Wanted to start a quick discussion on air intakes since the situation for our truck seems pretty unique, IMO.
What I mean by that is that in every other vehicle that has aftermarket support, you've got your low end (weapon R, generic autozone, etc.) and then you have your mid and upper range stuff (K&N, Volant, Airaid, etc.)
For our trucks, we have multiple choices in intakes but since they all seem to be about the same price point, I wanted to get a discussion going to see which ones are worth the while or not.
I currently see 3 types of intakes out there:
1.) Open filter (legmaker, K&N*, AEM*, Airaid) (*open filter but heat shielded)
2.) Snorkel type (S&B, Volant)
3.) Topside sealed box (Vararam)
All of these options run in that 300-400 dollar range, with the exception of the legmaker. What I have seen in regards to reviews on the legmaker make me never want to even consider it.
Personally, I will never use an oiled filter. Too much margin of error and I really don't feel as if the oiled filter does anything that a GOOD dry filter can't do.
A friend had the Vararam and sold it because he didn't notice any change, and while I like the concept and love the look it gives the truck (especially with the hemi orange cover) I have to wonder how much of a volume of cold air it can actually get given where it's drawing from.
Conventional knowledge and everything I've learned to this point about automotive performance (across the 12 other cars I've had) seems to indicate that the S&B or Volant design is the most effective. It's filter is heat shielded, sealed at the top from dripping water, and specific efforts are made to draw air from the coolest points possible, furthest away from engine heat. If you weren't going to spring the extra $100 for the cold air snorkel on the S&B (a bit excessive when you're already paying $300 for an intake, IMO), then it looks like the Volant would be the better option because it's openings are a bit bigger.
So who's got what, and what gains have you noticed since adding it? Obviously it won't be earth shattering without exhaust and tune to match, but compared to the stock intake I imagine we should be feeling something.
What I mean by that is that in every other vehicle that has aftermarket support, you've got your low end (weapon R, generic autozone, etc.) and then you have your mid and upper range stuff (K&N, Volant, Airaid, etc.)
For our trucks, we have multiple choices in intakes but since they all seem to be about the same price point, I wanted to get a discussion going to see which ones are worth the while or not.
I currently see 3 types of intakes out there:
1.) Open filter (legmaker, K&N*, AEM*, Airaid) (*open filter but heat shielded)
2.) Snorkel type (S&B, Volant)
3.) Topside sealed box (Vararam)
All of these options run in that 300-400 dollar range, with the exception of the legmaker. What I have seen in regards to reviews on the legmaker make me never want to even consider it.
Personally, I will never use an oiled filter. Too much margin of error and I really don't feel as if the oiled filter does anything that a GOOD dry filter can't do.
A friend had the Vararam and sold it because he didn't notice any change, and while I like the concept and love the look it gives the truck (especially with the hemi orange cover) I have to wonder how much of a volume of cold air it can actually get given where it's drawing from.
Conventional knowledge and everything I've learned to this point about automotive performance (across the 12 other cars I've had) seems to indicate that the S&B or Volant design is the most effective. It's filter is heat shielded, sealed at the top from dripping water, and specific efforts are made to draw air from the coolest points possible, furthest away from engine heat. If you weren't going to spring the extra $100 for the cold air snorkel on the S&B (a bit excessive when you're already paying $300 for an intake, IMO), then it looks like the Volant would be the better option because it's openings are a bit bigger.
So who's got what, and what gains have you noticed since adding it? Obviously it won't be earth shattering without exhaust and tune to match, but compared to the stock intake I imagine we should be feeling something.
