K and N filter or cold air kit

[nomadicdogg]

I picked up a K and N filter for my 2SS. But now Im thinking I should go with a cold air kit. Anyone done this? How much power we talking? gas mileage change? Any thoughts would be great

[MTI Racing Kevin]

nomadicdogg
I would recommend the cold air intake over just replacing the filter with the K&N. The whole idea of the cold air intake is to get a cooler charge of air while also increasing the amount of air going into the engine. More air, cooler air = more power. Most cold air intakes will increase the HP by about 8 to 15. The other advantage of the cold air intake is when you do your supercharger, camshaft, headers, cnc ported heads, or all the above you are already ahead of the game. Cold air intakes and header systems are typically the first mods done and will compliment any other mods you decide to do.

[AFblueSS]

While I'm saving the money for my Vararam intake kit and other mods, I bought the K&N panel replacement filter. Definitely NOTICEABLE throttle response difference! Worth the $54.00 for sure. I'll give it away to another 5th gen owner when I'm done with it, to pay it forward!

[nomadicdogg]

I picked up the filter on ebay for about $25.. couldnt beat the price. But I am debating on the cold air kit also. I dont plan on cams or headers or any supercharging. Im satisfied with what I have, just looking for a bit more without major changes.
the gears I am going to add in will make up the rest of the difference.
I know when I put an exhuast and kandn filter on my suburban I picked up atleast 20HP
could def feel it

[axis]

Originally Posted by nomadicdogg

I picked up the filter on ebay for about $25.. couldnt beat the price. But I am debating on the cold air kit also. I dont plan on cams or headers or any supercharging. Im satisfied with what I have, just looking for a bit more without major changes.
the gears I am going to add in will make up the rest of the difference.
I know when I put an exhuast and kandn filter on my suburban I picked up atleast 20HP
could def feel it

There's a HUGE difference between a Suburban and a Camaro, especially the 5th Gen. GM set them up pretty well from the factory. A aftermarket filter alone will net you nothing in terms of performance and it's iffy as to whether they filter any better than the OEM filter. Exhaust mods from the cats back are just for sound. There's very little if any HP increases from changing a catback. If you're looking for HP, you'll need to go to a CAI. Make sure you research which ones work best as there IS a difference between them. While it may not be massive, it doesn't make sense to pay the same or near the same for a CAI that doesn't perform well. Make sure you look for PROOF, as some manufacturers will spout out numbers that have never been reproduced in the real world. On the exhaust side, HF cats, no cats, and LT's are what make power. Shorties are debateable as to whether they make power or not.

[buelldude]

I'm going to put in my 2cents.
I like many others on here will put things on for looks and performance. I went back in time to pull up some stuff out of and old Hot Rod mag (mid 80's), it had the same hp/gains that as it does now- 8-15 for most cars/trucks. So I called someone at a company (names left out for a reason) and they said that both articles were true to the statements that were made. They then said that you get the same gains today. They wouldn't say one way or another that the new CAI systems made a difference. I then talked to a person that has a dyno here in town and they backed it up with they both work great. So its your call if you want to spend the extra money for nice to have items under the hood. I would say if your doing any testing on a dyno, try the drop in filter first.

[FEN]

The drop in filter has almost no HP gain....same thing for cat back exhausts.If you want HP you need a good CAI,ADM scoop,LT's and HF cats.....and a tune.

[nomadicdogg]

Honestly I have no desire to change the exhaust header back. if I do anything to the exhaust it would be cat back and only for the sound. However Im mostly satisfied with the sound to be honest.
As for the cold air intake, I know its a much better set up vs just the filter, but not sure i can justify $300-$400 for 10 HP at most. I wanted to see if anyone has a noticable difference in milage or power with just the drop in filter.

[nomadicdogg]

Originally Posted by buelldude

I'm going to put in my 2cents.
I like many others on here will put things on for looks and performance. I went back in time to pull up some stuff out of and old Hot Rod mag (mid 80's), it had the same hp/gains that as it does now- 8-15 for most cars/trucks. So I called someone at a company (names left out for a reason) and they said that both articles were true to the statements that were made. They then said that you get the same gains today. They wouldn't say one way or another that the new CAI systems made a difference. I then talked to a person that has a dyno here in town and they backed it up with they both work great. So its your call if you want to spend the extra money for nice to have items under the hood. I would say if your doing any testing on a dyno, try the drop in filter first.

Thanks for the input. I wish I had access to a dyno. that would make it much easier.

[nomadicdogg]

Originally Posted by axis

There's a HUGE difference between a Suburban and a Camaro, especially the 5th Gen. GM set them up pretty well from the factory. A aftermarket filter alone will net you nothing in terms of performance and it's iffy as to whether they filter any better than the OEM filter. Exhaust mods from the cats back are just for sound. There's very little if any HP increases from changing a catback. If you're looking for HP, you'll need to go to a CAI. Make sure you research which ones work best as there IS a difference between them. While it may not be massive, it doesn't make sense to pay the same or near the same for a CAI that doesn't perform well. Make sure you look for PROOF, as some manufacturers will spout out numbers that have never been reproduced in the real world. On the exhaust side, HF cats, no cats, and LT's are what make power. Shorties are debateable as to whether they make power or not.

I under no circumstances was comparing a 2007 suburban with a 5.3 to a 2010 camaro. Only stated that the cat back and drop in filter on my truck made a HUGE difference in Mileage, Horsepower and fun factor.
As for the camaro. Im fine with the exhaust sound for the most part. I wouldnt go with headers. factory 426 is pretty fine with me. If I do change the exhaust it would only be to make it a bit louder. I Have no illusions that a drop in filter would be minimal at best. However is it worth $300-$400 to put a cold air intake in for 10-15 HP at best? That to me is debatable

[FEN]

Originally Posted by nomadicdogg

As for the cold air intake, I know its a much better set up vs just the filter, but not sure i can justify $300-$400 for 10 HP at most. I wanted to see if anyone has a noticable difference in milage or power with just the drop in filter.

You can get aprox 18HP at the wheels with the Cold Air Ind. CAI and ADM race Scoop. You will also need a washer reservoir relocation kit .....total cost around $550

[ssmike]

Ted Jannetty tested a K&N filter drop in and netted 0 gain, same as stock! Definatly recommend a cai kit to replace the stock system!

[LadyT_SS]

Keep in mind that a CAI will help you save on gas!

[midnighter]

I have the K&N drop in filter and feel a slight difference in throttle response and maybe a bit louder. I am satisfied with what the stock SS has to offer powerwise.