With Dyno Results - There are three different types of intakes: Closed Box (ie. Volant, Outlaw) Open Element (ie. AEM, K N) When looking at manufacturers claims, one shouldn't just ...

There are three different types of intakes:

Closed Box (ie. Volant, Outlaw)
Open Element (ie. AEM, K&N FIPK)
Drop In filter (ie. K&N)

When looking at manufacturers claims, one shouldn't just look at the HP numbers:

You need to look at the highest average airflow which is directly related to torque (subsequently HP).

Manifold pressure (MAP) is a measurement of restriction, the higher the number the less restriction, so this is another big point.

IAT (Intake Air Temp) recovery is another big factor in narrowing down a good intake.

Closed box intakes do better at lower speeds as there won't be as much of a heat soak issue. The open elements use metal shields which absorbs heat (heat soak).

The open element intakes drop temperatures a lot quicker at higher speeds which in turn creates denser air. The denser air allows for more airflow, which then of course makes more power.

This all being said, intakes (as well as exhausts) are a matter of personal preference, just taking off the stock tube takes off a lot of restriction. Realistically, the differences between intakes (ie. open vs. open and closed vs. closed) will be minimal. One thing I do encourage anyone who purchases an aftermarket unit to do, is check the fitment every couple hundred miles, these things find a way to wiggle loose and can cause a drop in performance as well as MPG.

From top to bottom on the horsepower curve on the graph is:
AEM no filter
KNN
AEM
Stock with KNN drop in filter
Outlaw
GMPP
Stock with Fram airhog




We only tested intakes that we had access to at the time. We are hoping to expand the testing sometime in the future, to incorporate more products.

Really not much performance to be gained from going with the full KnN setup vs a drop in KnN. I found that surprising as usually the stock tube is labeled as restrictive.

This information is awsome. It would be helpful if the graph was broken down into units of 3 maybe. It gets kinda hard to tell which is what. Also this will help with by showing that between two different units you may only gain 3 hp on the top end there may be other spots in the graph that show 10+. This has pretty much convinced me that atleast a k&N drop in is a big improvement over stock and adding a airraid jr. pipe with a K&N might be a great option for minimal money! Thanks Again!

Glad it was of use to you!

Thanks JennaBear for posting this info. Very interesting. I am thinking now that the K&N CAI I have on my 2003 Silverado is contributing to the truck running hot in the summer while towing my racecar. My brother has an identical stock 5.3 in his 2001 Sierra with the stock airbox and a drop in K&N. When towing, his truck will run 20-30 degrees cooler than my Silverado. I think the metal tube and splash shield is heating up the air combined with all the hot underhood air. I may go to a different system next year. Just wondering what anyone else thought? BTW, the truck runs cool, except when towing on a 85+ degree day.

Have you cleaned your filter?

Yes I cleaned and re-oiled about a month ago. The photo that I posted had a dirty filter, almost 8 months of grime. I probably let it go too long in between cleanings.

Clean your MAF and throttle body, bet you have a lot of buildup.

03Z71, try finding an intake tube wrap to block some of that heat.