Reg Air Filter Or Cold Air Intake

smattei14 · January 12, 2009

Hey guys...I am at a cross road....I want to gain alittle HP...but I don't feel like spending alot of $$$$

I know the Reg airfilter from K&N works...it will give you 1-5 HP's and it will improve MPG's a little, for round $70.

My question is, if I go with the Cold Air Intake, it says it will give me around 10-15 HP's gain...but the cost is around $280 with shipping.

1.) Is it really worth the $280 for the cold air intake? - As of right now, unless I get my Exhaust done, it prob is not worth it. Right????

2.) for the money, the reg airfilter is prob the bang for the buck.

I would like to hear you guys have to say about both...let me know...if you have any good sites that to order from...let me know too...

Thanks in advance!

jrrod2004 · January 12, 2009

Hey guys...I am at a cross road....I want to gain alittle HP...but I don't feel like spending alot of $$$$

I know the Reg airfilter from K&N works...it will give you 1-5 HP's and it will improve MPG's a little, for round $70.

My question is, if I go with the Cold Air Intake, it says it will give me around 10-15 HP's gain...but the cost is around $280 with shipping.

1.) Is it really worth the $280 for the cold air intake? - As of right now, unless I get my Exhaust done, it prob is not worth it. Right????

2.) for the money, the reg airfilter is prob the bang for the buck.

I would like to hear you guys have to say about both...let me know...if you have any good sites that to order from...let me know too...

Thanks in advance!

the K&N will give more power but only at 5000+ RPMs, unless you are constantly at that speed, I would go for the regular filter and get some type of straight tube to replace the OEM one.

asilverblazer · January 12, 2009

You'll never feel that power, you will miss the money though.

tobias · January 12, 2009

Get a nice drop-in filter and an Airaid Modular Intake Tube (MIT) and you'll have a nice sounding CAI for under $150.

longhorn_giant · January 12, 2009

The best way to increase your HP and MPG is to add one of these tornado intake pieces.

Ebay: Tornado Intake

or an aqua tune.

In all seriousness, if you want to change the sound of your truck, go with the CAI system. If you're looking for something cost-effective, go with the OEM replacement and add a straight tube. I'd recommend an oilless filter though. I've got a K&N OEM replacement filter, and I have to clean my MAF occasionally to keep the oil off of it. Once I've got the time I'm going to get the GMPP CAI system, since it's oilless.

Spurshot · January 12, 2009

Gale Banks has been a no-nonsense aftermarket performance outfit for many years. I trust his products.

Take a read of this page from his website. http://www.bankspower.com/products/show/308/10

click the "proof" tab and read that page

Personally, I don't like a loud intake on these trucks. So, if I did a CAI, it would likely be attenuated for noise. I don't know if anyone other than the factory tube has any noise attenuation. Also, I believe my Vmax may already have a CAI. Some of the aftermarket designs are not necessarily better than the factory. Look for real data. Otherwise all you may be getting is noise and possibly less or no power gain.

VMax2007 · January 12, 2009

My GMPP system:

1. Looks awesome!

2. Sounds great!

3. Adds 18,000 HP!

OK, well 2 out of 3 aint bad.

Bowtie2Sierra · January 12, 2009

I also have the GMPP CAI and I like it. It has a nice growl under acceleration and it looks really good under the hood. Have I noticed increased power or mpg? Nope. (I got a Black Bear tune for that )

Yes it is overpriced compared to other options out there but the appearance was enough to justify the cost for me (and I found a good deal online). I also like the fact that it uses a dry filter.

strokin13 · January 12, 2009

I guess it all depends on how long you plan on owning your truck… any added benefits/performance from doing a whole CAI will take longer to offset the extra cost involved versus just doing a drop in filter (dry would be my preference) and an intake tube. The difference in terms of performance is likely very little when we are talking about real-world results.

This is my first new vehicle I have ever purchased (others have been used) and I caught the mod bug (see my sig). Would I do it again, probably because I got great deals on the mods and I feel like I made it my own. I like the sound and feel of the truck, and absolutely love driving it, even if the performance numbers are only a very little increase.

I guess what I and probably everyone else here will tell you, It’s your truck, its your decision, go with what works for you (especially your budget) and enjoy!

tobias · January 12, 2009

I guess it all depends on how long you plan on owning your truck… any added benefits/performance from doing a whole CAI will take longer to offset the extra cost involved versus just doing a drop in filter (dry would be my preference) and an intake tube. The difference in terms of performance is likely very little when we are talking about real-world results.

This is my first new vehicle I have ever purchased (others have been used) and I caught the mod bug (see my sig). Would I do it again, probably because I got great deals on the mods and I feel like I made it my own. I like the sound and feel of the truck, and absolutely love driving it, even if the performance numbers are only a very little increase.

I guess what I and probably everyone else here will tell you, It’s your truck, its your decision, go with what works for you (especially your budget) and enjoy!

GM Molded Slash Guards

Quick question: Do these cover the whole tire? Sounds like an interesting mod.

66nova · January 12, 2009

Best bang for the buck = Drop in and a Blackbear tune

flatlander · January 12, 2009

I doubt if you would notice any difference in any of these mods at normal RPM's. The OEM filters do an excellant job of cleaning so why spend the money. That's just my opinion. All of my farm equipment (tractors & combines) use the paper filter media and they run in constant dirt, severe dust & dirt, without any problems so I know the paper filtering media is highly effective.

iminaquagmire · January 12, 2009

Bought it for looks mostly. Also to get rid of the stock squid-like intake tube. Like everyone else said, spend you money elsewhere first if you're looking for anything other than aesthetics.

MarkD · January 12, 2009

I just did the drop in this time. It was only $40 though, and an OEM was $25.

mxz905 · January 12, 2009

I spent the money and went for the complete K&N CAI in hopes that it would help in towing my 2 place enclosed sled trailer. Prior to the CAI I had horible down shifting on the slightest grade. After the CAI slight grades no longer require a down shift and when it does shift it's a little smoother. Not real sure how the second was affected by the CAI. My guess is it may be shifting at a slightly different RPM if that's possible.