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Hammerdown Motorsports Installs CAI Intake On A GMC Yukon Denali

There’s nothing like a CAI cold air intake to boost performance and unleash your ride’s intake sound. But don’t take our word for it. Rather, take a look at what Steve from Hammerdown Motorsports thinks when he installs our intake in his 2017 GMC Yukon Denali.

“This is a must-have for any vehicle.”

Steve, Hammerdown Motorsports

In this post, we cover his video review of our CAI cold air intake install. After all, the proof of a good product is how it performs in real-life situations. Watch the Hammerdown Motorsports video below.

The Yukon Denali CAI Kit

Aside from a Corsa Sport exhaust system, Steve’s 2017 GMC Yukon Denali was just as the factory intended. But it didn’t stay that way for long, as the CAI kit was the next upgrade for his vehicle. This CAI intake system kit includes:

  • Insulated Aluminum Air Box
  • Air Box Lid with Clear Inspection Window
  • Thermal-Coated Intake Tube
  • High-Performance Air Filter
  • Black Silicone Coupler / Stainless Clamps
  • Installation Instructions

After he unboxed the kit, it was time to remove the factory intake system.

Factory Intake Removal

Getting the original intake system off didn’t take long and only required a flathead screwdriver and a ratchet set:

  • First off, Steve unplugged the Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF), removed some clamps, and disconnected a couple of hoses.
  • Then, the factory airbox was removed with an 8mm ratchet.
  • The lower section of the airbox was secured with rubber grommets, so it just required a good pull to get free.
  • Then, the brace over the coolant reservoir was unbolted (13mm ratchet) in preparation for the CAI kit 

Installing The CAI Intake

  • Once the old system had been removed, it was time for the CAI kit to be fitted.
  • The new fully insulated airbox went in first. It is designed to fit perfectly into the original airbox cavity, so no drilling or cutting is required.
  • Next up was the black silicone coupler, already fitted with the required stainless steel clamps. All the existing hoses fit straight on.
  • The thermal coated intake tube was then connected between the airbox and coupler. Steve also fitted the air filter before tightening it all up to ensure it all fit perfectly.
  • The final step was to refit the factory MAF sensor, fit the air filter cover, refit the brace, and tighten all the clamps.

First Impressions

With everything fitted, it was time to start it up. Steve immediately noticed how the intake noise sounded stock when cruising but emitted a deep growl under hard acceleration. The subtle vibration through the gas pedal gave it a whole new feel, too.

“That is a night and day difference.”

Steve, Hammerdown Motorsports

Steve loved how much better it sounded and commented that it wasn’t just great on his 6.2-liter Yukon but was a definite must-have for any vehicle. This kit is designed to fit several different vehicles including:

Upgrade Your Vehicle With A CAI Cold Air Intake Kit

“I can’t imagine driving the Yukon without it at this point – it’s so much fun.”

Steve, Hammerdown Motorsports

At Cold Air Inductions, we do real power testing and deliver real power gains. Every kit is built to the highest quality with OEM-quality fittings, and all original sensors are retained. We believe in our products, so we offer a lifetime warranty.

Our intake kits are designed and engineered for specific vehicles. This is why we deliver noticeable improvements over stock.  So, contact us today and experience the benefits of a CAI cold air intake kit.

DiabloFormula Racing Installs CAI Intake And Gains 14 RWHP

There’s no doubt that a quality cold air intake is one of the quickest ways to boost your vehicle’s performance, intake sound, and even improve fuel economy. But with so many systems out there it can be tough to know which one is best for you.

Sometimes you have to rely on the stats the manufacturer provides. But not every cold air intake is tested the same way. And real world performance doesn’t live up to the claims.

That’s why Cold Air Intakes does real power testing that results in real power gains. But don’t take our word for it, check out this video of DiabloFormula Racing installing one of our products and decide for yourself.


The TrailBlazer SS Cold Air Intake Install

DiabloFormula Racing has had some great results from Cold Air Inductions intakes in the past. So much so that they became a vendor for the brand. And seeing as they know just how good CAI cold air intakes are, Andy ordered a full intake kit for his girlfriend Steph’s Trailblazer SS.

Vehicle Specs

  • Chevy Trailblazer SS
  • 394hp 6.0-liter V8 (when stock)
  • K&N Air Filter
  • Rebuilt transmission
  • Stall converter
  • Modified headers and pipes
  • Upgraded cam

As a testament to how quick and easy the install is, Andy decided to do the entire job on a freezing day out in the snow. While it was snowing. Try that with a any other competitor’s product.

Cold Air Intake Kit Details

CAI intake

Every Cold Air Inductions kit comes with everything you need for a hassle-free install. And every component is built to the highest standards. We use OEM-quality fittings and keep all original sensors.

Andy also mentions the different styles of intakes available from CAI, with the option to go with a chrome or satin black finish:

“Personally I think the satin black finish looks better – it just looks cleaner because the inside of the engine bay is black and the cover is black – so that’s why we went with the satin black.”    – Andy, DiabloFormula Racing

CAI intake kits feature:

  • An inspection window to check reusable air filters
  • Powder-coated aluminum parts to reduce intake temps
  • Air boxes designed to maximize cold airflow
  • OEM-spec fasteners and connectors
  • OEM sensors are reused

The Install

CAI intake

“[The CAI intake] is a simple set-up. It literally took 10 minutes to do.”  – Andy, DiabloFormula Racing

To start with the Mass Airflow Sensor (MAF) is disconnected. The plastic engine cover is removed and then the original plastic intake cover is unscrewed. The Trailblazer already had an older K&N air filter installed which Andy removed. He also took out the screen from the MAF to further improve airflow.

The next step was to place the CAI filter and housing into the engine bay. Andy was surprised at just how easily it slotted into place. Bolting it down took just a few minutes and then it was time to fit the piping and connect it to the intake manifold. Then the vacuum hose was fitted, the MAF sensor reconnected and the plastic engine cover screwed back on.

The entire installation process took just 10 minutes. And the only tool required was a screwdriver. Not bad for an upgrade that delivers 14 rear-wheel horsepower, and improves the intake sound and fuel economy.

Give Your Vehicle The Intake It Deserves

Chevy trailblazer intake

To give your Chevy Trailblazer a performance boost, check out our cold air intake kits here:

Cold Air Inductions offers the Elite Series intake systems for the perfect upgrade from an OEM setup. For the biggest gains, you’ll want our Carbon Elite Series systems. Just like the one Andy fitted to the Trailblazer SS.

Cold Air Inductions is a leading manufacturer of cold air intakes. And we stand by our products with a lifetime warranty. Get in touch with our team to order your kit today.