All you need is an Airaid Jr MIT. That is the tube between the filter box and the intake. You already have a CAI stock. Those big dumb open element/filter systems you see are for looks only. A filter exposed like that is only going to suck in hot engine air, and if it has a shiny metal tube, that tube will heat up more than plastic, so the air going in is even hotter.

But don't expect much of any increase, other than some more sound under the hood. it won't have that strong of an effect on power, or anything else really. The MIT kit and a good high flow filter are all you really need, and some people just stick with a stock paper filter and replace it as needed.

 

All you need is an Airaid Jr MIT. That is the tube between the filter box and the intake. You already have a CAI stock. Those big dumb open element/filter systems you see are for looks only. A filter exposed like that is only going to suck in hot engine air, and if it has a shiny metal tube, that tube will heat up more than plastic, so the air going in is even hotter.

But don't expect much of any increase, other than some more sound under the hood. it won't have that strong of an effect on power, or anything else really. The MIT kit and a good high flow filter are all you really need, and some people just stick with a stock paper filter and replace it as needed.

 

Doesn't matter what brand you get as they all do the same thing and that's Make Noise! No real gains in power or improved fuel economy without tuning.

 

Im looking to add a cold air intake to my 04 silverado 5.3.
Does the brand really make a difference? Dont they all do the same thing?

Doesn't matter what brand you get as they all do the same thing and that's Make Noise! No real gains in power or improved fuel economy without tuning.

Even with a tune you're still talking 3-5 HP tops.

If you're wanting gains save the money you'd spend on the CAI and buy a tuner module. There are quite a few used on in the classifieds right now for around 200. Which is what you'd spend on most of the CAIs anyway.

 

Good advice from everyone above ^^^^

 

Good advice above. Also, there's no need to spend the money for a new one. Just keep your eyes peeled for a used one here on the classifieds or on your local Craigslist or whatever.

I bought a used Airaid MIT for 80 bucks, Didn't buy it for HP gains as they are debatable, but it cleans the engine bay pretty nicely in NNBS trucks. In NBS there's less junk connected to the tube.

 

The huge debate continues. First off what has been said is spot on. What cracks me up in all this is how much crap is sirculated about CAIs. From my experiance a lot of them may provide a better flow capability in some situations they can cause all types of negative effects to the intake air tempature reading from the mass airflow sensor. Example my 2015 5.3 had the MAF sensor out of the path of the cooling fans, so being the wizbang I am I went and bought the K&N plastic tube CAI. That moved the MAF into the path of the cooling fans airflow. Well if intake air temps rise, ignition timing gets pulled and total power production drops. So if I sit at a traffic light it heat soaks the MAF sensor more than the factory setup would and any airflow gains have been overcome by ignition timing being removed. You can tune that issue out but just slapping on a CAI may not yield the best results. Tune it first and if you want it louder then go MIT.

 

Mod your stock box, cut off the intake tube resonator, put a K&N panel filter in. You'll save yourself $200 and get the same benefits - just a more aggressive engine tone. I've modded so many stock airboxes on my cars I cant exactly remember the details of the Silverado one. I know it draws air out the side from the fender (if there is a baffle door I removed it), and I know I opened up the bottom of the box to also let it pull air from the bumper.
Here is a picture of my intake tube mod I mentioned.