What is the concensus on the Ultimate air intake?

Markeaux · February 21, 2004

Looking at the Ultimate air intake at http://www.ultimatepd.com/ for 5.3L 01 Tahoe ... Anybody have this on their 5.3? If so, is the power increase noticeable? I had a replacement lid on my 98 Z28 and it was one of the few bolt-on mods that I could actually feel made a difference - so it seems this Ultimate intake would be similar. Any group purchases?

Y2K Silverado · February 21, 2004

They work well but they're poorly made. I had one and it's not very thick plastic and it's BRITTLE. A lot of guys (including me) have cracked the intake tube. The black one it tougher than the smoke or clear. I had a black one and it was ok, never cracked but I was always afraid it would when I was taking the tube off & on. I initially ordered a smoke one and the tube cracked the first time I tried to put it on. They replaced it with a black one and it was ok but I still thought it was cheaply made.

jim

Nick99Chevy · February 22, 2004

I like mine alot better than the FIPK I had.

Bruce03Silverado · February 22, 2004

I prefer the Volant. Mine should be here on Monday!

o4yukonxl · February 22, 2004

I don't have the 5.3 but I do have an AFE intake and it has a sturdy molded tube, and replaces the stock airbox with a steel one. I know the intake is sturdy because I cut it in half trying to fit it on my 8.1. Ended up getting an elbow and aluminum tube. This thing really pulls in the air.

Red 'rado · February 22, 2004

I bought a used UPD (NSV) for my 03 5.3. They are cheaply made. One mounting ear for airbox cover was cracked, even though the seller assured me there were no cracks. So I reinforeced all four mounting ears with an epoxy fill. Seems much stronger.

I truthfully did not see any change in performance with mine. I think all aftermarket intakes are over rated. Definitely not worth the $200.00+ price to me. I've only got $110 in mine so it's not so bad.

Look for a used one on LSItech.com, they love them over there and you can usually find a used one for sale. Just make sure the seller is honest about the condition before you pay the price.

boomer 33 · February 22, 2004

How well did it work on your 8.1? Did yo get your Westers yet? Got mine a few weeks ago.

o4yukonxl · February 23, 2004

I have a noticable improvment in the whole RPM range especially at the top end. Engine wants to go past the 4600 rpm shift points. I was quite amazed as I did not expect much from it. The air box is well made and is open to the front grill, so there is quite a bit more incoming air than the stock box. I bought it for $194 and it included a tube that is supposed to fit the 8.1. It does not, but the kit with the tube was cheaper than the same kit without it so I didn't lose anything. I made up a tube using a 4" to 3.5" elbow and a 3.5" aluminum straight tube. It's noiser now without the air silencer but it does make more power and torque, not a lot more, but SOTP noticable.

I'm supposed to get my Westers this week. He shipped it on Wednesday. I'll probably install it next weekend.

How is yours working? What tune did you get?

hcvone · February 23, 2004

I have had K&N FIPK on my Suburban's and went with Volant on my Escalade, it fit perfect and is built very well, I would buy another for sure

boomer 33 · February 23, 2004

Got the 93 octane tune. Was thinking of adding the airbox, or someones airbox, was not sure which was best. I sure hope you can dyno yours , there is not a dyno readily available around here and I would like to see what the true improvement is since we have the same setup down to the gear ratio and year model.

atomoverride · February 23, 2004

Volant Cold Air Intake.

Chad H · February 23, 2004

Stock air box w/ a k&n air filter. Works just as good.

Bruce03Silverado · February 23, 2004

Stock air box w/ a k&n air filter. Works just as good.

Do you have any proof? Dyno results, etc? Just curious how you come to that conclusion?

bore-stroke · February 24, 2004

Stock air box w/ a k&n air filter. Works just as good.

Do you have any proof? Dyno results, etc? Just curious how you come to that conclusion?

read my thread "VOLANT AIR SCOPE GONE"

peter d

o4yukonxl · February 25, 2004

MY PCM came in and I'll have it on this weekend. Here is the link to the intake:

http://www.afefilters.com/5410091.asp As I said, I picked up the entire kit with a tube for $194, and as it turns out, this was a mistake on their part. It was cheaper than the same kit without the tube ($211). Anyway, this thing definitely works, and the quality is first rate. I'd recommend it. If you've added the PCM, you might want to consider it as you could use more air.