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Which Cold-Air Intake Is The Best For Your Truck?

There are a lot of cold air intakes out there for your Chevy or GMC truck. And every company claims that their offering is better than the rest. It can become pretty difficult to pick the right one for your vehicle.

At Cold Air Inductions we design and manufacture top-quality intakes that do what they say. We don’t mess around with fake claims or hyped-up power figures. Our products provide real-world performance gains. Offer superb durability. And produce a great sound.

In this blog we cover all you need to know to make the right choice when buying a cold air intake.

What Does A CAI Intake Kit Do?

CAI truck intake

  • Increases horsepower – with proven real-world testing
  • Offers OEM quality or better construction
  • Available as a closed system design for better performance
  • Improves the sound of your truck

Just about every company offering cold air intakes claims power gains.

Often these are generic figures. Often times not even based on your specific truck. Cold Air Inductions uses a chassis dyno, flow bench, and computer simulation to develop every system. Our dyno measures power at the tires. Taking into consideration all the variables in a vehicle and drivetrain. The power figures you see are for your specific model of vehicle and engine.

No ECM tune is required, and the systems do not void the vehicle warranty. Our Cold Air Intakes for 2014-2016 Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra trucks can add up to 12 rear-wheel horsepower and 6 lb-ft. of torque. This is a “No Lies” power gain that customers will feel every time they drive their vehicle.

This is what one customer had to say:

…The product itself is very well made and I was impressed. It makes my truck sound better. I highly recommend this cold air intake.”

– Will F.

Another Silverado owner, Bradley H. loved the performance increase:

Very well built plus adds a nice sound. I haven’t noticed an increase in gas mileage, but I do notice a more responsive throttle and faster acceleration. Great product.”

Cold Air Inductions specializes in closed system designs.

This means our premium offerings don’t use the top of the hood to seal our air boxes. This offers more precise air and heat control. It also provides more consistent performance increases over an open system. Open systems may show higher power figures on a dyno, but that’s because the tests are done with the hood open. Allowing more air to be sucked through the intake.

In the real world, you drive with your hood closed. Gaps between the hood and intake box on an open system will increase air intake temperatures. This means you get less power when your engine is warm, or it’s a hot day. CAI’s sealed airboxes don’t suck in hot under-hood air. They are also heat insulated. This provides consistent performance and colder intake temperatures. Even our open induction kits are designed to suck in as much cold air from outside the vehicle as possible.

CAI intakes are crafted from the highest quality materials.

Our intake systems meet or exceed OEM quality standards. The airbox and tube are made from durable powder-coated aluminum. All the TIG welding is done by hand. Stainless steel fasteners and OEM-quality rubber and silicone parts ensure that each system will last a very long time. Every intake system is made with pride in the USA.

We can go on forever about the benefits. But we will let our satisfied customers do the talking:

“Super easy to install, clear easy to follow instructions and it sounds good. A super simple and necessary upgrade over a factory intake.”

– Chad M, Silverado owner

Which CAI Intake Do You Need?

truck intake

We stock a wide range of intake kits and filters for your GM Truck. Take a look at some of our most popular cold air intake kits:

Chevy GM
Chevy Avalanche GMC Canyon
Chevy Colorado GMC Sierra 1500
Chevy Silverado 1500
Chevy Silverado 1500 LD

Elite Series Vs. Carbon Elite Series

CAI offers two unique cold air intake systems:

The Elite Series is the perfect upgrade from an OEM system. The bolt-on design requires no modifications and uses OEM sensors and connections. It maximizes airflow and is the easiest way to add more power and torque to your vehicle.

The Carbon Elite Series is our highest-performance cold air intake. It is made from top-quality materials like carbon fiber and stainless steel. It features a closed system design to maximize performance. It also features our signature plexiglass window which makes it easy to see the reusable air filter. This design still uses stock sensors and connectors. That means no vehicle tuning is required.

CAI Has The Perfect Intake For Your Truck

Cold Air Inductions has been manufacturing cold air intakes for over ten years. We use only the best-quality components. And thoroughly test every system.

That’s why you can depend on us for the highest-quality air intakes in the industry. We stand by our products with a lifetime warranty.

Contact our team today and get ready to experience the CAI cold air induction kit difference.

Gearhead Diva 5th Gen Camaro Intake System Install

Cold air intakes can be a great way to boost the performance and intake sound of your vehicle. But not all systems are built the same. And there’s a lot of misinformation out there, too.

