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Cold Air Inductions Quick Takes

If you’re wondering exactly what you should expect when ordering, unboxing, or installing an intake from Cold Air Inductions, these quick takes from our favorite YouTuber installations will give you an idea.

If you’ve got 10 minutes and a little curiosity, check them out!

BlueCollarGarage Duramax Intake

Calling all Duramax owners! Watch BlueCollarGarage get familiar with our USA-made GM 6.6L Silverado/Sierra intake components:

“The best part about all this? It’s made here in the USA.”

– BlueCollarGarage

Easy Install By Whiplash TV

Step-by-step instructions with images are included with every kit we sell. The crew at Whiplash Motorsports was quick to realize how helpful this can be when installing an intake:

“So now it’s time to head over to the truck and start following our instructions.”

– Whiplash Motorsports

Pros And Cons From FonduPot’s Garage

Wondering if an intake from Cold Air Inductions would improve your TurboMax performance? Check out this quick rundown of benefits from FonduPot’s Garage:

“It definitely feels like the throttle is a little more responsive with this installed.”

– FonduPots Garage

Improved MPG For CFarmer

CAI intakes are one of the easiest ways to improve fuel economy. Especially if you put a lot of highway miles on your truck, or haul/tow often like CFarmer:

“I would buy this air box just for the fuel savings alone.”

– CFarmer

Impressive Thrust For FixedVaneDuramax

For many truck owners, more power is the point. FixedVaneDuramax noted an increase of 10-11lbs per minute more air going into the engine – translating to a more responsive thrust:

“I wasn’t sure what to think when I got it, but now that I’m looking at it I’m pretty impressed – it seems really heavy-duty.”

– FixedVaneDuramax

Cold Air Inductions has making high-quality sealed air box intake systems since 2004. We offer intakes for cars, SUV and trucks, all backed by a lifetime warranty. Have questions? Contact our team to find the perfect cold air intake kit for your ride.

Whiplash TV Installs A CAI Silverado Intake

Upgrading your Chevy Silverado’s performance has never been easier with Cold Air Inductions’ cold air intake system. As seen in this video from Whiplash TV, our CAI intake gets an unbiased review after it gets added to a 2012 Chevy Silverado LTZ. 

High-Quality Parts And Everything You Need For Easy Installation

To start with, the CAI kit comes with everything you need to bolt right into your Chevy Silverado’s engine bay. In addition to the parts list, every kit includes detailed, full-color instructions, which Whiplash TV notes are different from our competitor’s kits, which use black and white photos.

Whiplash TV is also impressed with the CAI intake, which “uses good quality parts like a Continental hose” and comes with everything you need to hook it up. They also point out how all of the parts are designed to fit right in and are engineered to shield the airflow from heat. In addition to the high-quality parts, they note that the tube diameter is similar to the factory intake by the mass airflow sensor, which maximizes the fuel-air mixture. Then, the tubing gets larger, which increases the airflow and adds more horsepower.

“This way you have the best of both worlds. You have a vehicle that is going to be right on the fueling but you get high flow.”

– Whiplash TV

Whiplash TV also likes the airbox with its clear plastic window so you can see your air filter. They also note that, unlike many other intake kits, our airbox is thoroughly insulated and sealed with a rubber gasket. This not only keeps the air charge cool but prevents hot air in the engine bay from entering the intake. 

More Power In About 30 Minutes

The instructions and quality parts make installing the CAI cold air intake a snap. In about 30 minutes with some basic tools, you can get a noticeable bump in power. Whiplash TV figures the cold air intake will add 12 to 14 horsepower right off the bat, which is on par with the numbers we’ve seen with our extensive testing.  

But it’s not just the horsepower gain that you’ll notice. It’s the more responsive throttle because the power gains show up all across the powerband, from low to high RPM. Whiplash TV believes the CAI intake kit is second to none:

“This is definitely the most thorough and best put together air intake that I have installed on any vehicle.”

– Whiplash TV

Take Your Silverado To The Next Level With A CAI Cold Air Intake

In addition to the Silverado, we make kits for other Chevrolet and GMC Trucks as well as SUVs. Or check out our selection of cold air intakes for other vehicles to find the perfect fit! With CAI, you’re not just upgrading your car or truck; you’re getting the following benefits that will enhance your driving experience:

  • Proven Performance: Our intakes are dyno-tested with results to support our claims.
  • Quality Materials: Only the highest quality materials are used to ensure durability and efficiency.
  • Easy Installation: Designed for a straightforward install, getting you back on the road faster.

For more information and to view our full range of products, visit Cold Air Inductions.

Blue Collar Garage Reviews Our Sierra/Silverado Intake

Upgrading your GMC Sierra’s performance is a snap with Cold Air Inductions’ cold air intake system. Whether your truck burns gas or diesel, our cold intake is a quick and easy way to add horsepower, torque, and better throttle response. 

