Best CAI for 5.3L?

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ChrisAU

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Bump. I'd like to order one in the next day or two, since I am going to get tuned in Nashville 4/28...
 

Denali0229

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I got the Bruteforce. Put it on Friday and I like it alot. Although I really don't have anything to compare it to. But I'm really happy with what I got and I also have the BB tune. Truck feels completely different with both. I have some codes to Autoanything that will save you some cash if you want them. Just shoot me a PM and I can give you the codes. I got my Bruteforce for $235 shipped. I looked around and it seemed to be a good deal.
 
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ChrisAU

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Well I just ordered an AEM Brute Force through Autoanything, cheapest I could find around too. Got it for $223 shipped, 15% off and free shipping!

I chose that one because I hadn't found a bad review of it and someone said that Justin at BBP recommended it.
 

K_ddsl

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I chose that one because I hadn't found a bad review of it and someone said that Justin at BBP recommended it.

Yup. I did. I asked him and his recommendations, in order of preference were:
1- AEM Brute Force
2- K&N
3- Air Raid

All dry non-oiled filters.
 
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ChrisAU

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Well guys my AEM came in Monday and I installed it then, took maybe 30 minutes taking my time. Didn't drive the Tahoe around until last night, and wow! I can't attest to a power gain but the sound is awesome. Very very deep rumble, still quiet but you can definitely tell a difference. Sounds very mean.
 

Jmat

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AEM Brute Force Cold Air Intake

Two weeks ago I installed the Brute Force CAI by AEM. Now that I've been driving it for a couple of weeks, I have to say that overall I'm very pleased. To start off installation was very straight forward. When it comes to cars/trucks I'm not at all mechanically savvy but despite this fact, I had the intake installed in about an hour. AEM did a great job by posting a step by step installation tutorial on youtube... definitely helped. I still haven't done a proper measurement but my impression is that fuel economy is only slightly improved if at all. What IS truly impressive about this intake is the SOUND. It makes my Tahoe growl, a deep and aggressive growl can be heard coming from under the hood. Throttle response has definitely been improved. Next steps: Magnaflow catback exhaust followed by a Black Bear tune.
 

Denali0229

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Nice. I don't plan on getting new exhaust but I hv the BB tune and AEM intake and its so much more fun to drive. The whole front end lifts up when I floor it. I thought it was pretty powerful stock but those two mods take it to a new level. And the sound is just the cherry on top. The intake tube and air filter look so much better than stock too. Did you get the gunmetal finish or chrome?
 

Jmat

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Nice. I don't plan on getting new exhaust but I hv the BB tune and AEM intake and its so much more fun to drive. The whole front end lifts up when I floor it. I thought it was pretty powerful stock but those two mods take it to a new level. And the sound is just the cherry on top. The intake tube and air filter look so much better than stock too. Did you get the gunmetal finish or chrome?

Went with the chrome. Was more partial to the gunmental finish but couldn't find one for the right price. How did you go about getting the BB tune? Scan cable, in person "street tune", etc? BB tuning has some recurring dates near my part of the country so I'm thinking a street tune would work for me.
 

Denali0229

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I did the autocal. I would suggest doing it that way if you have the cash so you can flash your stock back anytime you need especially if you need to take it to the dealer for service. Plus you have the control of the tune in your computer and at home rather than having to take it in for adjustment. That probably is a pain unless you live local. It cost more but its worth it. Plus you can sell your device for a couple hundred bucks if you sell you truck or something.
 
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ChrisAU

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What IS truly impressive about this intake is the SOUND. It makes my Tahoe growl, a deep and aggressive growl can be heard coming from under the hood. .

Agreed. I drove all day yesterday with the radio down so I could listen to it!
 

HOE-N-IT

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I put the Airaid M.I.T. on my Tahoe and then put the stock intake back on the next day because of the sound. I have the Corsa Touring Exhaust which has a low rumble at moderate acceleration and a louder roar with hard acceleration. I couldn't hear the sweet sound of the Corsa exhaust due to the roar from under the hood.

I'm not saying don't put a CAI on but something to consider depending on what exhaust you have and the sound you would rather hear.
 

NautiKev

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any thoughts on the cai inc intake?

From the looks of it, it's top notch on quality! I'm interested to see the tests from Black Bear.

I just installed my aFe SI2 dry filter and I love it! I actually notice a decent difference especially towing my boat.
 

2011Tahoe

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I too would love to hear some feedback on this product. It is probably a little more spendy than others but it looks very well made and wouldnt mind spending the extra cash if it was worth it.

---------- Post added at 10:55 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:51 PM ----------

Also kevin do you know how you would go about cleaning your dry filter intake? I would rather buy a dry filter instead of a wet, i hate cleaning my K&N's on our quads and am always afraid of over oiling especially in a vehicle with so many electronics.
 

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