Installing the wrong cold air intake may be worse than sticking with a stock unit. That’s why it’s important to do your research. That’s exactly what Gearhead Diva did when she put one of our cold air intakes into her 5th Gen Camaro.

In this blog, we break down her install of our Chevy Camaro cold air intake kit.

The Camaro Cold Air Intake Install

camaro intake

Rachel De Barros is the Gearhead Diva. She knows plenty about cars and only installs the best quality mods in her builds. When upgrading her 5th Gen ‘Stormtrooper’ Camaro, she took to the forums to find out which system was the best for her vehicle.

She spent a lot of time going through owner stories, anecdotes, and product feedback. And found that only Cold Air Induction’s kits produced consistent results across the board. Dyno runs showed an average 15 hp increase over stock numbers. Not our figures but real-world results from customers.

The choice was clear; it had to be a Cold Air Inductions Camaro kit.

Why Choose A Cold Air Inductions Product?

At Cold Air Inductions, we do real power testing that delivers real power gains. Every cold air intake kit is built to the highest quality. We use OEM-quality fittings and retain all original sensors. Details of the CAI kit 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
  • OEM sensors remain stock

The Video Review

Before Rachel delved into the benefits of our Camaro cold air intake kit, she noted that original stock intakes are, of course, specifically designed to work with other stock parts. While some generic, aftermarket solutions can actually be worse for your car’s performance, Cold Air Inductions Camaro intake kits deliver better performance.

This is because Cold Air Inductions intake kits are designed and engineered to work with specific year-make-model vehicles. They are also thoroughly tested to deliver improvements over stock parts by:

  • Reducing airflow restrictions
  • Keeping engine heat out
  • Increasing the cold air sucked into the engine

Rachel also mentions that the CAI intake has a smooth airflow pipe – this gives the MAF a clean reading. Resulting in consistent and reliable power gains. The large diameter air pipe is thermal coated to keep the intake air temperatures low.

The Power Is In The Detail

cai intake window

A visually flashy intake kit may look great. But it’s real engineering that delivers the results. Rachel reviewed the design details that set our systems apart from the rest:

  • High-quality 8-layer cotton fiber air filter
  • Perfect fit air box
  • Plexiglass inspection window
  • OEM-spec tubing for the crankcase breather tube

For starters, the air box is a very tight fit, preventing hot under-hood air from being sucked into the system. The 8-layer oiled cotton fiber air filter is also a cut above most competitors. It is completely reusable, and the Plexiglass inspection lid fits perfectly. Designed with handy push pins, it allows for quick air filter inspection. This is a feature of our top Carbon Elite Series kits.

Another unique component in this Camaro kit is the extra tubing provided for the crankcase breather tube. It even comes with heat shrink to ensure a perfect OEM-look fit and finish. She even used the original screws and nuts.

It takes just 15-20 minutes to install one of our cold air intakes. Not a bad trade-off for improved power, sound, and fuel economy.

Give Your Camaro The Best Intake On The Market

Our Elite Series systems are the perfect upgrade from an OEM setup. Check out this kit to get you started. Or get a Carbon Elite Series system like Rachel did for her Camaro. It’s our highest-performance cold air intake. And comes with our signature plexiglass window. Check it out here.

Both systems use stock sensors and connectors; no vehicle tuning is required. Cold Air Inductions has been a leading manufacturer of sealed air box intake systems since 2004. We stand by our products with a lifetime warranty. Get in touch with our team to order your CAI cold air intake kit today.

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Cold Air Inductions On Two Guys Garage

A cold air intake provides a quick and inexpensive way to improve the performance of your engine. But not all intakes are the same. Many are made of plastic and absorb heat, which can limit or even eliminate any performance gain.

That’s why our cold air induction systems are made from aluminum to be durable yet lightweight. And they are thermal coated to limit heat transfer from the hot underhood environment. The quality and performance speak for themselves, which is why Two Guys Garage used one in its 2010 Chevrolet Camaro V6 project.

Two Guy’s Garage Camaro Cold Air Intake Install

When it comes to cold air intakes, you have two options: You can either install a plastic tube intake and shield it off from the heat generated by your engine. Or, you can buy an actual cold air intake, like one from Cold Air Inductions, which is already set up for your vehicle. That’s precisely what Two Guy’s Garage did with their V6 Camaro.

CAI is taking cold air induction kits to the next level…they’re really paying attention to the details.