Recently, the Blue Collar Garage installed a CAI kit in their beautiful 2018 GMC Sierra with a 6.6-liter Duramax Diesel. Let’s check out what they had to say!

Easy Step-By-Step Installation

The Blue Collar Garage chose the Elite Series CAI cold air intake for the 2017 to 2019 Silverado and Sierra with the Duramax Diesel. They appreciated the detailed instructions with color photos, which made the step-by-step installation process easy to follow. 

They were also impressed with the quality of the CAI intake’s components, all of which are made in the USA and come with a limited lifetime warranty.  Everything is made to fit in the Silverado or Sierra engine bay, bolting right up to the engine. Our cold air intake also lets you retain the stock mass airflow sensor and even reuse the stock clamps. 

Another thing the Blue Collar Garage liked was the clear window for the airbox. Not only does it add a cool custom touch, but it also makes it easy to check your air filter to see if it needs to be cleaned. 

This is a high-quality cold air intake that’s easy to install.

– Blue Collar Garage

More Power In About 30 Minutes

In practically no time, the Blue Collar Garage has installed the CAI cold air intake in their 2018 GMC Sierra Duramax Diesel. In most cases, the job takes about 30 minutes and can be completed with some basic tools and our easy-to-follow instruction guide. Once it’s hooked up, you’ll immediately notice the difference, which includes a more responsive throttle and a bump in horsepower. Our extensive testing shows that you can expect an increase of about 12 horsepower without any other modifications. 

But it’s not just the horsepower gain that you’ll notice. You’ll also like the fuller sound that comes with it and added benefits like better gas mileage. The Blue Collar Garage summed it up saying, “It’s a major upgrade from the factory OEM air intake that will provide more horsepower, MPGs, and actually sound a little bit better.”

Take Your Truck To The Next Level With A CAI Cold Air Intake!

In addition to the Silverado, we make kits for other Chevrolet and GMC Trucks as well as SUVs. Or check out our selection of cold air intakes for other vehicles to find the perfect fit! With CAI, you’re not just upgrading your car or truck; you’re getting the following benefits that will enhance your driving experience:

  • Proven Performance: Our intakes are dyno-tested with results to support our claims.
  • Quality Materials: Only the highest quality materials are used to ensure durability and efficiency.
  • Easy Installation: Designed for a straightforward install, getting you back on the road faster.

For more information and to view our full range of products, visit Cold Air Inductions.

Power, Performance, and Efficiency – The Best Chevy Silverado Cold Air Intake

Upgrading your Chevy Silverado’s performance has never been easier with a Cold Air Inductions cold air intake system. In this video, the Lone Star Hawaiian installs a CAI intake on his 2020 Chevy Silverado and talks about the performance benefits.

Quick And Easy Installation

According to Lone Star Hawaiian, installing the CAI intake on his 2020 Silverado Trail Boss not only adds a few horsepower but helps it “make some amazing sounds.” Combined with a muffler delete, the truck is transformed into something “truly epic” that he enjoys driving.

As shown in the video, the CAI kit is a high-quality cold air intake system designed to fit specific models, like the 2019 to 2024 Chevy Silverado with the 5.3-liter or 6.2-liter V8 engine. Unlike many plastic intake systems, our kit includes an aluminum air box with a clear inspection window and a thermal-coated intake tube, which insulates the air flowing into your engine, keeping it cool.

Lone Star Hawaiian is clearly impressed by the quality of the kit, including the “really well thought-out and executed instructions.” Not only do they include, clear, detailed step-by-step photos, but make it a cinch to install the CAI intake. Using only a few hand tools, you can install the kit in less than an hour, even if you’re not a seasoned mechanic.

Adding Power And Better Sound

Taking the Silverado for a test drive, Lone Star Hawaiian immediately notices a difference. Not only does his 2020 Trail Boss Silverado sound better, but it’s “lighter on her feet.” The sound is throatier with a “wisp of intake charge noise.” Coupled with the muffler delete, the Silverado sounds transformed and may be the perfect combo for his vehicle.

From our own extensive testing, we know that the CAI cold air intake will add up to 11 horsepower at the wheels and provide better fuel economy. It also wakes up your engine, making it more responsive. All while improving engine sound and adding a stylish, custom look to your truck’s engine.

Take Your Truck To The Next Level With A CAI Cold Air Intake

In addition to the Silverado, we make kits for other Chevrolet and GMC Trucks as well as SUVs. Or check out our selection of cold air intakes for other vehicles to find the perfect fit! With CAI, you’re not just upgrading your car or truck; you’re getting the following benefits that will enhance your driving experience:

  • Proven Performance: Our intakes are dyno-tested with results to support our claims.
  • Quality Materials: Only the highest quality materials are used to ensure durability and efficiency.
  • Easy Installation: Designed for a straightforward install, getting you back on the road faster.

