Cold Air Intake Installed

[Sepiroth]

Well some of you may remember this topic, http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=521

Today the CAI made its way here. The install process went flawlessly. Though the instructions and pictures could have been a little more of the actual product. It seemed as if the instructions were taken at the time of the CAI design and fabrication process.

I did need to use the OEM MAF, which was a PITA to remove from the stock air cleaner lid.

Though you can not really tell from the video, the air being sucked into the throttle body sounds wicked under WOT. I am very pleased with that. The throttle response is definitely improved over stock. You can definitely hear the CAI doing its job from the inside of the truck, which I thought I was not going to hear. It's not as prominent as my brothers K&N CAI he installed on his 5.7 Hemi Charger. I think that may be due to the truck having more sound deadening materials and being BOF.

Overall, I am very pleased with the fitment, quality, and overall performance of this CAI system. Not too bad at all for a total of $67.00. I highly recommend this product.

On to the pics and videos:

The box it came in
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v422/rylee381/Paul/SDC10232.jpg
Taken out of the box
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v422/rylee381/Paul/SDC10233.jpg

Disassembly
Step 1; Remove stock intake system
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v422/rylee381/Paul/SDC10234.jpg
Step 2; Remove filter hold down tray
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v422/rylee381/Paul/SDC10236.jpg
Step 3; Install heat sheild
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v422/rylee381/Paul/SDC10238.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v422/rylee381/Paul/SDC10239.jpg
Step 4; Install supplied rubber isolator.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v422/rylee381/Paul/SDC10240.jpg
Step 5; Install 90* elbow and intake tube, tighten clamps loosely
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v422/rylee381/Paul/SDC10241.jpg
Step 6; Assemble MAF and filter using supplied parts. Leave all clamps loose til final fitment.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v422/rylee381/Paul/SDC10244.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v422/rylee381/Paul/SDC10243.jpg

Here are the videos. I'll take more if need be.
Stock start and rev
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v422/rylee381/Paul/th_SDC10231.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v422/rylee381/Paul/?action=view&current=SDC10231.flv)
CAI Installed and Drive
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v422/rylee381/Paul/th_SDC10247.jpg (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v422/rylee381/Paul/?action=view&current=SDC10247.flv)

[JennaBear]

Good write up!

[Sepiroth]

Thanks, I try, lol.

Look at that clean throttle body
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v422/rylee381/Paul/SDC10237.jpg

[Rollin Thunder]

looks good sir pussy foot. This is before black bear tune. with 10 sheets of plywood in the bed..

Do a vid like this next time.
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n167/fishbonejr/th_VID00027-20090204-2023.jpg (http://s112.photobucket.com/albums/n167/fishbonejr/?action=view&current=VID00027-20090204-2023.flv)

[Sepiroth]

Alright mofo.

I just hate getting on her like that. I feel bad when I do so. Yanno?

[Rollin Thunder]

its needs to be like my vid. In the second run did you here the tires breaking free from the first to second shift. I love this truck. I need to get a after Black Bear vid up. O yea. This video was computer generated and in no way real *saying that cause I did 70 in a 45 in the computer world of course*

[Sasquatch]

does the filter it comes with seem to be a good one? i know someone that got a similar kit and the filter was a piece of crap. i just don`t trust no name filters.

and, have you seen any increase in MPG? i may have to pick one up.

thanks for the writeup.

[Sepiroth]

The filter seems to be of decent build quality. I havent had a chance to do any sort of driving with her really. I just installed it and took the pics and video right afterwards.

[shsportsfan12]

Get some efans

[Sepiroth]

In time.

[shsportsfan12]

asap:crazy:

There's some for sale on GMFS

[Rollin Thunder]

Alright mofo.

I just hate getting on her like that. I feel bad when I do so. Yanno?

I do it to mine all the time. I feel the more I do it, the stronger she gets. I do multiple WOT runs almost every drive.

---------- Post added at 10:09 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:02 PM ----------

hey in your second vid. why is your oil pressure so HIGH, mines only that high at WOT

[Sepiroth]

Ah, you noticed the oil pressure. That's 10w-30 right thar.
And a well taken care of, not beaten to piss, engine.

