice.  The filter is massive and when you step on it you can hear it!!  Makes my Corsa exhaust sound even better.
Idk if you can go wrong with any of the 3. I just researched all of them and S&B outperforms them all
 

[Black02Silverado]

10 hours ago, econometrics said:

I installed the GM CAI today, then went to the dealer. The guy who oversees the service dept area that does performance installs told me it’s pointless and to not even worry about getting the ECM flashed. He said it was just so the computer can know when the filter wears out more accurately due to more air flow. 
 

I had it flashed anyway. Lol 

 

OP, I had the same question and went with the GM product over the Rotofab. I was glad I did when I did the install, as it was VERY easy using the GM product. 

Interesting since the directions tell you to turn off the air filter monitor since it will not be accurate.  I didn't just for the fun of it and see how fast it goes down with my driving style.

 

I need to get it back on the dyno to see if an any changes came along since I added the CAI and Corsa exhaust.

[econometrics]

2 minutes ago, Black02Silverado said:

Interesting since the directions tell you to turn off the air filter monitor since it will not be accurate.  I didn't just for the fun of it and see how fast it goes down with my driving style.

 

I need to get it back on the dyno to see if an any changes came along since I added the CAI and Corsa exhaust.

Yeah, I re-enabled mine after I left the dealer too. Why not. You can manually reset it yourself. 

[GS357 S]

I was considering the GM CAI only because of the reflash, thinking that it was doing something for performance.  I have seen the Rotofab make some impressive HP gains on the G8 GXP and SS platform with the LS3.  At a local Dyno Day, we swapped from stock box to Rotofab and and back, same day, same dyno, same temp, fuel, stock cal for both, etc. and it was impressive.  Not saying it the best, but always stuck in my mind that it worked.

[econometrics]

If you want an actual performance gain from the CAI itself, I would definitely recommend the Rotofab or SB. The GM CAI isn’t going to give you as much of a boost. It’s a step up from stock, and I like it so far, but I cannot tell any measurable performance increase beyond more sound and more “feel” on my pedal. 

[Glava2876]

On 9/4/2020 at 8:50 PM, GS357 S said:

2020 GMC 1500 6.2    GM CAI with the "recalibration" or the Rotofab with no tune adjustments?

All similar, but what i liked about the GM CAI is that it looks more OEM, it maintains the warranty, it includes a slight re-flash and when I had it installed by the dealer, they added it to my truck VIN's factory dealer installed options -along with the performance exhaust.  

Edited September 14, 2020 by Glava2876

[econometrics]

☝ All of these are the reasons I did the GM CAI vs Rotofab, too. 

[f8l vnm]

i would go with the one with actual proven dyno results , otherwise its all sound ( which is great by the way ) just saying 

[Ed/2020RST]

In all the photos I've seen of the GM system it shows at least some "accordion style" to the air tube which kinda defeats the purpose. Is the tube smooth on the inside to allow free air-flow?