Two Guys Garage

They selected one of our kits because of the quality and details, which they said we’ve taken to the next level. Those details include an insulated, sealed box that isolates the intake from the rest of the engine, shielding it from heat. They also commented on our thermal-coated intake tube and how we’ve addressed the heat soak issue that robs most systems of any performance gains. These details allow our cold air intakes to provide gains of up to 18 rear-wheel horsepower on a completely stock Camaro.

Two Guy’s Garage also liked the Cold Air Induction kit’s ease of installation, commenting on the details like the fasteners. Our cold air intake system directly replaces the OEM air box, making it easy to install without modifications. Even the OEM washer bottle remains in the stock location.

Selecting An Air Intake From Cold Air Inductions 

Our cold-air induction systems are designed to work for your specific vehicle, optimizing airflow with minimal turbulence. Each cold-air intake is engineered as a complete, closed system, from the aluminum housing to the air filter. That’s why we’re confident the power we claim is the power you will feel every time you drive your vehicle.

It’s a really nice, high-quality system.

Two Guys Garage

Since 2004 CAI has manufactured the highest-quality air intakes in the industry, delivering real, measurable power increases. Check out our testimonials and customer reviews to see what people say about our intakes.

Click this link to contact us if you have questions or want to know more about our products.

Chevy Silverado Trail Boss Cold Air Intake Install

Looking to unleash the full potential of your Silverado 1500? Installing an intake from Cold Air Inductions is a step in the right direction.

Trail Boss Intake Install

We all know the Chevrolet Silverado is one of the most popular and dependable trucks on the road today. With its powerful engine, rugged design, and impressive towing capabilities, it’s garnered a loyal following from truck owners. Silverado enthusiasts are always on the lookout for ways to enhance their truck’s performance. That’s where a cold air intake from Cold Air Inductions comes into play. Check out the video below from ZachAtak Customs and see first-hand some of the gains that can be enjoyed by installing a CAI intake on your Silverado:

Performance Gains

Silverado air intakes from CAI are specifically designed and engineered to improve performance. The main purpose of any cold air intake system is to increase the amount of cool, dense air flowing into the engine, resulting in more efficient combustion and greater power output. In fact, installing this cold air intake on your Silverado can result in an increase of up to 11 horsepower (measured at the wheels) and a marked increase in fuel economy.

When I get on it, I feel it…the engine sounds louder and has a really nice growl to it now – so I’m pretty pleased with that.

ZachAtak Customs

In addition to these gains, intakes from Cold Air Inductions provide a more aggressive throttle response. This means that your truck will accelerate faster and more smoothly, enhancing your overall driving experience. Installing a cold air intake can lead to a more exhilarating engine sound, giving your Silverado that unmistakable growl that many truck owners crave.

Easy Installation And Upkeep

Installing a cold air intake from CAI is a relatively simple process that most Silverado owners can complete on their own in about an hour. Detailed instructions and all necessary hardware are always included. CAI intakes also require minimal maintenance – simply recharge your intake air filter every 4,000 miles with our air filter cleaning kit

Cold Air Intakes From Cold Air Inductions

Why do truck guys need an upgraded intake? According to Trail Boss enthusiast ZachAtak Customs

As truck guys, we love lift kits, we love oversized tires, and (in my opinion) you need more power – whether that be an aftermarket exhaust or a cold air intake – to combat the loss and sluggishness you get with lift kits and bigger tires. I like to combat that with options like a CAI intake.

ZachAtak Customs

Installing a cold air intake from Cold Air Inductions on your Silverado offers numerous benefits. It’s a simple and cost-effective modification that can make driving your truck more enjoyable. Check out ZachAtak Customs’s install and review and contact us today if you have any questions about ordering an intake for your Chevy.

Why Does My Camaro Cold Air Intake Whistle?

We’ve seen feedback on some of the Camaro forums about a whistle people have noticed after installing a cold air intake. As the first company to develop and market a cold air intake for the Camaro, we wanted to clear the air on this issue.

The bottom line is this: Some cars, including the Camaro, have a whistle that occurs under moderate engine load. On the Camaro, the engine’s factory intake manifold is the cause of the whistle, not the air box, filter, or air tube from the cold air intake.

But we don’t want you to just take our word for it, so we’ve provided the video below.

2016 Camaro Air Intake Whistle

This video shows the testing we did on the Camaro to find the source of the air intake whistle. We put the car on our rear-wheel dyno, and with the factory air box in place, we removed the air filter and recorded the sound. At partial throttle, 38 percent to be exact, the whistle occurred. We then removed the factory air box and re-recorded the sound. In both cases, you can hear the whistle – either with the factory air box in place or without any air box installed.

