High Capacity Air filter vs. Cold Air Intake.

[likearock00]

My 2006 Silverado has the stock high capacity air filter on it. Is that similar to the cold air intakes? I was debating adding on a CAI but won't if it wouldn't add any performance to my truck. Thanks!

[drew630]

I have the replacement K&N Air Filter (not the cold air intake system, just filter) in my 04 Silverado and I can tell a small hp gain with the new filter. So, I would bet that a cold air intake system would definitely provide a hp gain.

[E. Haskell]

I wouldn't run a K&N or CAI. K&N filters let in too much dirt that causes wear - go here for more info: http://theoildrop.server101.com/foru...=0&Board=UBB15

Paper filters are the best.....

[drew630]

Originally Posted by E. Haskell

I wouldn't run a K&N or CAI. K&N filters let in too much dirt that causes wear - go here for more info: http://theoildrop.server101.com/foru...=0&Board=UBB15

Paper filters are the best.....

If you buy the filters that are for off-roading, the filter comes pre-oiled which prevents dirt from entering.

[E. Haskell]

Originally Posted by drew630

If you buy the filters that are for off-roading, the filter comes pre-oiled which prevents dirt from entering.

I agree but an oiled K&N is more porous than a paper filter. Hold one up to light and you'll see little holes.

[likearock00]

So should I just get a new filter?

[T-Type]

The benefit of the CAI is that it will be less restrictive than the stock airbox. Which should allow you to flow more air into the engine. Of course the gain will be pretty small unless you have done other mods to the engine. If you haven't done anything else to the engine, you probably won't notice much of a change in performance. Although the engine sound will definitely be louder.

[likearock00]

What else do I need to do, T-type?

I don't know if I'm gonna like the answer...

[T-Type]

You are talking about mods for more power I take it? My suggestion would be to find some GM truck enthusiast websites and see what other people have done that works. In general things like a freer flowing exhaust can help. But once again that will likely be just a small improvement. Significant power gains require engine modifications - heads, cam, forced induction....

I forgot to add about the CAI - it is also designed to bring in the coldest air possible into the engine. The colder the air is, the denser it is which means more will get in. The stock airbox may suck air from the engine compartment, which will have warmer air than if you got it direct from outside.

[likearock00]

Thanks T-type. I'm not a big mod person. I have no problems with my stock truck and do not want to sink anymore money than the $29,000 I spent buying it. I was just curious if it would give me alot of power for a few hundred bucks. I really don't want to spend the money for a cat-back or anything else. I appreciate your info though....

[E. Haskell]

CAI can give a nice "sucking" sound. If it was me, I'd just get a stock filter. $200+ for the possibility of 3-4hp just isn't worth it imo.

An electric cutout is $150 and they do give 10+hp.

[VMax2007]

Originally Posted by T-Type

You are talking about mods for more power I take it? My suggestion would be to find some GM truck enthusiast websites and see what other people have done that works. In general things like a freer flowing exhaust can help. But once again that will likely be just a small improvement. Significant power gains require engine modifications - heads, cam, forced induction....

I forgot to add about the CAI - it is also designed to bring in the coldest air possible into the engine. The colder the air is, the denser it is which means more will get in. The stock airbox may suck air from the engine compartment, which will have warmer air than if you got it direct from outside.

T-Type, what do you know about Perf tunes? And do you recommend them? Do they affect powertrain warranty?
Any info on tunes would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!

[T-Type]

Stuff for a specific vehicle I can't tell you (unless you are asking about a GN/T-Type). Which is why I recommended likearock00 to find an enthusiast website. But in general anything that will improve the flow of air into or out of the engine are good or things that reduce the parasitic drag on the engine. Some basic bolt on items are:

CAI
Cat-back exhaust
Underdrive pulleys

Supposedly there are items out there that you can put on the car and it won't affect the warranty. Personally I wouldn't take the chance.

[Gary_602Z]

Try www.chevytalk.org Lots of helpfull people there.

Gary

[Firebird00]

Go with a CAI setup. The restrictive intake pipes (with its bends, baffles, and giant silencers) hurt performance and fuel economy. A buddies LT1 T/A picked up another 1mpg after he changed his intake to a 1LE setup. I'm not saying you'll see the same, but induction is usually always the first stop in modding. A CAI, headers and exhaust will really wake your truck up. You will notice substancially better acceleration (both off the line and passing at highway speeds.)