CAI vs drop in high flow filter - any real dyno #'s?

[Bruce03Silverado]

Ok,

 

I've been doing a lot of research lately and I am having a hard time finding good hard numbers as to why a CAI is THAT much better than say an S&B drop in filter in my HD. I've had CAI's on all my vehicles, but with this truck I decided to do a little more research this time.

 

I had a Volant, Superchips and Magnaflow catback on my 03 1500 and those three made quite a difference in my truck. What I am finding is that those people who say the CAI's make a difference are combining them with a tune and exhaust. What I want to know is how much of a difference a CAI will make by itself over a high flow filter like True Flow or S&B, etc?

 

Has anyone seen dyno numbers on a CAI vs a drop in high flow filter only? No tune and no exhaust. I have a Diablo Predator ready to be installed in my HD this time and I decided to go with the tune first as opposed to the norm of an intake and exhaust then tune.

 

Any thoughts? Thanks in advance!

[Schmids5.3l]

I'd like to see a dyno sheet also, before and after CAI. I'd think the biggest improvement would come from the intake tube. The stocker's look restrictive. Im ordering a cai today or tommo, more than likely k&N 57 series, I would go 77 series, but the aluminum intake tube would stick out like a sore thumb under my hood, and would absorb heat more than the plastic tube on the 57. The main reason Im getting a CAI is because their reuseable, and look a hell-ov-a-lot less restrictive than the stock system.

 

Plus at the strip I can remove the passenger headlight and get some redneck ram air!!

[Buggle_96]

Im going to ramble but this is my experience.

 

You would think that is the case, but I have found that running the stock intake tube with my afe stage II cai gives me more of a ls1 type of pull when you hit the throttle. The tube that came with the afe doesnt seem to pull as hard on top, maybe the same, but it really gives the truck a very flat powerband and better throttle response. My brother noticed the same when he did this with his outlaw intake. While the stock intake tube seems to be more restrictive, you have to also consider it has alot more volume. ;)

 

According to my aeroforces there is about a .2-.3 tenths difference in the 1/4 mile results, with the afe tube being faster. The butt dyno would say's that the stock intake tube would be faster. May not be an accurate 1/4 mile result but it seemed to be the consistant difference in the two.

 

It kind of makes me understand why outlaw used that crazy looking boost tube. Of course my bro has the new tube that does not have the boost part on it.

 

My 2 cents.

[C & A s Dad]

The only dyno #s that I have seen have been on the CAI's websites for whatever that is worth. I too belive the tube is where you will gain power if there is any to be gained. The factory air box does pull true cold air from the fenderwell area and is designed to work with even the 8.1L so IMO, there is no benefit to removing the airbox. If you are familiar with Trueflow, this is their philosophy as well.

 

I have a TF tube and filter and have been pleased with it, especially the quality, fit and appearance. I am currently doing some oil annalysis research to see if the TF foam filter really stops dirt like they claim.

[Ductape]

I've not seen any dyno results from independent sources... only what the manufacturers post. In most cases their tests are done with the 5.3.

I'm leaning toward the AEM system (if anything) because it is a dry filter. Also they do post dyno numbers for a 6.0.

http://www.aempower.com/ViewProduct.aspx?ProductID=130

 

There's also the GM performance parts intake which is a dry filter; but I've seen no dyno claims and found no reports from users on any performance gains.

 

I'm only interested in mods that yield a real gain. Not what they look or sound like.

 

Mike

[Schmids5.3l]

Here's some real numbers for you

 

http://www.gmfullsize.com/forum/showthread.php?t=41953

 

Outlaw's the way to go, I just ordered one. Plus it was $250 shipped. The tests were done on a Silverado SS, and showed 10whp and close to the same in TQ, and thats on an AWD. The outlaw is rediculous on supercharged engines, probobly why they made the supercharger intake version. Its a good thread, good read.

[Ductape]

Thanks for the link Schmid. Looks like some verifiable power gains there.

For me, I'm gonna pass on oiled gauze unless I see some solid filtration data. Mine's a 4x4 and spends a lot of time in the dust. I've seen too many oil analysis reports where the results prompted the owner to throw away their gauze filter. Not criticizing anyone else's choice, but that's mine.

 

Mike

 

On edit (see below)- You're right about that; I found the no-oil filter media info too. Now I'm REALLY interested in this. Looks like they have some solid technology.

I think I'll give it a shot and just back it up with some oil analysis for a while. Thanks Schmid!

[Schmids5.3l]

I'm pretty sure they have no-oil dry filters.

 

I found some info

 

http://www.outlawpower.com/system_technology.php?part=3

[min9861]

i believe aem makes oil free filters

[Nice rig]

Yup they do, I have one and didn't really notice anything on the low end. Maybe got some on the high end but my truck almost never see's 5000 rpm.

[onac255]

Hey Bruce im about to also tune my Sierra with the Predator. I just have to be patient and wait till it gets in. I got mine for 299.99 plus shipping. Anyway let me know how that works out for you. By the way i got it from bigguyperformance.com

[Nytemare]

Is anyone making drop-in oil free filters yet?? I loved having the K&N in my car so I didn't have to go buy a filter every oil change...but it didn't have a MAF sensor on it.

[Norseman]

Is anyone making drop-in oil free filters yet?? I loved having the K&N in my car so I didn't have to go buy a filter every oil change...but it didn't have a MAF sensor on it.

 

 

Try TrueFlow.