Air Intake, Exhaust

[H2Much]

I am looking to get a cold air intake for my ride, the tiem has come. A couple of questions to some of the techy people or those who have been there, done that: First, will installing a cold air intake really make that much of a difference in performance? I have been looking at and studying the stock intake in there now, and it seems to already draw quite a bit of air, so I wonder if an aftermarket cold air one would make much of a difference. I do have a programmer chip as well, so maybe that can help someone answer this question.

Second question: If so, what is a good cold air intake that is legit on the dyno?

Also, I posted a while back regarding information on a custom exhaust system, and I got great information. Since, then, I have had a little change of heart and am probably looking for a bolt on instead of having it done custom due to the fact there are zero experts on that stuff here where I live. Also, would doing a bolt on aftermarket exhaust system help me in performance? The overall goal I am looking at with these upgrades is to increase top end power and get better gas mileage. If these will help, let me know and what suggestions you may have.

Thanks team.

[Xotik H3]

Opinions are going to vary, and as I am sure you know, the easier air gets in and out the more power you will make.

I put an Airaid filter in to replace the stock filter... it is a little more responsive and increases efficiency. I also put a MagnaFlow catback and am very happy with the sound. I did not noticing anything else powerwise with the Magnaflow.

Being real - maybe 10 more HP, nothing you can feel, but I did notice a .5 MPG increase. To really notice anything you will have to get a custom tune, the handhelds aren't going to do much.

The stock intake flows just fine with a high flow filter... and flows more CFM than your engine needs. The intakes are marketing and 1 hp per 100 spent.

My 2c, and keep the change.

[H2Much]

Thanks for the input. I am figuring this might end up being the case.

[scottminor]

Get a supercharge if you want to make a difference. I have a whipple charger and can't tell you enough how much my friends scratch thier heads when I hit the gas. They can't believe something that heavy could move like that.

[Xotik H3]

Originally Posted by scottminor

Get a supercharge if you want to make a difference. I have a whipple charger and can't tell you enough how much my friends scratch thier heads when I hit the gas. They can't believe something that heavy could move like that.

I COMPLETELY agree. Magnacharger, Whipple is definately the way to go. I would add one but won't for a few reasons.

- Must use premium fuel. The tank is big enough with 87... not willing to pay for 92 at 10 or 11 MPG,

- The Trans, bottom, transfer case and rear are not made to last with 450 HP.

- If I wanted 500 HP, I would have bought a ZO6.

Just not for me, but I like it on yours!

[guruerror]

I went with a the K&N "Fuel Injection Performance Kit" (57 series) and a Flowmaster American Thunder exhaust (with ceramic Gibson shorty headers).

I did the K&N first...I noticed a bit more response from the throttle and a bit more growl from the motor...nice.

The exhaust work was done about a year later...much better sound, maybe a little better throttle response and pick-up, but I could also just be 'thinking' it's better cause the truck 'sounded' so much better.

Just like Xotik H3, I got about another .5-.7 MPG after doing both. I've averaged 11.8 over my last 10,000 miles.

These CAI and exhaust are the first two mods I do to every vehicle. They're the mods that keep on giving...power AND MPG! Let that motor BREATHE a little easier.