Not typing yours is RT.

[Rollin Thunder]

I put 5w30. why do you put that weight in??? What benefit does it have?

[Sepiroth]

IMHO, and it has always been this, 5w-30 is just too thin of an oil for a truck or v8 engine.

I've been using 10w-30 in every one of my vehicles I have owned with V8 engines. I like the peace of mind knowing the pressure is and will be above that of 5w-30 or 5w-20 for that matter.

I'm not typing that 10w-30 is the end all be all, it just works for me. Also I go with the good ol' dino oil. IMHO, I just dont see the benefits over cost of synthetics.

[tybardy]

nice write up sephiroth.... i was going to do a similar "build your own for cheaper" write up but mine STILL cost more then $67, great find man, i would love to install one of those for that price... teeming with jealousy! hopefully i can find a setup this cheap

i think you would be happy if you made the switch to synths... i said the same thing for years and i wont be going back to mineral based oils. But like you said, this just works for me.

[Rollin Thunder]

Ah, you noticed the oil pressure. That's 10w-30 right thar.
And a well taken care of, not beaten to piss, engine.

Not typing yours is RT.

your wrong. I do beat the piss out of it but you know what. Its the only thing on this truck that runs fantastically.

[Sepiroth]

As I was.

Well today I'll see if I cn take a video that will meet YOUR standards, lol.

I'll give Big Sexy a nice hot bath, wax her body, and shine up her nails, er, tires. If I'm feeling up to it, I'll detail the engine. Lord knows I got the time.

[Rollin Thunder]

I gave the silverado her bath yesterday. Driving through a nice big field a mud. She loved it.. lol. Dad is mad that I got his trailer all muddy though.

[Sepiroth]

Thats hilarious!

[Fyrcaptain]

5/30 and 10/30 are both 30 weight

They are "thinner" if you will only upon starting....which is when there is the most wear in an engine.

In "theory" a 0/30 is really the best....but folks think that it is a "zero" weight all the time, the oil is thinner when it counts....upon start-up, after which (normal operating temperature) they are all 30 weight

[Sepiroth]

And your point is...

No seriously, I get it. I knew about the weights and whatnot.

[tybardy]

where di you find that setup? if there is a place selling those at that price often i think a lot of guys/girls around here would benifit

[Rollin Thunder]

wheres my vid.

[Sepiroth]

Here RT.
http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=802

---------- Post added at 08:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:52 PM ----------

TY, read my first post in this topic.
The link provided is to another topic on this forum that shows the ebay link to the seller I got the intake from.

[tybardy]

:shrug: oh man... im an idiot

---------- Post added at 09:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:57 PM ----------

i REALLY want you to get a tune so i can ask justin how well this thing performs, im thinking about selling my airraid tube and buying this guy!

[Sepiroth]

TY, I am more than open to any and all donations towrds a BBtune.

Just throwing that out there, lol.

[dec322]

Post up some MPG numbers when you get them...are you tracking?

[Rollin Thunder]

http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n167/fishbonejr/mola-1-1.jpg

[Sepiroth]

I'll have to top off some time this week. When I do, I'll be sure to track. Before, I was averaging mid 16 MPG. That was with a mix of highway and stop and go.

---------- Post added at 09:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:33 PM ----------

Oh and BTW, that was on E85

[dec322]

I'll have to top off some time this week. When I do, I'll be sure to track. Before, I was averaging mid 16 MPG. That was with a mix of highway and stop and go.

---------- Post added at 09:34 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:33 PM ----------

Oh and BTW, that was on E85


16mpg on E85? Doesn't that mean you would get better fuel economy with gasoline?

I need to know all of your mods immediately!

[Sepiroth]

Shit, my bad, I meant mid to high 14's on E85.

Mid to high 16 on reg 87.

I have no mods other than a 2"front and 3" rear drop. Now I just added the CAI.

I tend to baby the throttle a lot.

[dec322]

I tend to baby the throttle a lot.

So I have witnessed...lol.

16 is still good.


