Bigpuddie
Member
I meant better than a full CAI. They don't improve performance at all...Factory box does a good job...
~the Captain
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Cold air intake?
- Thread starter rndsommer
- Start date
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~the Captain
06_2WD_Z71
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I recently had to fix a water leak, and decided to pull apart the factory intake to see if there were any weak points. I was pretty shocked at what I found. The whole thing is looks good with the exception of one area - the 2 small inlets to the airbox. First of all, the size of the 2 holes is questionable. And the bigger one up top is partially blocked by the side of the filter. But the worse thing was that there are 2 corresponding holes in the fenderwell, and they were not lined up with the airbox well at all!
I removed and reinstalled the air cleaner base, but the positioning was the same, the holes in the base of the airbox did not line up with the holes in the fenderwell, and the inlets were partially blocked. So with the base installed, I put a Sharpie through the airbox holes to mark on the fenderwell where I wanted to cut. Then I opened up the holes in the fenderwell a much as I could while still being able to keep them sealed to the inlets on the box. I'd guess I increased the area of those holes 50% or better. Then I went through the plastic airbox. I opened up the inlets on the lower half of the box with a die grinder as much as I could without the thing falling apart. On the upper, I noticed a lot of plastic flashing right by the MAF inlet, so I smoothed that out. I also ground on a few ribs on the upper near the MAF that I thought might be blocking flow.
The seal on one of the inlets was partially gone, so I used some A/C insulation to make a new outer seal.
Looking at the factory airbox, it is easy to see that if you really want lots of cold air, you can just cut out the bottom and optionally install a tube, which is what some of the aftermarket kits do. Forget the "Swiss Cheese" mod, that is a disaster for airflow. Yes more air will get in, but coming through several small drilled holes it will be "dirty air" (sailors and pilots will know what I am talking about).
I decided against opening up the bottom. It would probably be fine, but I recently got caught in the floods in Baton Rouge. And I decided that if I ever need to go through high water again, I want that extra margin of safety. It is hard to determine where the air comes in to the holes in the fenderwell. Shining a light into the holes was of little help. It is definitely a convoluted path, but in the interest of keeping water out, that is probably a good thing.
Without a doubt, the truck has a little more intake growl to it. It feels faster up top of course, but that is always the case when you are expecting it.
Also, I picked up 1-2 mpg. Ha ha, just kidding! I always laugh when I hear that with an EFI car, because at part throttle, the throttle is holding airflow back and the airbox is not even a factor.
If anyone is curious about this, just remove the top of the airbox and then remove the air filter. Then slide your hand through the inlets in the lower 1/2 of the airbox. If you hit metal, there's your answer.
I removed and reinstalled the air cleaner base, but the positioning was the same, the holes in the base of the airbox did not line up with the holes in the fenderwell, and the inlets were partially blocked. So with the base installed, I put a Sharpie through the airbox holes to mark on the fenderwell where I wanted to cut. Then I opened up the holes in the fenderwell a much as I could while still being able to keep them sealed to the inlets on the box. I'd guess I increased the area of those holes 50% or better. Then I went through the plastic airbox. I opened up the inlets on the lower half of the box with a die grinder as much as I could without the thing falling apart. On the upper, I noticed a lot of plastic flashing right by the MAF inlet, so I smoothed that out. I also ground on a few ribs on the upper near the MAF that I thought might be blocking flow.
The seal on one of the inlets was partially gone, so I used some A/C insulation to make a new outer seal.
Looking at the factory airbox, it is easy to see that if you really want lots of cold air, you can just cut out the bottom and optionally install a tube, which is what some of the aftermarket kits do. Forget the "Swiss Cheese" mod, that is a disaster for airflow. Yes more air will get in, but coming through several small drilled holes it will be "dirty air" (sailors and pilots will know what I am talking about).
I decided against opening up the bottom. It would probably be fine, but I recently got caught in the floods in Baton Rouge. And I decided that if I ever need to go through high water again, I want that extra margin of safety. It is hard to determine where the air comes in to the holes in the fenderwell. Shining a light into the holes was of little help. It is definitely a convoluted path, but in the interest of keeping water out, that is probably a good thing.