For more information and to view our full range of products, visit Cold Air Inductions. You can also check out the full review as written by Lone Star Hawaiian below:

There’s no doubt that Cold Air Intake systems are incredibly popular. Typically, the first thing “enthusiasts” do when they buy a car if it doesn’t already have one, is pull out the stock intake system and replace it with a “Cold Air Intake System.” Part of the reason they are so popular is 1) they are easy to install, and 2) they work well. And how they work is surprisingly elementary. Here is a recap of the install of a Cold Air Induction Elite Series cold air intake for my 2020 Silverado Trail Boss:

Shortly after purchasing my brand-new 2020 Silverado Trail Boss, I quickly noticed two things that needed to be changed, immediately. The first was the lack of “noise” a typical truck should make. Without an exhaust tone that was audible from the cab, it is near impossible to hear or feel your truck’s RPM. Without literally looking down at your tach, the amount of effort you’re asking from your tried-and-true V8 is a complete mystery. This was easily solved with a muffler delete kit from AFE, which quickly livened the truck up for a low cost and easy install. The truck is still equipped with a restrictive exhaust with cats and multiple resonators, so my neighbors don’t hate me…yet.

The next issue I needed to tackle was the hideous and extremely restrictive stock air intake system. When Chevrolet redesigned what is the “new and improved” Silverado for 2019, they redesigned the entire engine bay. The airbox moved from the passenger-side, where it lived for generations, to the driver-side of the engine bay. Also with the redesign came an extremely aggressive front end. Additional brackets were added at the front corners of the engine bay causing the stock air-box to be mounted much closer to the engine than the previous generations. When you move the stock plastic air box right next to the 8-cylinder furnace (also known as your engine), it’s easy to believe the air being fed through the stock filter and box is hotter than it needs to be. This is where a Cold Air Intake becomes a huge advantage.

So why don’t manufacturers do this from the factory? The cylinders in internal combustion engines generate power through controlled explosions with fuel and air. Typically, your stock engine does not receive as much air as it should for an optimal combustion cycle. Stock air intakes are designed to keep engine noise level to a minimum by using restrictive bends and a disposable filter usually at the expense of horsepower and efficiency. Surprising, right? If you are buying a truck, especially a Trail Boss, chances are you don’t expect the noise level to be kept to that of a Rolls-Royce. By freeing up the restrictive flow, you allow your engine to intake air more efficiently, and in a related benefit, it sounds dang good. But that’s only part of the advantage. 

The “Cold Air” portion of Cold Air Intakes provide both increased performance and better fuel efficiency, and how this works is pretty simple. If you think back to your 7th-grade chemistry class, you’ll remember that when you compare hot air to cold air, the air molecules of hot air are spread much further apart than cold air. As air is cooled it becomes much denser, which means more oxygen. If you have a charge of cold air into a confined area, like an engine cylinder, you have much more oxygen molecules in that cylinder than you would have with hot air. And more oxygen equals more powerful and efficient combustion. This results not only in increased horsepower (upwards of +14 hp with Cold Air Inductions system), but increased fuel efficiency. So, more power and you save money at the pump. Does it get any better?

The Cold Air Inductions intake system is constructed of high-quality heat-shielding material that prevents any heat soak. As you drive on hot summer days, you have confidence that the high flow filament filter and streamlined MAF tube will allow cold air to be sucked in through the shielded intake box to be converted into horsepower and big smiles. The combination of AFE’s muffler delete and Cold Air Inductions intake system creates an intoxicating sound that will most certainly lead to a very heavy right foot.

As an easy power-adding-gas-saving modification, the Cold Air Inductions intake system for the 2019–2020 Silverado is an absolute no-brainer. The truck feels lighter on its feet, and the throttle is crispy as a potato chip. The combination of sound and throttle response typically leads to feelings of horsepower gains, but this cannot be verified without a before/after dyno test. Even though I cannot verify the claimed +12 / +14 hp, I can claim an immediate increase in fuel efficiency. After several hundred miles driving, my highway mileage has increased from 19.5 mpg to 22 mpg. Cold Air Inductions’ intake on my Silverado is going to pay for itself in no time with these increases. But as for the smiles it puts on my face at wide-open throttle, it’s priceless.

How To Find A Quality Silverado Intake For A Reasonable Price

Experience the next level of performance with Cold Air Inductions Silverado Cold Air Intake. In this series of videos, Leaman Griffin dives into every detail of this affordable, must-have modification for truck enthusiasts. Check out his in-depth review, testimonial, and installation tips below!