BTW, Journey is a good band for us old guys.

[Sepiroth]

Yea Journey is good music.

[tybardy]

hey i aint that old and journey is still a good time

[road1will]

I'm even yougner and I love me some Journey. Faithfully is one of the songs me and my Fiance are considering for our first dance at our wedding, actually.

[Rollin Thunder]

I made a couple vids and its fill with High RPM mayhem, and non of your journey crap. Its got Big and rich. :hands:

[tybardy]

hey seph... does that tube really measure 4"... did you check?

[shsportsfan12]

Intakes are usually 4" IIRC....

[Sepiroth]

It's about 4" in diameter. That's what she said.

[shsportsfan12]

It's about 4" in diameter. That's what she said.

I always hear 5-6:naughty:

[tybardy]

the AEM dryflow filter for that tube is $57... if a person were to buy that intake kit and then buy the AEM tube for $57... seems like they would BASICLY have an AEM brute force for under $125. now THATS a great deal...

[shsportsfan12]

Or just make your own for $35....now that's a great deal too...

[tybardy]

well you would still need to get a high flow air filter, and that fram air hog is a peice of shit... the K&N drop in is still $65

[shsportsfan12]

Really no need for a new one. Stock flows quite nicely. Put a few new holes in the bottom of the box to increase the amount of air it can take it...Just throwing it out there... I know you want to go aftermarket.

[tybardy]

i already have an airraid intake tube and K&N drop in filter... saw a lot of MPG's after that upgrade, not to mention i also have several "custom" holes drilling in the box and mounting plate... haha, so im already with ya, but the problem lies in the heat soak and the open element w/ heat shield intakes have proven themselves to perform better from what i have learned

[shsportsfan12]

I think you're focusing too much on this idea then. You've already seen a substantial upgrade with what you've done. You aren't going to be seeing much more. That $125 is just $75 short of a custom tune. I think you see what I'm getting at

[tybardy]

got a BB tune as well :D

really im just that guy who "WANTS" shit all the time...

[shsportsfan12]

Oh I'm in that boat too :crazy: I am obviously just expression my own personal opinion. I think you are better off spending the dime elsewhere.

[tybardy]

yes, and i probably will too... i want to stack my bread for an HD hood

[shsportsfan12]

That would be sick...but while you're on the topic of performance, why not go with something along those lines?

[tybardy]

my next round of performance is going to be Long Tubes and a cam... but thats not till next Tax season....

Oh yea Seph, sorry for the thread jack man... The intake looks sweet mang ;)

[Sepiroth]

lol

[jomulk56]

Hey Sep is that a dry filter or oiled filter? I'm thing about picking one up. Not sure if I'll order it before our meet or not though.

[Sepiroth]

Its a dry filter element.

[oak510_tahoe]

I just ordered a Ebay intake kit as well. Came out to $84 with shipping/tax, I'll post pics when installed. I figure the only thing that can really be cheap about it is the filter, which can be easily swapped out for a AEM/K&N filter.

[wmgood64]

Thats what i use in my vehicles amsoil 0-30 signature series!!

[tybardy]

there are some as cheap as $60 shipped on ebay

[Sasquatch]

i just ordered a CAI from summit, it`s made by spectre. $105.99

i`ll take some pics when i get it installed.

this is the same kit on ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190307718660&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT&viewitem=&salenotsupported

[dec322]

Sep, did you get some mpg numbers?


Sas, did you get the intake? I'm thinking about the same one.

[Sasquatch]

Sas, did you get the intake? I'm thinking about the same one.

i just got it this morning and installed it before work. it took about 40 minutes, the instructions were not the best but adequate enough to get it done. everything bolted up with no problems. it looks great and also sounds great. it`s not too noisy until you mash the pedal, then it roars but i think it sounds really good and throttle response is much improved. and like i`ve read from other guys that have cai`s i think my exhaust sounds a little louder/throatier.

i searched around for what power gains the spectre cai were before i purchased it and they said on a 5.3 tahoe they gained 17hp at around 5400 rpm and 16 ft pounds of torque at around 4700 if i remember correctly.


i`ll post up some pictures tomorrow morning.

correction, the gains i said were wrong. they claim 13 horsepower and 12 ft lbs of torque.

