7. Airaid makes intake systems...
7. Airaid makes intake systems for most makes and models of cars and trucks. For the late-model GM product, the system is available for '99 to '05 4.3L, 4.8L, 5.3L, and 6.0L trucks. Read our test to find out if it works.
We didn't put the truck on a dyno, so we don't have horsepower numbers to back up the owner's impression of his truck's response to the mods. But we did check the truck's performance before and after we installed in the intake with a G-Tech. The truck was turning 16.77 at 85 mph before we installed the intake. After we installed the intake, the truck ran 16.69 at 86 mph, nearly a 0.10-second e.t. and 1-mph improvement, or about a 10hp increase at the rear wheels. Keep in mind that these are observed times and we didn't adjust for altitude or barometric changes. We tested the intake in the afternoon, when it was several degrees warmer than the cooler temperatures we had in the morning when we tested the performance of just the exhaust. And we know the intake and exhaust combination would have shown a much higher increase in the cooler air, and a 20hp increase isn't out of the question.
8. After disconnecting the...
8. After disconnecting the negative ground, removing the stock intake tube is one of the harder steps to install the Airaid intake. The kit is well-designed and fits like the factory made it, and goes in easily.
Still, the Airaid and Borla combination produced a lot more tire spin off the line than just the Borla exhaust alone. To our minds, that backs up the owner's observation that the combination is making good low-end torque as well as more top-end power.
9. Next, remove the mass airflow...
9. Next, remove the mass airflow meter by loosening the band clamp securing it to the stock airbox. (Note: The hose clamp and rubber bushing stay on the MAF meter.) Be careful when handling this device. Store it while working in a safe place so it won't get knocked around. Be especially careful of the honeycomb and the heated element.
One other thing we did was use a scan tool to check the intake temperatures compared with the ambient (outside) air temperature. We were surprised to find that the Airaid system actually delivered cooler air to the engine than the stock unit. With the stock unit, driving on the freeway, we measured 74 degrees ambient and 81 degrees in the intake. After installing the Airaid intake system, again driving on the freeway, we measured 79 degrees ambient and 79 degrees on the intake. In stop-and-go driving, we saw about a 2-degree increase in the intake temperature compared with the ambient. We were surprised to see this. We thought for sure the Airaid unit would not induct cooler air than the stock intake. We were pleasantly surprised.
That's all the test information we have on this combo. The next step for you, of course, is to install the gear on your truck. Fortunately, that's a straightforward operation that most sport truck enthusiasts can do with your average set of automotive tools in your garage. You will need a set of jackstands, and a floor jack is the preferred tool to lift your truck onto the jackstands. The only other item you may not have to complete the installation we're doing here is a grinder to provide some clearance between the mufflers and the tow hitch. But other than that, your average set of wrenches and average mechanical skills will do the job.
10. Remove the factory air...
10. Remove the factory air filter box by pulling straight up. There are no bolts; just friction mounts. We left the top on so we could get a better grip on it.
11. Remove the four 10mm bolts...
11. Remove the four 10mm bolts that secure the factory air filter housing platform and leave the platform in place.
12. Next, we assembled the...
12. Next, we assembled the Airaid cold-air dam by positioning the two Airaid cold-air dam panels as shown, then securing them with the hardware provided. We also installed the trim piece on the cut-out.
13. We then installed the...
13. We then installed the air dam panels to the airbox base with the provided hardware.
14. Install the black-plastic...
14. Install the black-plastic filter adapter using the three appropriately sized bolts and washers provided.
15. Slide the factory MAF...
15. Slide the factory MAF meter onto the black-plastic filter adapter. The factory clamp/rubber bushing must be in place on the inlet to the MAF meter. Next, attach the Airaid intake tube to the mass airflow meter.
16. This detail shows the...
16. This detail shows the aerodynamic design of the intake. It seems to work very well, as we noticed good power improvements throughout the rpm range, and very noticeable improvement in the throttle response of this drive-by-wire Chevy third-generation-powered pickup.
17. After installing the reusable...
17. After installing the reusable Airaid filter, we pressed on the weather stripping to the top of the air dam.
18. Here's the finished installation....
18. Here's the finished installation. We found that the system worked very well with the Borla exhaust system. The combination improved the truck's fuel economy and enhanced off-idle throttle response and power output.