Without a doubt, the truck has a little more intake growl to it. It feels faster up top of course, but that is always the case when you are expecting it.
Also, I picked up 1-2 mpg. Ha ha, just kidding! I always laugh when I hear that with an EFI car, because at part throttle, the throttle is holding airflow back and the airbox is not even a factor.
If anyone is curious about this, just remove the top of the airbox and then remove the air filter. Then slide your hand through the inlets in the lower 1/2 of the airbox. If you hit metal, there's your answer.
#1taho
5150TAHO
I bought this one just after you posted it. Will be in Tuesday. $120 cdn with shipping. Exchange still sucks ! And customs charges suck !
But I get a new toy
I will let you guys know what I think about it when I get it on.
Canadian, eh? LolI bought this one just after you posted it. Will be in Tuesday. $120 cdn with shipping. Exchange still sucks ! And customs charges suck !
But I get a new toy
I will let you guys know what I think about it when I get it on.
#1taho
5150TAHO
Massivespl
Thanks for the link to this kit. I haven't installed it yet ,but I got it and it looks like a good kit.
Thanks man
Thanks for the link to this kit. I haven't installed it yet ,but I got it and it looks like a good kit.
Thanks man
#1taho
5150TAHO
Lol yup eah
#1taho
5150TAHO
You need to look at the factory air tubes, they have three air damping areas that restrict the flow and the air box has a smaller inlet than the out let. Will any cold air intake add a lot of power NO. But will it improve flow? YES. We won't get 5 more hp but ther is defiantly a improve ment. That's why we are not spending big money on these kits. It's not worth it. But this cheep kit will do everything the kits three times the price does. I bet if you tried one you would like it. Happy motoring man
#1taho
5150TAHO
For what it is. I am extremely happy with it. May have to paint the tube black tho. It's the only Chrome on the whole truck !
08HoeCD
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Yup.
Lots of vehicles respond well to aftermarket intakes and CAI kits, so it's the first thing that people ponder when they get into a Tahoe or Yukon and want to improve performance.
But the tiny gains you get with these kits versus the factory set-up = not worth the $$$.
Lots of vehicles respond well to aftermarket intakes and CAI kits, so it's the first thing that people ponder when they get into a Tahoe or Yukon and want to improve performance.
But the tiny gains you get with these kits versus the factory set-up = not worth the $$$.
Angrydad
TYF Newbie
Not tryin to start anything but...
#1taho
5150TAHO
Not worth the big money maybe. But $120 yes it's very worth it.
Countryboy07
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Jlaughtr
Full Access Member
Just ordered the Ebay CAI! Can't beat the price for the "minimal" gains! I'm going to plasti dip that chrome tube though! too shiny for my blacked out/dark theme! Won't be here until next week but will post pics while I install it next weekend
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RED TAHOE LS
Full Access Member
I draw no conclusion from reading this thread other than I totally agree with BIGFOOTDUDE1. GM as well as other Mfgs. have experimented with RAM & COLD AIR with much success. They got their air from outside the vehicle through hoses and inlets underneath the bumper where best. A very rare 67 /69 Camaros were offered with a factory cross ram air box that mounted on the firewall above the heater core and used the wiper grille inlet to force air to the staggered twin 4 barrel Holley's. With a little effort, some 4" dryer hose, zip ties, and pluming offered @ box stores, you will not only hear the system you will feel it and NOT in your wallet.
David g......
You should wrap it in header wrap instead. It comes in many colors plus you'll be keeping the air from picking up more heat from the metal tube. That's what I'm doing.
that is so true. totally agreed.
Jlaughtr
Full Access Member
Got the CAI installed this weekend. It looks and sounds way better! On the highway I maybe got .5 mpg better. Nothing to write home about but for $50 the look and sound is worth it. I painted it with Rustoleum Flat Black Enamel
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Jlaughtr
Full Access Member
Before and After
Jlaughtr
Full Access Member
All the stock parts taken out with the MAF left behind
Jlaughtr
Full Access Member
Take the stock bottom plate off and build the heat shield. The stock bottom plate bolts are used to attach the heat shield. Cut the supplied edge covers to fit.