[dec322]

i just got it this morning and installed it before work. it took about 40 minutes, the instructions were not the best but adequate enough to get it done. everything bolted up with no problems. it looks great and also sounds great. it`s not too noisy until you mash the pedal, then it roars but i think it sounds really good and throttle response is much improved. and like i`ve read from other guys that have cai`s i think my exhaust sounds a little louder/throatier.

i searched around for what power gains the spectre cai were before i purchased it and they said on a 5.3 tahoe they gained 17hp at around 5400 rpm and 16 ft pounds of torque at around 4700 if i remember correctly.


i`ll post up some pictures tomorrow morning.

Cool. I'll look for the new post.

[Sasquatch]

here`s the pics......

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q281/Sasquatch769/100_5294.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q281/Sasquatch769/100_5296.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q281/Sasquatch769/100_5298.jpg

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q281/Sasquatch769/100_5299.jpg

i forgot to add that this is kit #9900 it fits the older models with regualr fans too. i just installed one on my friends 04 silverado ss and it fit perfectly around the shroud.

[tybardy]

the grommits look real nice on that spectre....

[tybardy]

Seph... have you checked in on your intake lately? Is the rubber isolator still there and holding strong? Everything in place and tight still?

[Sepiroth]

Oh yea, everything is nice and tight.

[tybardy]

yea, my rubber isolator came apart, not loose, but completely apart... gotta go to ace hardware and get a new one

[Sepiroth]

Wow. Hmm. Thats odd.

[tybardy]

that rubber grommit was a total peice of crap! the allthread (or bolt, whatever it happens to be depending on who makes it) didnt go all the way thru like it should.

Its a peice of rubber glued in between two bolts.. it was gonna go sooner or later, suppose this was just one of those "sooner" cases.

I will head to the hardware store and pick one up that has a thru bolt on it and it will be all good. I also used some foam i found laying around the job site today to seal up the heat shield just a little bit better; since that foam they send with those things is total garbage and doesnt stay on for crap

[DESIGN]

I have the same intake (for about a year now). Did you have to bend down the piece from the intake that mounts on the isolator. Mine never did line up and so it just sits on top of the isolator (not bolted to it).

I plan on wrapping mine with some exhaust wrap. It holds a lot of heat and lays across or near too many radiator hoses for my liking.

Overall, I paid about 60 bucks a year ago and would say that it has been worth it so far.

Jon

[BlueTahoe2001]

I believe they sell Spectre CAI kits at Advanced or Auto Zone do they not?

[Yuke2K]

What kind of MPG numbers are you guys seeing with the e-bay intakes? My most recent fill up was 18.8mpg with a BB tune and no other drivetrain mods, WHILE running 285s and a 2" lift. Pretty damn good all things considered, but if I can bump that up even further before we hit the road for Cali, I'll be all over it.

[tybardy]

oh bro you should have for sure put that CAI on prior to the tune... it would have given justin more to work with.... i would recomend the CAI brother but it would have helped more if you did it prior to tuning

[JennaBear]

Justin probably already tuned for it, it is not a huge difference.

[Yuke2K]

Yeah bro Jenna's right...I told Justin that I'd be doing intake and exhaust eventually. The tune he gave me allows some room for the PCM to re-learn the different flow rates. Maybe not *quite* as good as if I would have had the stuff done to begin with, but it's still one hell of a tune. Can't wait to see the difference with the intake and, eventually, exhaust.

Of course, if this whole engine thing I'm working on with my buddy pans out and I end up swapping in a cammed LQ4 and a 4L65E, then my shit is gonna haaaaaaaaul some ass.

But one step at a time. ;)

[BigE]

here is one up for grabs in Phoenix... Spectre 9900 Intake (http://phoenix.craigslist.org/cph/pts/1215562188.html)

[oreowizard98]

Im not far from coming home from Iraq. I just ordered the one from ebay, $64 shipped. We'll see how I like it in a few weeks. Thanks for all the great input.