Unboxing And First Impressions

“In a world where car and truck Cold Air Intake brands are a dime a dozen, it can be hard to stand out. Like many performance enthusiasts, my early days in the custom car and truck scene involved going to EBay and finding the cheapest parts I could, then waiting weeks if not months for them to arrive from overseas (usually China). It was all about spending the least amount of money, and having the most aftermarket parts on my ride. Fast forward to today and not much has changed, except one thing. I learned to understand the importance of quality aftermarket parts. My current vehicle is a 2019 Silverado RST. I purchased it back in March of 2019 and immediately I was looking for aftermarket parts to install. A Cold Air Intake System for my 2019 Silverado RST was one of the first items on my list, as it is for most enthusiasts. My search turned up very few results though, being that this is a new generation of Silverado in its first production year. Enter Cold Air Inductions Inc. They manufacture Cold Air Intakes for a wide variety of late model cars and trucks, and specifically several for GM and Chevy like Chevy Colorado intakes, Canyon intakes, and Camaro intakes. After researching the company and the product, I decided to try them out.”

From the start, Leaman Griffin was impressed with how thoroughly the Cold Air Intake was packed and with the quality of the components. He was expecting sheet metal parts and was surprised at the quality of the air box with its plexiglass window and the other components.

Overall, Griffin thought it was a nice quality kit with some unexpected details, like high-quality rubber gaskets and solid cast components. He also found the instruction guide easy to read, providing clear instructions on how to install all of the components, including the hose to the PCV valve.

“I received a tracking number for my order the very next day, which came as a nice surprise since usually with other manufacturers you have to wait days before your order shows as shipped. I ordered the Elite Series Cold Air Intake System for the 2019-2020 Silverado 1500 equipped with the 5.3L V8 engine. After a few days of checking tracking every couple of hours, the intake system arrived!  The packaging was neat and well thought out. Everything was wrapped and protected so as not to scratch any of the parts during transit. Upon initial inspection, the quality of this Cold Air Intake System was outstanding.  All of the welds looked neat and even. The intake tube was coated both inside and out, and all of the rubber connectors and clamps were high quality. I was expecting the Cold Air box to be sheet metal and I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it was actually thick cast metal. The cast metal is still lightweight, but the extra thickness acts as a barrier keeping hot air out of the intake box.  They even went as far as to key the MAF port so that you can’t install the MAF sensor backwards. All hardware was included, as well as very detailed instructions with photos.”

Detailed Silverado Installation Guide

Installation was a breeze, thanks to the clear instructions and the labeling on all of the components. Griffin discovered that you actually need very few tools for installation – just a ratchet wrench with a few different size sockets and a couple of screwdrivers. He also found that the CAI kit was easy to install and bolted together in very little time. In fact, with the right tools, it can take as little as 30 minutes to swap out your airbox and install a CAI Cold Air Intake system.

“This Cold Air Intake System was very well engineered, and that showed during installation. After skimming over the instructions to get a general sense of the task at hand, I collected my tools and began. I only needed a few sockets, a few screwdrivers, and an allen wrench to complete the installation. In true gearhead fashion, I installed the Cold Air Intake System in my driveway, mere feet from a nice shaded garage.  I was too eager to spend the extra 30 seconds pulling my truck inside. Pulling off the factory air intake was probably the most difficult part of the entire process. Once it was all removed, there were only a few bolts and clamps to tighten and I was done! The fit is that of a factory setup. Everything looks in its home and all of the components are showcased in the engine bay.”

Performance Review And Road Test

“Typically, a Cold Air Intake System won’t net you any performance gains without an ECM tune. This prompted me to head straight to the Dyno and see for myself. These trucks are still ECM locked from the factory, so any performance gains I see would surely be from the intake system. After establishing a baseline run of a whopping 277 horsepower to the rear wheels with the stock intake setup (and heavy 26” wheels ), it was time to reinstall the Cold Air Inductions unit and let her rip once more! I was surprised to see much smoother power delivery across the RPMs, especially in the higher range. Overall I saw a gain of 5 horsepower to the wheels, and 6.5 foot pounds of torque with the peak horsepower hitting at 5300 RPM and the max torque at 4900 RPM. All of this running on 87 octane pump gas. The real fun with this Cold Air Intake System comes in the day to day driving. Punch the throttle and you can hear the intake sucking air with force. I’m used to hearing the engine revving as I accelerate through the RPMs, but the addition of this intake has deepened the sound drastically. Trucks are not sporty by any means, but the more aggressive sound has me giving the throttle a little more foot than normal! As I am writing this I have had the Cold Air Inductions Inc. Cold Air Intake System on my truck for about a week, and around 1000 miles (I drive a lot).  The one thing I was the most pleased with was the additional gas mileage. One of the great features of modern cars and trucks is the onboard computer systems. I can see my average MPG over the last 50 miles, or 400 miles. I keep a watch on the 400 mile average because it is the most accurate depiction of how I drive. The 50 mile average is too affected by the occasional run up to 5k RPMs as well as sitting in traffic. Only one of which I enjoy. After a week of driving, my 400 mile average has gone up about .7 MPG. While this is great, I’m sure it would have gone up more had I not enjoyed the throttle as much. Rest assured, I will never know!”

