What is the best intake for a stock 5.3? Is a inclosed box better than an exposed filter?

 

Every intake has its own advantages and disadvanatges. I would say most people on this site are running either the K&N FIPK or the AEM Brute Force. Both of those intakes have exposed filters and I've never really heard any complaints about them.

 

i have an k&N FIPK and it does help it breath you can really tell a difference at 70 mph when you put your foot in it

 

Outlaw Power hands down.

www.inmotionperf.com

 

If the budget allows it, check out the Volant with the ram-air tube. It's a good piece...but expensive!

 

Have AEM and could tell a lot once I put it on. I like it.

 

this is my third truck to have the K&N FIPK. i would not have anything else.

 

Even though you have a 2wd are you gonna be doing on or off road. Inclosed box for off road, open element for street. But go w/ what ever filter you want.

 

Honestly, it seems like they're all pretty good, except for the Vararam...that's the only one that I've heard negative feedback on. I've had both the K&N FIPK and now the Volant w/ ram air on this truck, and they both seem to perform the same. One thing to consider is if you're ever going to go from the stock 27" radiator to the HD 34" radiator (necessary for 05 efans). The Volant clears the 34" rad, while the K&N requires modification. I like the Volant better though, as so far, the filter doesn't seem to get as dirty as quickly as the K&N did. I'd recommend Volant since that's what I have and I'm happy with it, but no matter which one you choose, you'll probably see about the same gains, which are slight, especially on a stock engine.

Considerations that come to mind:
K&N
Volant
AEM
Outlaw
TrueFlow
AirRaid
Home made (do a search and you'll find a wealth of info on homebrew CAI's that look and perform great)
E-bay heat shield and filter with homemade intake tube

I'm sure there's even more than that...hope this doesn't confuse you more, just trying to widen your options for ya and input my .02

 

That's an amazingly coherent analysis...coming from the new dad! You must be getting plenty of sleep, huh Billy?