Does a CAI really improve engine performance ?

[dmannx]

I've been reading through the forums and am on the fence about this MOD. I haven't found a clear cut feature / benefit from brand to brand. Everyone has their own opinion as to which is best. Most importantly - do they work - will I get more power ? as I read through the posts I see more people commenting on how good they sound. I could care less about what the truck sounds like. I just want it to know that it will improve the 5.3L performance.

On a side note, I recently worked a tradeshow for the RV industry and Magnaflow was right next to my booth. I asked the gentleman from Magnaflow working the booth what he would recommend for my truck. He point blank told me - nothing. The only thing it would do is make the truck have a good sound. Really ???

 

[yates ™]

http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/forum/showthread.php?p=489452#post489452

 

[dmannx]

http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/forum/showthread.php?p=489452#post489452

Thanks !

 

[Sales @ CAI Inc]

Most definitely. To sum it up and simplify things a bit, a good quality CAI will provide your engine with cleaner, less restricted, and cooler airflow. Less restriction and better airflow means snappier throttle response, a throatier sound, and potential for better mpg. Keeping the air as cool as possible is vastly important in making more power, especially on a N/A motor, and is why we place so much emphasis in our design on keeping the IAT as cool as possible. That is why we ceramic coat our intake tubes and offer an enclosed and insulated box design to reduce heat soak.

Also take a look at this, it was just posted in our vendor section today by a customer with our CAI. http://www.tahoeyukonforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=44859

As far as the comments said to you by the exhaust guys, that makes no sense whatsoever. If more air and cooler air did not make more power then forced induction and intercoolers would not exist. More air means more fuel and more combustion, which means more power. Unfortunately they gave you very bad information, which is honestly quite surprising. Will a CAI add 50 HP...of course not, will it give you added performance that the average driver can feel and notice...most definitely.

Feel free to let me know if you have any questions, I would be happy to help!

 

[MDC9966]

I can tell you for a fact. I drive pretty consistently. Some trips around town, a few on the interstate. Normal drivin, my mpg average is up 1-2 from just a CAI change. yes it has more throttle response, and when you play with that, your MpG goes down.

I'd do it again.

 

[Denali0229]

I'd say the throttle response is better and sounds much better. I think it definitely has a little more power too. But my gas mileage didn't improve at all. I would do it again if I had the choice. It's a pretty cheap mod and easy to install.

Sent from my PC36100 using Tapatalk 2

 

[doubletapdrew]

Engines are basically air pumps, so anything you can do to improve airflow in or out of the engine will help make more power.
The factory intake is engineered to be quiet, and smooth airflow is a secondary consideration. Cat back exhausts usually don't add much (if any) power on the denalis since the factory exhaust is like a 3.5" diamater mandrel-bent setup and flow fairly well for a factory exhaust. I'm sure long tube headers would free up quite a big of power (they also tend to be very loud).

 

[totheyard]

Cat Backs add a little, taking away that stock muffler. Some back pressure is good.

 

[MACHO]

I've experienced 2 mpg increase with my aftermarket intake and exhaust. And the responsiveness and HP increase is defenitely noticeable.

 

[felixgun]

I can tell you for a fact. I drive pretty consistently. Some trips around town, a few on the interstate. Normal drivin, my mpg average is up 1-2 from just a CAI change. yes it has more throttle response, and when you play with that, your MpG goes down.

I'd do it again.

Really? I noticed my mpg's slightly went down when I did added an Airaid CAI to my Tahoe I had... it had improved response when stepping on the gas pedal and it sounded cool but def didn't help my MPG's :/

 

[NathanJax]

Really? I noticed my mpg's slightly went down when I did added an Airaid CAI to my Tahoe I had... it had improved response when stepping on the gas pedal and it sounded cool but def didn't help my MPG's :/

that's because you stomp on the gas to hear it all the time...

 

[felixgun]

LOL that's probably slightly true but I tried not to stomp on it for a whileeee and I NEVER saw an mpg increase. Regardless, it's a sweet mod... just don't want people thinking they are gonna get all kinds of mpg gains with just a CAI. I also had magnaflow muffler and BB 87 economy tune... still no mpg increase.

 

[MACHO]

Really? I noticed my mpg's slightly went down when I did added an Airaid CAI to my Tahoe I had... it had improved response when stepping on the gas pedal and it sounded cool but def didn't help my MPG's :/

I hear yah about being realistic on the MPG gains. I def noticed it on mine ESP with all the in town grocery getting type driving. Plus the fact that it stays in v4 longer! Longer in v4 means it HAS to be getting better mileage right? Even with me getting on it I still have better mileage when I previously would have to do a long road trip to get my MPG Average increased to the range it's maintaining right now.

 

[felixgun]

That's awesome that you are getting such results. What year is your Tahoe? Mine was an 08.

 

[07whitetahoe]

My truck is a 98 k-1500 with a L-31. I changed out the intake with a 3" tube and k&n air filter. Made my own box. It helped a little. I then changed it out to a 3.5" tube and it made a huge difference. You can really tell a huge difference when the air temp is cooler, as it pulls stronger. Then I ported and polished my TB, that made my throttle response a lot snappier, although I didn't remove the TB diffuser, it really helped off the line.

Remember to always reset your PCM for maximum results when modding engine related components.

 

[MACHO]

that's awesome that you are getting such results. What year is your tahoe? Mine was an 08.

2011

My truck is a 98 k-1500 with a L-31. I changed out the intake with a 3" tube and k&n air filter. Made my own box. It helped a little. I then changed it out to a 3.5" tube and it made a huge difference. You can really tell a huge difference when the air temp is cooler, as it pulls stronger. Then I ported and polished my TB, that made my throttle response a lot snappier, although I didn't remove the TB diffuser, it really helped off the line.

Remember to always reset your PCM for maximum results when modding engine related components.

My understanding is the newer electronics on the NNBS (and most newer vehicles) adjust based upon the increased airflow as well as learn your driving habits. I understand this wouldn't apply to your '98 and Im getting a BBP Tune so it doesn't really affect me, but was curious. Also, how do you reset the PCM for those that this would apply to?

 

[07whitetahoe]

Just pull the fuses and wait about 15 minutes, till the residual power bleeds off that circuit.

 

[Rockytfox]

Just pull the fuses and wait about 15 minutes, till the residual power bleeds off that circuit.

Which fuses?

 

[07whitetahoe]

They usually say PCM1, and or PCM2. Which is for powertrain control module.

Or in case for the OBS there is also ENG1, ENG2. It won't hurt to pull them all

 

[Zed 71]

I did not notice any gains (power or mpgs) from CAI or exhaust alone. The throttle response was better and it sounded awesome, but no noticable gains. Yes the engine is like an air pump, but if you increase the amount of air flowing through the fuel will also be increase to keep the sustain the factory A/F ratio. A tune would be required to truly take advantage of the mods...