Is this worth it? CAI, 2002 5.3 Daily

[Isaiah W]

I have a stock 5.3 2002 and I just use it for daily driving.
Since I can't add an image for some reason, it's a Spectre CAI for $100. Thanks!

 

[mizzouguy]

Put the same kit on mine way back when...unless you are doing it for looks, pass.. I've been through the spectre, k&n, gm performance, and back to stock and my mpg numbers never varied enough to justify it. The cleanable filter makes it kinda cool but when you still have to spend $15 on the cleaning kit each time it really doesnt save you anything in the long run.
Did some math just for the heck of it. Lets assume you get a .5 mpg increase. Gas is $2.50/gallon. You drive 50 miles a day round trip to work and back. If you went from 15 to 15.5 mpg it would take 370 work days to pay for itself before you saw a benefit. Longer if you already get higher mileage than that, it gains you less, you drive less, gas is cheaper, etc.
Sorry if this is more reading than you wanted work is slow.

 

[swathdiver]

They look good and sound good. Some swear by mpg increases but I wonder if that's in comparison with their three year old paper filter?

 

[adriver]

its almost guaranteed its not worth it alone, when there are better options for...… MPG or Power? What were you hoping to get out of it?

 

[Rocket Man]

Worth it to clean up the engine bay to me. Makes a nice intake sound. The cleaning kit will last for years. But don’t expect hp or mpg gains.