I have had them all. It is definitely better than stock, especially with the k&n element. You would be just fine with a 14x3 up there in NY. There really isn't any power difference between a CAI and 14x3, just personal preference on looks and sound pretty much. And if you do go the 14x3, I hope you like the noise because it is loud, which was cool to me, but not on long trips at interstate speeds.
Down here in FL the intake temps got way to hot, about 171 degrees! Now with my S&B CAI my intake temps are around 123 degrees. Many say intake temps don't make a lick of difference on the 2nd gen's with the way our systems work since we use MAP sensors instead of MAF sensors. However, when I had my 14x3 I developed a spark knock due to the hotter air. With my cold air intake I get about the same performance and no spark knock.
Here are some pics
By the way, you may perceive a slight low end loss on power with the 14x3 (There really isn't, it just sounds like your motor is working harder at lower RPM due to the increased noise)
Hope this helps.