Installing the wrong cold air intake can be worse than sticking with a stock unit because it can actually reduce your vehicle’s performance. That’s why CAI kits include:

  • Inspection window on certain kits – great to check the reusable air filters
  • Powder-coated aluminum components to reduce intake temps
  • Perfectly insulated air boxes to maximize cold airflow
  • OEM-spec fasteners and connectors

As Griffin’s dyno runs show, the CAI Cold Air Intake provided a noticeable gain at the rear wheels right off the bat with no other modifications. This goes to show that while every vehicle is different, choosing a CAI Cold Air Intake system will provide you with:

  • A noticeable horsepower (HP) boost
  • Enhanced engine efficiency

“In conclusion, I am very pleased with this addition to my 2019 Silverado. The Cold Air Intake System again earned it’s spot as one of the first items that should be purchased when beginning to mod your car or truck, and Cold Air Inductions Inc. knocked it out of the park with this system. The increase in horsepower is not just noticeable, it’s thrilling. Now it’s time to get back to the Internet and search for the next mod to my truck!”

Take Your Truck To The Next Level With A CAI Cold Air Intake!

Ready to experience these benefits on your Chevy Silverado or other GM vehicle? Check out our selection of cold air intakes and find the perfect fit!  With CAI, you’re not just upgrading your car or truck; you’re getting the following benefits that will enhance your driving experience:

  • Proven Performance: Our intakes are dyno-tested with results to support our claims.
  • Quality Materials: Only the highest quality materials are used to ensure durability and efficiency.
  • Easy Installation: Designed for a straightforward install, getting you back on the road faster.

For more information and to view our full range of products, visit Cold Air Inductions.

Upgrade Your Silverado/Sierra Intake With A CAI System

If you’re a Silverado or Sierra truck enthusiast who is chasing more horsepower, Cold Air Inductions now offers a cold air intake system for your turbocharged engine. This intake is a full-blown transformation for your truck’s performance, sound, and throttle response. This Cold Air Inductions intake is a must-have for your 2.7L turbo or TurboMax™ engine.

Enhanced Power And Aggressive Sound

When you hit the gas, you want to feel an immediate surge of power and hear an aggressive engine note. This Cold Air Inductions intake kit reduces heat soak with  thermal coated tubes, so your engine breathes in cooler air. This translates to noticeable gains in horsepower and torque. You can learn more about the intricate design of our intakes here.

Filter Window Allows You To Peek Under the Hood

This Cold Air Inductions intake integrates a clear air box window that allows you to check the system’s filter status with ease. You no longer need to disassemble your intake to check the air filter. A quick glance lets you gauge filter cleanliness, and a simple cleaning and oiling with the CAI recharge kit will bring the system back to optimal performance. It’s the kind of thoughtful design that truck owners appreciate.

USA Made Quality

Our intakes have a solid reputation for high-quality construction. That is due, in part, to our proudly USA-made design and production. Every component is premium and is manufactured in the USA.

Easy Installation

Some basic mechanical knowledge is all that’s needed for the install. The complete system includes:

  • Aluminum Air Box with Clear Viewing Window
  • Thermal Coated Intake Tube
  • High Performance Air Filter
  • Inlet/Duct
  • Installation Instructions

This intake fits the 2019-2024 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 or GMC Sierra 1500 with a 2.7L turbocharged engine. Should you hit a snag or have a question about installation, our customer service team is just a click or call away.

If you’re after a blend of performance enhancement, ease of maintenance, and an undeniable cool factor, this cold air intake system is the upgrade you’ve been waiting for. Upgrade your truck today!

The 5 Easiest Chevy Silverado Aftermarket Upgrades

The Chevy Silverado is a great truck. It’s reliable, tough, and comes with plenty of options. But there are some great upgrades that you can’t get from the factory. In this blog, we look into the five easiest upgrades you can make to your Silverado.

1. Exhaust Systems

Image Credit: SilveradoSierra

Whether you have a 5.3 or 6.2-liter V8 under the hood, there’s one thing your Silverado will be missing. And that’s a free-flowing exhaust system to unleash the sound of your motor. There are plenty of reputable exhaust specialists out there that offer bespoke systems for the Silverado and offer:

  • Better exhaust sound
  • More power
  • Improved fuel economy

Make sure to get a cat-back system rather than just a replacement rear muffler. That way, you get more power and better fuel economy, too.

