Topic: Air Filter or CAI? which is the way to go?

[jml197]

Hello fellow members....

I am looking into putting a different Air Intake system in my 04' Avy, 5.3 L.  I have run K & N filters in my last two cars, and now that I have a truck I am wondering if putting in the CAI is worth the $$$.  Will the cold air system pull ALOT more air than just a high performance K&N filter, or would it be tough to notice the difference.  I am planning on going with K&N based on my positive previous experiences with their filters.  Please advise, I would love to hear your feedback or what you have experienced!

Thanks,
Jim

[MyBigToy]

You can get about 90% of the airflow of a CAI by just going with a drop-in K&N filter in the stock airbox, at about 25% of the cost. Of course you don't get the ooh's and aah's when you open the hood.

[jml197]

I just purchased the K & N CAI 57-3033 an hour ago online.  Can't wait to pull the stock tubing out and put that sexy beast under the hood.  Alright, next step i am thinking about is some type of exhaust system.  I am thinking flowmaster or magnaflow.  I am relatively new to modifiying vehicles, but now that I have a truck I might as well make it mine!  I want to get an exhaust system that compliments the high performance intake on the front end, without deafening my wife and two kids on a leisurely trip around town or into the city.

What are some brands and systems that fit well with the K&N CAI?  I am thinking a cat-back system.  I doubt I would do headers, at least not yet.  For those of you who have done this before please send your feedback so I can better inform myself.  I have a 04' Z 71 with a three inch pipe.

Have a great week!
Jim

[oHIobellboy]

My 04 has the Spectr CAI and a very large (almost the same size as stock) Magnaflow on it. Not much muffler noise unless you hammer on it. I get more noise from the CAI than I do the muffler. I also have a broken exhaust bolt on the rear of the driver's side header that needs taken care of which I'm sure contributes to the noise. I'm working too much right now to get it done.

[bevo]

i have been reading up alot on the cai, i think im just gonna drop in a K&N air filter and get a cai later

[Main One]

I'm on my second Flowmaster 70 if that tells you anything.  (About 200,000 miles since getting the first one installed.)  It's not as loud as the other Flowmaster's, but you know its there and it isn't annoying.  The wife likes it.  Definitely louder than the CAI.

[russiankid]

I have a Flowmaster 40-series on mine, single 3" in and dual 2.5" out. It sounds narly, it isn't annoying at all. As for intake, I had a K&N drop in filter, and I switched back to a stock filter and didn't notice any difference in fuel mileage or performance(according to my butt dyno).

[Main One]

I have a Flowmaster 40-series on mine, single 3" in and dual 2.5" out. It sounds narly, it isn't annoying at all. As for intake, I had a K&N drop in filter, and I switched back to a stock filter and didn't notice any difference in fuel mileage or performance(according to my butt dyno).

I doubt that anyone's butt dyno could honestly notice a difference between stock and any of the CAIs out there.  CAIs are a common performance upgrade due to low cost and very easy installation, not primarly due to results.  I'm not saying you can't pick up some measureable HP on a real dyno, but whatever the gains are, expectations that you are going to feel the difference should be held in check.

[russiankid]

I doubt that anyone's butt dyno could honestly notice a difference between stock and any of the CAIs out there.  CAIs are a common performance upgrade due to low cost and very easy installation, not primarly due to results.  I'm not saying you can't pick up some measureable HP on a real dyno, but whatever the gains are, expectations that you are going to feel the difference should be held in check.

I know what you're saying 100%. I was only stating that because I've seen a lot of people put a CAI on their vehicle and try to prove to me it is x amount faster.

[Main One]

I know what you're saying 100%. I was only stating that because I've seen a lot of people put a CAI on their vehicle and try to prove to me it is x amount faster.

If someone can feel the difference between a CAI and a stock intake, the car maker did a pretty poor job of designing the stock intake.

[jml197]

Just following up.  I installed the K&N cold air intake the other night, and so far I am very happy with it.  I have not been on any trips to check mileage on the highway but around town, it feels noticeably more powerful (in my opinion) and it makes great sounds when you tap the throttle and also when you put the pedal to the mat.  I am interested and hopeful to see if there is any increase in fuel efficiency.  Easy quick install, that has made my truck even cooler! 

[oHIobellboy]

looks good 

[jml197]

Over the Easter break I bought a Flowmaster 50 Series muffler and had it installed on my truck with a nice 3.5 inch chrome tip.  After firing it up in the muffler shop to back it off the lift, I knew I had made a good choice.  Exhaust has a nice aggressive sound at start up, and sounds pretty damn cool when revving it up. 

Went with the 50 series, because I have a wife and two small children so I tried to keep it modest.  After a four hour drive home from my parents farm everyone's ears were still doing just fine, so it has also passed the "little to no drone" test.

This is a good muffler for old guys like me, but might be a bit quiet if you are looking for something that really growls.

Thanks for the feedback y'all.  Definitely money well spent.