The Whistle Is Less Noticeable With A More Restrictive Intake

You may wonder why you didn’t hear the whistling before installing a cold-air intake. It was there, but because the factory air intake is more restrictive, it reduces the volume of the whistle. Additionally, the air intake for the factory air box is mounted below the air box and draws air from low in the grille. The whistle will be more noticeable if you listen to the airflow near the factory air inlet.

Our cold air intake systems remove the airflow restrictions, allowing air and sound to travel better. That means any sound from the engine is much less restricted and more noticeable.

Selecting An Air Intake From Cold Air Inductions

At Cold Air Inductions, we build the best cold air intakes in the business. We take quality very seriously and thoroughly test every aspect of our cold air intake systems to ensure the best fit, finish, and performance. That’s why we could quickly and conclusively demonstrate that the factory intake manifold causes the Camaro’s whistle, not our cold-air intake system.

Our cold-air induction systems are designed to work for your specific vehicle, optimizing airflow with minimal turbulence. We focus on delivering a quality system that gives you more power, better fuel economy, and a good performance air-intake sound when you really lean into the throttle. Since 2004 we have manufactured the highest-quality air intakes in the industry, delivering real, measurable power increases. Check out our testimonials and customer reviews to see what people say about our intakes.

If you have questions about our cold air intake for the Camaro or any of our other products, you can contact us through the info on this link.

Installing The Best Cold Air Intake On The Market

If you’re a true gearhead, you know that a cold air intake is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways to improve your engine’s performance. But with so many options on the market, it can be tough to know which one to choose. Fear not, my fellow car enthusiasts, because Cold Air Inductions has got you covered.

An Installation To Envy

But don’t just take our word for it. Check out the video below and see how impressed YouTuber and auto enthusiast Scott Lee is with his intake from Cold Air Inductions:

At Cold Air Inductions we’ve been putting our cold air intakes to the test for years, and the results speak for themselves. Independent dyno testing has shown that our cold air intakes can provide impressive gains. And with their easy installation process, you can have your new cold air intake installed in no time.

Now, let’s talk design. At Cold Air Inductions we custom-design our air boxes to maximize airflow to your engine while protecting your air filter from harmful debris. That means you’ll get the most out of your engine, and your filter will last longer. It’s a win-win situation.

“Cold Air Inductions did an amazing job on this intake – I’m very impressed.”

Scott Lee

Next, let’s talk about construction. At Cold Air Inductions we use only the best materials, to ensure that our cold air intakes can stand up to the toughest conditions. Plus, our state-of-the-art manufacturing techniques ensure that each cold air intake is built to last.

But enough about design and construction. Let’s get to the good stuff: performance. Cold Air Inductions’ cold air intakes are designed to provide your engine with the most efficient flow of air possible.

“You can hear the ‘grunt’ of the engine now – which is amazing.”

Scott Lee

That means more horsepower, more torque, and an all-around better driving experience. And with a larger air filter than most other aftermarket cold air intakes, you can be sure that your engine is getting the best possible filtration.

Intakes From Cold Air Inductions

So if you’re in the market for a cold air intake, check out the Scott Lee installation, and shop our huge selection of cold air intakes for the Chrysler 300 and many more. Our commitment to quality, design, and performance is unmatched in the industry. And let’s be real, who doesn’t want to get the most out of their engine? Upgrade to a Cold Air Inductions cold air intake today, and take your driving experience to the next level.

Oiled vs. Dry Air Filters – Which Is Best?

Choosing an air filter is a bit more complicated than finding one the right size for your vehicle. In addition to the quality of the filter, you may also have questions about which is better – oiled or dry air filters.

There’s been a lot of debate on this subject, including which type of filter performs better based on filtration, airflow, longevity, and overall performance. Advocates can make a case for each type of filter, listing specific pros and cons, but when it comes down to it, the filter type our engineers recommend and trust at Cold Air Inductions is the oiled filter.

The Benefits Of An Oiled Filter

intake filters

Constructed from high-flow cotton, oiled air filters are treated with oil to trap contaminants. High-quality brands use oiled filters for products like cold air intakes because they aren’t as restrictive as paper filters, which rely on the thickness of the media to block impurities.

Oiled air filters can be cleaned and reused, while dry paper filters must be discarded after each use. So while buying an oiled filter is more expensive than a paper filter, you can save money in the long run by using one. Check out the video below for more info on the filter cleaning process:

When you’re ready to clean your filter, you can find our Recharge Kits here.