Keep In Mind: Some exhausts can drone at cruising speeds, so try to drive to a vehicle equipped with the system you want first.

2. ECU Remaps

Image Credit: LSXMag

The ECU in a modern car controls everything from ignition to timing and fuel delivery. Manufacturers use generic ECU settings that can often be reprogrammed to deliver:

  • Better performance
  • Smoother power delivery
  • Better gas mileage

An ECU remap on its own may not deliver a major performance boost. But it is certainly worthwhile if you have done other mods to your truck, too.

Keep In Mind: You could invalidate your factory warranty with certain ECU remaps.

3. Suspension Upgrades

Image Credit: SilveradoSierra

If you enjoy heading off-road, then upgrading the suspension with components like leveling kits or lift kits can enhance your truck’s capabilities and give you:

  • Better off-road ability
  • Enhanced protection for the underside of the truck

Installing more capable shock absorbers and taller springs will give you an edge on tough trails.

Keep In Mind: An overly stiff suspension can make for a hard ride on the road.

4. Wheels And Tires

Image Credit: DuramaxForum

A tire upgrade is often done in conjunction with suspension improvements and can:

  • Enhance the look of your truck
  • Provide more ground clearance

Larger tires will improve ground clearance. And you can choose between on and off-road tread types to enhance grip levels. Upgraded alloy wheels can also give your truck a unique look.

Keep In Mind: Very low-profile tires look cool but can make the ride hard.

5. Cold Air Intakes

One of the best and easiest upgrades you can do is to install a cold air intake. Unlike the other options here, it can be done in your driveway. Cold Air Inductions intake kits are designed to work specifically with your vehicle and will give you:

  • Better intake sound
  • Improved performance
  • Better fuel economy

This results in real power gains that you can feel. And the enhanced intake sound is just icing on the cake. The increased airflow into the engine allows it to perform more efficiently. So your fuel economy will improve, too.

Keep In Mind: Only a high-quality aftermarket sealed airbox intake system will deliver these results.

Upgrade Your Vehicle With A CAI Cold Air Intake Kit

While we can’t comment on aftermarket exhausts, ECUs, or suspension kits, our cold-air induction kits are built to deliver. At Cold Air Inductions, we do real power testing and deliver real power gains. Every kit is made from the highest quality materials and crafted right here in the USA.

We don’t change OEM sensors or connections. And we believe in our products, so we offer a lifetime warranty. Our intake kits are designed and engineered to work with specific Silverado models. This is why we deliver noticeable improvements over stock. Contact us today and experience the benefits of a CAI cold air intake kit.

CAI vs. K&N Cold Air Intakes – Which Is Better?

Our cold air intake kits offer enhanced performance, improved fuel economy, and a great sound. Our customers tend to agree:

Why manufacturers don’t install this [intake] from the get-go is beyond me.” – Lonestar Hawaiian Garage

Lonestar Hawaiian Garage installed a CAI kit on their 2020 Chevy Silverado Trail Boss and was so impressed they decided to do the same to their 2007 Silverado, too.

Check out their video of the install and test drive. And read on to find out more about why our CAI cold air intakes are ahead of the competition.

The 2020 Silverado Cold Air Inductions Kit

Lonestar Hawaiian installed one of our CAI kits on their 2020 Silverado Trail Boss and loved the results. Aside from the impressive quality and fit and finish, the truck was also more efficient. Delivering 21mpg compared to 19.5mpg with the stock system.

Stock induction kits are made from ABS plastic. The main aim is to deaden the intake sound, which also restricts airflow. Plastic also can’t shield the intake tract from heat in the engine bay. All good reasons to eliminate the stock system as soon as possible.

Seeing the improvements on the 2020 truck, they decided it was time to get a kit for their 2007 Silverado as well. This vehicle was already fitted with a K&N system, but it was time for an upgrade. So out it came.

K&N Vs. Cold Air Inductions Kit

K&N intake

Comparing the two systems, it was clear that the CAI kit was better built, and more attention had been paid to the materials used and heat insulation. Notable benefits of Cold Air Inductions Kit vs K&N include:

  • Thermal-coated intake tube and air box
  • Plexiglass viewing port
  • Better quality components
  • Way larger air filter – better filtration and air volume

The K&N system had worked well over the years, but fuel economy was actually a bit worse compared to the stock system. Once the two kits were laid out on the table, the biggest differences were in the air box, intake tube, and filament filter.

“Build quality of the Cold Air Inductions intake is super strong and super sturdy.”  – Lonestar Hawaiian Garage

Lonestar Hawaiian used his “finger science” method to compare the two intake boxes. Not exactly scientific, but the differences in quality were obvious.

