Cold Air Intake

[polarisboy]

I have an 06 HD2500, 6.0. I'm looking to increase the mileage. Don't care about increasing the power, as that is fine. I see that the FIPK's claim 20hp. I'm just wondering if the engine is that choked off, if the mileage will also increase by changing the filter?

 

I also know that there have been some issues with using a K&N system with the oil getting on the MAF and setting off the light. I also know that GM offers there own performance intake system but its a dry filter, and still is an enclosed box. Does that really do anything?? Other than look pretty?

 

I've searched through several pages on here and really can't determine from the posts I've read if the intake system is worth it or not. The couple of threads I found basically said that the filter system did nothing and I should try a econo programmer?

 

What does everyone think?

[jpringle3]

In all my years I have seen all kinds of air inlets K&n is by far the worst thing you can do to you engine they let in dirt and that kills you engine the piping comes off Great for you lockal mechanic. Not worth anything but headackes for you. Take apart you stock intake and wash it and vacume it. Keep your filter changed every spring after the grime is off the road. Change your oxygen sensor every 3 years change your fuel filter and oil a little earlier than specified with the money you would have spent on the K&n and you will be ahead of the game. Any programer I have ever seen that leans out the engine will give you more heat in the exhaust as it will mis-fire. 6.0 litre engines are not my specialty but I'm sure someone will chime in about exhaust system upgrades.

[SWDoodle]

I would agree about letting dirt in the engine. Unless you live in the city and regularly clean the filter I would never put a K & N in a pickup. Out where I live it is pretty arid and dusty most of the time. In the summer I change my paper filter every oil change. I crazy how much dirt gets trapped in there after 3000 miles. That being said you are correct there seems to be alot of disagreement in regards to any performance gains. Some say it helps some say it's a waste of money. From everything I've heard a performance pcm tune is the only real way to possibly increase mileage. I'm going to get one for my 6.0 after I reach 36,000 miles and it's no longer under warranty.

[wellinghurst]

CAI's look pretty and some people think they sound cool, but that's about it.

[ws6_guy]

The OEM intake is already cold induction, the only things restrictive about it are the filter, & the tube. Those manufacturers saying 20 more horsepower & such, for future reference, when you see that, remember that you only get 1/4 of the power they say you get

 

K&N is junk, please avoid their products. If you are wanting a new kit then look into AEM, Outlaw, Volant, or the GM intake. The best performing intake is an enclosed intake box ( GM kit, stock kit, Volant, & Outlaw are enclosed )

 

For my truck I was just going to use a True Flow filter with an AirAid intake tube.

[jnpaddison]

i kept the GM stock air box and replaced the GM Labaryth with an Air-aid MIT - just a smooth tube,,

dont really know about MPG or HP ,, but i do like the sound it makes under partial to WOT ,,

[Black02Silverado]

Speaking of CAI systems. AMSOIL just came out with theirs. Interesting to see how well it does.

[LowRyter]

I've got K&N Filters on my two motorcycles and 1994 Z-28 Camaro (w/ Hennessey "tube"). Hard to say if you get a performance or economy boost but at least you can clean and reuse the filter.

 

BTW, my Camaro has 140k miles on it, my 1998 Suzuki Bandit has 61k miles and my 1998 Moto Guzzi has 23k miles on it. Now I just bought Guzzi but the others I've had since new and would say that 90% + miles were with the K&N.

 

They are well made and easy to clean. They might improve performance. At least some of the performance boards seem to have Dyno numbers. BTW, my Z-28 6 speed gets about 19 mpg going to work in mixed driving, that's an LT-1 V-8, great motor except for the optispark ignition and water pump.

 

So what harm do you think the K&M might do?

[Black02Silverado]

So what harm do you think the K&M might do?

 

From all the oil analysis I have read and from what the lab that does my analysis has talked to me about is, the majority of K&N users do not clean them properly and it allows for major dirt ingestion. All the oil samples had high readings of Silicon. Now for the average person that doesn't keep their vehicle long no problem, just the next owners problem for major engine wear. There are samples out with K&N in use and they have low Silicon levels.

[polarisboy]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the honest input!

[Bruce03Silverado]

I just added an S&B drop in air filter in my stock air box.

 

http://www.sbfilters.com/

[ewiski]

cai are not needed as your blinker fluid oil is passed over the throttle body intake thus cooling the air.additional cooling can be done by driving normally or pushing your vehicle with the engine on.blinker fluid replacment every 3000 miles is a must.

[LowRyter]

So what harm do you think the K&M might do?

 

From all the oil analysis I have read and from what the lab that does my analysis has talked to me about is, the majority of K&N users do not clean them properly and it allows for major dirt ingestion. All the oil samples had high readings of Silicon. Now for the average person that doesn't keep their vehicle long no problem, just the next owners problem for major engine wear. There are samples out with K&N in use and they have low Silicon levels.

 

 

 

well Nick, how much longer do you think I will have to own and drive my two motorcycles & camaro before I have problems? 140k miles on my Z/28. 61k miles on my Suzuki motorcycle. Neither use any oil. I'm not sure why you make that statement as an "average person that doesn't keep a vehicle long".

[Black02Silverado]

So what harm do you think the K&M might do?

 

From all the oil analysis I have read and from what the lab that does my analysis has talked to me about is, the majority of K&N users do not clean them properly and it allows for major dirt ingestion. All the oil samples had high readings of Silicon. Now for the average person that doesn't keep their vehicle long no problem, just the next owners problem for major engine wear. There are samples out with K&N in use and they have low Silicon levels.

 

 

 

well Nick, how much longer do you think I will have to own and drive my two motorcycles & camaro before I have problems? 140k miles on my Z/28. 61k miles on my Suzuki motorcycle. Neither use any oil. I'm not sure why you make that statement as an "average person that doesn't keep a vehicle long".

 

 

You have a good point. Running K&N will not cause any problems since there is no evidence showing engine problems related from running K&N. I need to learn to think before I type. Now there is good Poll question, At what point does one consider one keeping a vehicle a long time, 100k, 200K, 400K?

 

I wonder just how long an engine can last with high levels of silicon, at least high in regards to what auto manufactures claim to be high levels? It would be interesting to see an oil sample from your vehicles. More than likely your silicon levels are normal and you are getting great results from your K&N filters.

 

I didn't mean to sound like I was bashing K&N, I did state that there are oil samples with low silicon levels when a K&N air filter was used.

[ZZ327]

a K&N filter or a similar version would probably help out a little, or changing your intake tube to a smoother radius will help HP. Also thats as long as you have a tuner to set up the engine for it. As for better MPG Ive heard yes and no.

 

The only things Ive heard wrong about K&N filters on newer pickups 99+ is that if you over oil them wrong it will eventually cover the MAF sensor with the filter oil. Thats why I usually oil the INTAKE side of the filter only.

 

And about them letting in more dirt, Why is it that dirt track, off road rally, race cars, drag cars, and racing bikes of all kinds use them with no real problems? Ive never noticed my oil any dirtier. Theres even a guy out there with 1 million miles on his K&N using silverado with the original engine.