Air Intake Filters From Cold Air Inductions

All performance air filters are not the same. Many of them can rob your vehicle of some of its performance. That’s why Cold Air Inductions engineers every air filter to work for each of our specific cold-air intake systems. Simply put, they are designed for optimum airflow with minimal turbulence.

All of Cold Air Inductions performance air filters:

  • Are pre-oiled lifetime filters that are ready to install and use over and over
  • Feature interwoven cotton layers with a pleat count designed to maximize airflow and minimize turbulence
  • Feature a unique velocity-stack radius to minimize turbulence as air flows from the filter into the air tube of the air-intake system
  • Have an engineered stop on the base to ensure proper installation and allow more accurate readings from the MAF
  • Come with stainless steel clamps for a secure fit and a great look

Since 2004 Cold Air Inductions has manufactured the highest-quality air intakes in the industry, delivering real power and great quality. Check out our testimonials and customer reviews to see what people say about our products.

Contact us if you have questions or want to know more about our products.

Cold Air Inductions Inc. Featured By MotorTrend And GM High Tech Magazine

One of the keys to boosting horsepower and torque in any engine is to improve how it breathes. The easiest way to do that is with a cold air intake which eliminates airflow restrictions and keeps the air inlet charge cool. However, most cold air intakes are plastic and absorb heat, limiting or eliminating any performance gain.

Our cold air induction systems are made from aluminum to be durable yet lightweight. And, they are thermal coated to limit heat transfer from the hot under-hood environment. The quality and performance speak for themselves, which is why MotorTrend used one in its fifth-gen Camaro upgrade project.

MotorTrend’s 5th Generation Camaro Upgrade

camaro cold air intake

Image Credit: MotorTrend

MotorTrend’s fifth-gen Camaro upgrade project aimed to improve the performance of a Chevy L99 motor. Stock, the motor made 345 rear-wheel horsepower and 355 lb-ft of torque. Adding a Cold Air Induction intake and performing an ECS tune increased output by 18 to 363 rear-wheel horsepower.

Next, the Camaro received an upgraded camshaft and a complete American Racing Headers exhaust setup. The camshaft and exhaust upgrade complimented the improved breathing of the Cold Air Induction intake, providing better all-around performance. Once everything was installed, the dyno run revealed a jaw-dropping increase of 98 horsepower from stock, for a total of 443 rear-wheel horsepower.

While the camshaft and exhaust upgrades would have added some additional power, they would not have been as effective without a high-quality cold air intake. We were honored MotorTrend chose our Cold Air Induction intake system for its Camaro project and were pleased to see the results.

Chevy Camaro Air Intakes From Cold Air Inductions 

All cold air intake systems are not the same. Many are made of cheap plastic or use restrictive air filters that can rob your vehicle of some of its performance. That’s why we engineer every cold-air intake as a complete system, from the aluminum housing to the air filter. Our cold-air induction systems are designed to work for your specific vehicle, optimizing airflow with minimal turbulence.

Since 2004 Cold Air Inductions has manufactured the highest-quality air intakes in the industry, delivering real, measurable power increases. Check out our testimonials and customer reviews to see what people say about our intakes.

Click this link to contact us if you have questions or want to know more about our products – and shop here for your new Camaro intake today.

Cold Air Inductions Inc. Memphis, MI Awarded Platinum Supplier Status

General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales division has awarded Cold Air Inductions, Inc.  Memphis, MI operations with a Certificate of Excellence at the highest level, Platinum Supplier Status, in recognition of outstanding performance. The award recognizes top performing suppliers who consistently meet or exceed GM’s stringent quality criteria.

“Your organization has played an important role in our efforts to design, build and sell the world’s best vehicles,” wrote David Poole, General Motors General Director of Supply Chain and Michelle Braun, Executive Director Global Purchasing. “Your dedication and commitment to consistently perform above expectations are very much appreciated by the entire General Motors team and we want to recognize your organization for its outstanding performance. You have our most sincere congratulations.”

General Motors Customer Care and Aftersales has very high performance standards and customer service. “This award recognizes our commitment to providing the highest levels of both product quality and reliable service our customers expect and deserve,” said David Lookliss, Cold Air Inductions,  Operations Manager. “This award is an acknowledgement of the efforts of our entire team for their commitment to delivering to our customers’ expectations.”

Cold Air Inductions is the nation’s leading developer of automotive air induction systems.

Cold Air Inductions Elite Carbon Coming Soon

The final prototype for our new brand “Elite Carbon Series“. Systems for the 6th Gen Camaro SS and ZL1 will be available very soon.