  • The CAI box is clearly better insulated with thicker material. And it has a fitted, stitched-on, pre-molded edge for precise fitment. The K&N system has a simple weather strip-like rubber seal, thinner metal, and no insulation at all.  
  • K&N uses a plastic intake tube for its design. The CAI system uses a thermal-coated metal intake tube. That means lower intake temperatures and more power.
  • And finally, the most obvious difference was CAI’s HUGE filament filter. This allows more air to be sucked into the engine and enhances the intake sound.

The installation itself took a little longer than intended. Mostly due to a bracket he wanted to retain for a future project. But the results were well worth it. And like all our systems, no changes were made to the harnesses, and OEM sensors were retained.

Immediate Driving Impressions

The results from the CAI intake install were immediate – most notably:

  • Better intake sound
  • Much lower intake temps

Out on the road, the first noticeable difference was the enhanced intake sound. That’s because the freer-flowing CAI system allows more air to be sucked into the engine. The superior design also showed up in the temperature difference under the hood. He recorded between 121 and 180 degrees in the engine bay, yet the intake box was at a far lower 93 degrees.

That is thanks to our state-of-the-art testing equipment, CAD engineering, and airflow analysis that each CAI kit goes through. While he didn’t get to compare fuel economy figures, judging by the performance of the CAI kit in the 2020 Silverado, it should also show an improvement

Time To Give Your Truck The CAI Upgrade

Cold Air Inductions has been a leading manufacturer of sealed air box intakes since 2004. Our products are built to last and come with a lifetime warranty.

Each kit is designed and tested to fit a specific vehicle. We use real-world dyno testing procedures to deliver real-world benefits. Check out some of the kits available for Chevy Silverados and Sierras here.

Get in touch with our team to order your CAI cold air induction kit today.

Do Cold Air Intakes Really Work? Before And After Dyno Test

Performance claims are one thing. Backing those claims up is quite another. At CAI, we believe in real power testing. And only ever make real power claims.

But real-world testing by our customers is the only way to back up these claims. In this blog, we cover the installation of one of our cold air intakes into a brand new Z71 Chevy Silverado by Street Speed 717.

Check out the video below.

The Plan: More Power


Almost as soon as they had bought it, Street Speed 717 decided to treat their brand-new Chevy Silverado truck to one of our cold air intake kits. With just 433 miles on the clock, they headed out to DiabloFormula Racing to do some pre-install dyno runs.

Standard Spec Dyno Runs

The 2017 Chevy Silverado was bone stock with no modifications and still factory-fresh when it was strapped to the dyno. Factory figures of 355hp and 385lb-ft of torque are claimed. As with all manufacturers, those are measured at the crank, so a dyno run will always show lower numbers.

That said, the 5.3-liter V8 produced consistent figures over three runs with a best of 297hp and 334lb-ft at the wheels. Impressive results, but they were keen to see just what kind of improvements our CAI cold air intake could make. To restate, the original “before” test setup was:

  • Three consistent runs
  • Truck was totally unmodified
  • Best result of 297hp and 334lb-ft at the wheels

The Install

cai intake

Within minutes, Andy from DiabloFormula Racing had removed the stock intake. Our kits provide everything you need to fit the intake straight out of the box. Every sealed intake kit we sell has the following features:

  • OEM- spec fasteners and connectors
  • Original sensors are retained
  • Inspection window to check reusable air filters
  • Powder-coated aluminum parts to reduce intake temps
  • No tuning needed

The CAI intake was soon fitted, and the Silverado was ready for the next set of dyno runs.

Cold Air Intake Dyno Runs

dyno test

The benefits of installing a cold air intake include lower fuel consumption and improved intake sound. But the reason most people use our kits is for the increase in power.

Final word is you can say that this intake will net you about 15 to 20 horsepower and same thing for torque. We are confirming REAL gains on a dyno here.”  – Mike, Streetspeed717

The first run immediately showed an improvement of 15hp and 9 lb-ft over the best figures achieved with the stock intake. After a short break, they reran the dyno, and this time they got 24hp and 17lb-ft above the stock numbers.

  • Three consistent runs
  • No reprogramming or modifications – just a CAI intake
  • Best result of 321hp and 351lb-ft to the wheels
  • Improvements of 7.5% in power and 5% in torque
  • Torque curve was smoother

No tuning, no modifications, and the exact same weather conditions. The added benefits of improved throttle response and a meatier intake sound are just icing on the cake. But not every cold air intake will deliver these kinds of results. It takes years of development and testing, which CAI does on all their cold air intakes.

