K&N, Airaid, or Volant

Victory Red · December 15, 2001

Help me out guys. I just installed a Gibson Dual Sport exhaust, and now I'm shopping for an air intake system. Tell me which is best overall. K&N FIPK Gen II, the Volant system, or an Airaid system (or any others)? I like the looks of the Volant, simply because it looks to be a little more water-resistant than the open style of the K&N and Airaid systems. Is anyone running into problems with water in the airbox area (say after driving in heavy rain)? Also, what performance have you noticed with any of these systems? Does the Volant airbox have the same opening as the factory airbox? Is the Volant system any quieter than the K&N or Airaid? I'm not looking for that old "four barrel" sound, just more air. The Volant box looks to be quieter than the others. Does the K&N or airaid make any howling-type noise that would reverberate into the cab? The Power Programmer 3 is on it's way, but I didn't want to use it until I got some better airflow into the engine first. I found a SWEET deal on an Airaid system, but I want some opinions first.

TahoeJeff · December 15, 2001

If you don't want the sound of the four-barrell carb, you better stay away from the K&N! It does. I love the sound though. I grew up with a Big Block Grand Prix as the family car when I was the kid. The sound brings back memories. The sound does come into the vehicle compartment under full acceleration. This is my second K&N and I love them. The performance is there on the low end and top end.

gandolphxx · December 15, 2001

The K&N sure sounds like my '67 GTO did when it was winding up - love it - the Volant looks a little more restrictive.

ChevyAGoGo · December 15, 2001

With the K&N when you get on it it opens up, sounds great. No sound under normal driving though. The volant looks like the factory intake.

Stepside Z · December 15, 2001

K&N Gen II is the way to go. I love the sound and the power both low end and top end.

Victory Red · December 15, 2001

Well, you guys have answered one of my questions for sure. Sounds like the K&N is the one that makes the noise. That's not for me. I don't drive around like a teenager ALL the time, (only on the weekends - LOL!). I have opted for the Volant system instead, since the Airaid seems just too similar to the K&N FIPK. I'm guessing the Airaid must be about the same noise level as the K&N, right?. I think the Volant system will do me fine. I like the idea of the closed-in airbox to keep out the nasty stuff (water & dirt). And I ordered the extra cold air scoop to go with it. Check it out here: http://volantperformance.com/Products/VAcc...35853/35853.htm

Click on the Installation link to see how it fits in the truck with the scoop coming out next to the fog light. Only problem is I will have to remove the tow hook on the right side, to make room for the scoop. I believe this will give me the performance I want without making the noise I don't want.

Thanks for the input fellas. I'll post some pics when I get it installed.

XSaNiTy · December 15, 2001

i think that system looks sweet and i bet the performance will be just what you want and not very noisy. id get that setup myself except ive been known to bury my truck in mud past the tow hooks.....i hope you do a full report and post on the product review page for all to see

MountaineerTom · December 15, 2001

It looks like the end of the scoop has a molded area to fit around the tow hook. Pretty cool looking.

Victory Red · December 15, 2001

It looks like the end of the scoop has a molded area to fit around the tow hook. Pretty cool looking.

Ya, now that you mention it, it does look like it's notched out for the tow hook. There is nothing on their web site about having to remove the tow hook or not, so I guess I'll have to wait until I get it to let you all know. I'll write up a good report. I'm adding a lot of stuff this month all at once, to the basically stock set up that I had been running since I got the truck in October, so I can give you guys a full report on the new Gibson exhaust, Volant intake & scoop, and the Power Programmer mods, all at once. I'll try to get some pics on my web site too, but that might take a little longer, since I don't have a digital camera. Although, I'll probably shoot a whole roll of film doing the install anyhow, so we'll see what happens.

siume99 · December 16, 2001

Experimentally, I'd do one mod at a time, so you can see what each does. You are so lucky to have the time and money to do these too. I'm jealous. :love:

Victory Red · December 16, 2001

Experimentally, I'd do one mod at a time, so you can see what each does. You are so lucky to have the time and money to do these too. I'm jealous. :love:

I've been saving for this truck for a long time, and I held back enough of my savings to do all this mod stuff. I knew I would want to trick it out when I got it. Driving a "plain Jane" stock truck is just boring, IMHO. This is my FIRST brand new ANYTHING. I'm doing it up right from the get go. Lord knows I've had plenty of time to think about what I want, after watching everyone else drive new vehicles for the last 43 years. Forums like this have been a big help in figuring out what I want too. Where else can you go and get product testimonials on the spot? This place is great!

I agree with you about doing one mod at a time though. Experience each change, so you know what it did, then move on to the next mod. I've got the Gibson exhaust installed right now, and that's all. I want to get the Volant system installed and then run the truck some more, before plugging in the PP3 and tweakin' the computer. Then tires and wheels will probably be next on the list, followed by some more interior mods, and the stereo upgrade I've been planning in the back of my head.

todddd41 · December 17, 2001

Just so everybody knows, I saw a new intake made by Airforce One Performance. It looks similar to the K&N, but the included tube is polished stainless. Might be just the thing to dress up under the hood a little. Check it out at airforceoneperformance.com

The only place I've seen them for sale is truckperformance.com.

I do know there is a guy on another forum who just installed one, and I'm kinda waiting for more info before I pick which product to buy.

Todd

djames · December 17, 2001

The polished intake tube does look nice with the airforce system, but it doesn't look like they have the air box like the other two guys. That's really the one good thing about Airaid and K&N. The box system keeps the hot ait out.

But I did just email airforce to find out if they would be making a box. I'll get back to this thread when I get an answer.

Sunset Z-71 · December 17, 2001

You will be very happy with the Volant. You do not have to use that down scoop. Right now i dont have it on yet as i am having a custom one made by volant to fit the Avalanche with the Gm Brush Guard as the scoop will not fit right. but i love the response and sound it gives. Volant is not too far from my house and they are great gusy to work with hope that helps and enjoy your system.

Dave

Victory Red · December 18, 2001

Thanks for the encouraging words about the Volant system. I think it's just what I'm looking for, and I can't wait for it to get here (hopefully before X-mas). I have the HyperTech Power Programmer sitting right here, but want the Volant installed first, before I reprogram anything. I'll let you all know how it all turns out.

Happy Holidays to all!