Hmmm...so whats the advantage supposed to be? Looks like it just eliminates the stock intake tube? How much is it?

 

Its a intake tube and upper lid for the stock airbox. I got mine brand new off of ebay for 150 shipped but they are hard to find now cause the business went under.

 

So here's my question: GM engineers designed the OEM intake the way it was to smooth airflow and eliminate turbulence at the TB. There have been no shortage of tests regarding the advantages/disadv of CAI, but I think we can all agree that it comes down to 2 things: better aftermarket filters, and getting a cooler charge. I'd like to see a dyno with this v the OEm using the OEM filter and an aftermarket with both. GMHTP did do one (altho not with this one) about 18mos ago and found it pretty inconclusive - essentially they said save the $150-400 and just change the filter for the same gains.
Sorry - not trying to put anyone down or be too arguementative but I'm convinced that CAI overall are a total waste of cash (I have a Procold myself and shuda saved my cash! Altho there is a thread on the TBSS section here on HoB install that similar with a dyno chart that proves the concept).

 

Keep in mind that GM also had to design the intake tube around noise restrictions. Yes, they test intake noise to make sure it's below a certain level, hence that gay Helmholtz chamber or whatever the hell it is that hangs down from the stock air tube. It also squeezes down considerably as it travels over the fan shroud.

I don't think a CAI is where you need to spend a ton of money either, but I think there definitely is room for improvement over the stock set-up. I got a whole $75 into mine: UPD lid and tube, some name brand cotton gauze filter, and drilled out the side/bottom of the stock airbox. I'm quite satisfied.

 

the guy that is selling these on here did a back to back dyno pull and picked up HP
i think alot of it has to do with the way the air exit's the top of the air box,cause the stock box is not very good IMO.

 

Taking into account the UPD lid & stock air box design, has anyone considered &/or tried the Banks intake? Seems to me it would be the best of both worlds (except for all of the lame logos). IMO.

 

seems pretty decent to me. If mine ever wears out, looks like I know now what to look for. Too bad UPD went under however long ago...

 

that looks pretty good actually. But i hate Banks.

 

Yea i bought my CAI from a company off ebay about a year ago, Its a alum type w/ the colored neo bends but the coolest thing was it has is a volastiy stack on the end at the filter, (open element) made a good gain in power 5 -10 hp, The 80mm tb made the best 10-15 hp

 

Check this out:
https://www.performancetrucks.net/fo...d.php?t=444617
For me it all boils down to $/hp...so starting with the best avail ratios:
1. NoS 75-150rwhp/$500-1500 = $7+/rwhp
2. Blower 100-125rwhp/$4000 (used MP122/112) = $40/rwhp
3. Custom Tune 25-40rwhp/$250-500 = $10+/rwhp
4. Heads & Cam 75-100rwhp/$2000-2500 = $20+rwhp
...tho all of these are expensive one time investments the amount of rwhp they yield keeps the ratio low. If u apply the same equation to CAI it becomes one of the most expensive mods (IMO ). Most people start here cause of the lower initial investment but why spend $300+ when ull get 75% of the benefits from basic changes or simple filter change? These mods are what u do LAST when ur scraping together the final few ponies to maximize the performance of one of the ones above...CAI 2-5rwhp/$300-350 = $60+/rwhp...prob is SOTP won't notice this!