Cold Air Intakes...mpg/hp Worth It?

drumset5994 · July 8, 2007

Here's a question i havent seen in awhile.

My brother and i have been at odds for years. He states his K&N filter on his 4.3L gets him better MPG and more horsepower. I dont believe they do...for this reason.

Maybe on other vehicles it works, but i looked at Dyno charts for a 4.3L...you dont see HP gains up till the late 3,000 early 4,000...and to be honest...my truck almost NEVER sees RPM's that high.

The cost of the actual intake kit probably makes up for the fuel economy you save, if any.

My theory is this...wouldnt more air into your intake mean the PCM adjustes everything to compensate more air...INCLUDING more fuel consumption?

redvett · July 8, 2007

The GM OEM air intake system is a cold air intake so a replacement is wasted money. Save your money & drive a little slower, that alone will save you money.

Nytemare · July 8, 2007

The GM OEM air intake system is a cold air intake so a replacement is wasted money. Save your money & drive a little slower, that alone will save you money.

I agree, if anything buy a true flow filter and put it in the stock air box. Thats it. If you are going for looks or trying to show the truck off sure put a new intake on. But to spend 300+ bucks for an increase in the high rpm range and less than 1mpg gain. Screw that.

omegafiler · July 8, 2007

It also depends on your supporting mods and whether or not your vehicle would have any significant gains with an aftermarket CAI. But equally important is the tube and path that the air travels from the OEM "CAI" intake. Many take strange paths and/or are restricted at certain points along the way. This may be done for emissions or even just to keep it quiet.

Another factor is of course how you drive and what you want to get out it. If you rarely get into the upper RPM range and your primary goal is increased MPG... then you probably aren't the best candidate for any type of extensive modding to your vehicle.

Bottom line, there are dyno graphs that do in fact prove that you can see an increase in HP/TQ with an aftermarket intake. Just keep in mind, that a dyno is done at WOT. Not crusing down the hwy at 60mph.

Nytemare · July 9, 2007

Best thing about the factory intake is all the little "water traps" they put in there. makes offroading less dangerous in the hydro locking department.

drumset5994 · July 9, 2007

i just found this out today.

My brother parted out a hoover to make his own custom air intake.

Yes, thats right people. A hoover vacuum cleaner.

He took off the filter, and ran the air hose down along the firewall, and zip tied it along the way.

There is nothing preventing bugs, dirt, condors...from entering the intake.

I would say the aluminum windscreen in front of the MAP sensor would catch some stuff, but he's already punched it out years ago for "more HP"

Dick.

omegafiler · July 9, 2007

He took off the filter, and ran the air hose down along the firewall, and zip tied it along the way.

There is nothing preventing bugs, dirt, condors...from entering the intake.

I would say the aluminum windscreen in front of the MAP sensor would catch some stuff, but he's already punched it out years ago for "more HP"

Dick.

Wow, I would definately NOT recommend doing this.

That's just asking for problems. I hope he at least changes his oil very frequently.

Wingnut · July 9, 2007

i just found this out today.

My brother parted out a hoover to make his own custom air intake.

Yes, thats right people. A hoover vacuum cleaner.

He took off the filter, and ran the air hose down along the firewall, and zip tied it along the way.

There is nothing preventing bugs, dirt, condors...from entering the intake.

I would say the aluminum windscreen in front of the MAP sensor would catch some stuff, but he's already punched it out years ago for "more HP"

Dick.

And this is the guy that you're bothering to argue with?

Schmids5.3l · July 9, 2007

I think I would rather strap a leaf blower up to the 4" hole in the bottom of my Outlaw air box for a forced induction set up.

drumset5994 · July 10, 2007

I used to be a member of S10forums, back when i owned my S10.

My brother introduced me to the site (him above).

My last post before i got banned, was when i argued with a guy who strapped on a leaf blower for his own turbocharger.

www.s10forum.com

Go check it out and try and find the post. I'm dead serious.

C & A s Dad · July 12, 2007

I think I would rather strap a leaf blower up to the 4" hole in the bottom of my Outlaw air box for a forced induction set up.

That Leaf Blower thing works very well. Just be sure and get a real good brand like a Stihl or Husky and if you can afford it get one of those big commercial rigs that strap to your back, you can put the motor assy in the bed and route the duct work to your intake as I did. Oh yea, be sure and put the Stihl decal in your back window for an extra 10 HP.

omegafiler · July 12, 2007

And speaking of the controversial air intake system, I just got my GMPP (GM Performance Parts) Air Intake System installed today. Check sig for pics. (sorry about the dirty engine and glare from the sun.)

Oh, and it's great. In addition to improved throttle response and power across the entire RPM band... it looks and sounds mean.

6.0 + GMPP Intake + Corsa Sport = awesomeness.

C & A s Dad · July 12, 2007

Hey, that is really purdy. I am sure it has been asked before but does that airbox feed from the fender just like the oe box? If so, does the box itself offer any flow advantage over the oe plastic box or is it simply for looks?

I am asking because I use a TrueFlow intake tube with the OE box.

omegafiler · July 13, 2007

Hey, that is really purdy. I am sure it has been asked before but does that airbox feed from the fender just like the oe box? If so, does the box itself offer any flow advantage over the oe plastic box or is it simply for looks?

I am asking because I use a TrueFlow intake tube with the OE box.

The large mandrel bent tube is really where it gets the biggest gains. But the box is also a more open design, bigger filter, etc. But it still pulls air from the fender, just like the stock air box.

chillinsk8err · July 13, 2007

i took my air box lid off. idk my motor sounds cooler when i wot it now. i notice some more power. anything bad from doing this. sure my fliter would get dirty more but i dont care about that.