Get The Best Cold Air Intake In The Market For Your Truck

Truck intake dyno

Honestly was expecting 10 to 15 – at the wheel especially – we got 20 [at the wheel] and 25 torque. Especially [impressive for] a truck because unlike a car it’s running through a transfer case which cuts down on the power and it has a much longer drive shaft, bigger wheels, bigger tires, and a bigger differential. So, to make that much horsepower in a truck – compared to like a Camaro SS – is amazing.”  – Andy, DiabloFormula Racing

Cold Air Inductions has been a leading manufacturer of sealed air box intake systems since 2004. We offer a lifetime warranty. And we use real-world dyno testing procedures to deliver real-world benefits. Check out our range of high-quality intakes here. Then contact our team to order the cold air induction kit that delivers on its promises.

How To Install A CAI Cold Air Intake On A Chevy Silverado Trail Boss

One of the first things you probably did when you bought your new Silverado was to find a little open road and rev it up to hear that engine roar. If you love to hear that sound and feel your truck respond with lots of horsepower, you should consider a cold air intake. When you install a cold air intake on a Chevy Silverado, you can immediately hear and feel the difference it makes, plus you’ll notice additional benefits as you drive it longer. In this article, we’re featuring YouTuber Chase at LMFSCREW and hearing what he thinks of the Cold Air Inductions cold air intake he installed on his 2021 Chevy Silverado Z71 Trail Boss (with a 6.2L engine). Check out the video below:


CAI Cold Air Intake Install: Step-By-Step

As you can see in the video, replacing a factory air filter with a cold air intake system is relatively simple. Here’s a quick breakdown of how to install a cold air intake on a Chevy Silverado:

silverado cold air intake
  1. Disconnect the negative terminal of your battery – for safety’s sake.
  2. Disconnect and remove the factory PCV hose and snip all connecting zip ties.
  3. Disconnect your mass airflow (MAF) sensor.
  4. Pull the top/lid of the factory air box (the bottom is retained in place) out, as well as the factory air filter.
  5. Remove the MAF sensor from your existing air tube, being careful not to damage it. Install it in the new air tube.
  6. Install the inlet elbow onto the throttle body and attach the PCV hose.
  7. Insert the air filter into the top of the filter box housing, after removing the protective sticker from the plexiglass window.
  8. Install the intake tube onto the filter and loosely tighten the hose clamp.
  9. Install the top of the air box and tube and tighten bolts, hose clamps, etc.
  10. Connect your MAF sensor and snug all bolts throughout.
  11. Reconnect the negative terminal of the battery.

Why Replace The Chevy Silverado Factory Filter?

silverado cold air intake

As Chase mentions in the video above, the factory filter is not the worst out there – so why should you replace your factory air filter and install a cold air intake on your Chevy Silverado? It’s not like it’s an ugly factory unit to begin with…and it technically does work fine. So why bother?

First, a cold air intake increases the volume of air entering your engine and ensures it is cooler air, both of which increase your engine’s power. Whether your truck is a few years old or brand new, it’s nice to get a little more power out of your engine when you can. Using our 6.2L cold air intake kit, you can expect gains of 12-14 horsepower. This kit can also be used on 2019, 2020, or 2021 Silverados or GMC Sierras, in addition to several popular 2021 SUVs.

If you drive a truck, your top priority probably isn’t gas mileage (or you’d be driving a Prius instead). But if you can improve it with a simple tweak, why wouldn’t you?

“We all know about horsepower and torque…you get used to it…[but] you always want a little bit more. This thing is going to be absolutely sick!”  – Chase, LMFSCREW

Swapping out a stock air filter with a cold air intake system can increase your fuel efficiency by a few miles per gallon, which is always a plus when you regularly drive a larger truck, like the Trail Boss. Or, if you’ve modded your truck similarly to what Chase explains in the video. When you upgrade wheels and tires, you usually add some weigh. An intake can help with the extra work the engine will need to do as a result of those few extra pounds.

“Overall, it’s just a solid intake…I mean, it looks really good I don’t think we’re gonna see any negatives from it – only positives.”

Find Your Intake Online At Cold Air Inductions

silverado cold air intake

It’s very simple to install a CAI cold air intake on a Chevy Silverado. If you want to optimize your truck’s power and fuel efficiency, you’re probably already more than capable of installing a cold air intake within 30 minutes. Don’t just take our word for it – you can check out this and several other install videos on the CAI YouTube channel, and as Chase suggests:

“Maximize performance and style, cool [the] air, [get] more horsepower, more torque and better fuel economy…slap this baby on there and see what kind of gains you get!”  – Chase, LMFSCREW

CAI has been manufacturing cold-air intakes since 2004. We offer intakes made from the highest quality materials and crafted right here in the USA, delivering real power and great quality. Shop Cold Air Inductions online or contact us today!