air mods

Hey all. I have an 02, 5.3,ext, Silverado. Every thing is factory so far.
I have read a bit about cutting of the air intake muffler between the filter and the intake. Then installing a plastic paint can cap. This sounds pretty straight forward. Also there have been strings mentioning modifing the original factory intake box to introduce more air flow. What effect por/con should i expect in regards to my air flow sensor. I assume that the air flow sensor will have an effect on several aspects of engine tuning. Is "Hacking" up this box going to be a bad idea? Will it have a negative effect on my engine performance? I think i should also probably add some sort of a spacer under my throttle body.

also, with out a chip, isnt the ECM going to regulate that air/fuel mixture back down anyways, there are something like 4 sensors the tell the ECM what the ratio is, i thought it would keep at optimum already

Forget all that cutting and get yourself a new air intake system. There's lots out there to choose from so do little research and get what you need. One of the more popular is a K&N FIPK which is what I put in my truck. It, along with many others will add noticable power and work with the stock MAF sensor so you shouldn't have any issues with your engines computer getting bad inputs or emissions inspections. Plus, if you ever wanted to put the stock system back in, it won't be all cut up.

Forget all that cutting and get yourself a new air intake system. There's lots out there to choose from so do little research and get what you need. One of the more popular is a K&N FIPK which is what I put in my truck. It, along with many others will add noticable power and work with the stock MAF sensor so you shouldn't have any issues with your engines computer getting bad inputs or emissions inspections. Plus, if you ever wanted to put the stock system back in, it won't be all cut up.


I agree. it will save u so much time and your engine's computer won't be confused or getting weird signals. It's best to just get an aftermarket intake. Like vnotaro said, K&N is a good one to go with, it will give you better pick up and possibly increase gas mileage. Don't cut and make your own, just buy one.

Good point, i guess i should go that route, a very competant mechanic freind of mine is convinced that it will not help, but i think i will give her a whirl anyways. Anyone have any thoughts on performance chips or controllers?

OH it will help. I bought the whole K&N system, and it gave me a good increase...plus an exhaust system and man..your rollin'!! MAC also makes a good cold air intake, and to me, the best part is the filters usually are guaranteed for at least a million miles..not like a WIX or Fram which you replace every other oil change..

I was about to say the same thing! Plus your mechanic should know that these products are tried and true and produce real increases in power and mpg that can't be disputed!

On another note, jeverett how do you like the NELSON TUNE?

People think a Mod like that will get you more power because to most peoplw Noise=Power the most you could hope for with a mod like that is a little more Response.

I got the Volant Cold Air Intake on my 97... not much more power but its sounds better (from the inside anyways... damn stock muffler) and a little bit more milage

A couple of facts: If you end up replacing your intake with a cold air kit you will most likely end up with a louder engine under the hood. Those mufflers or sound boxes are there for exactly that. To quiet the noise created when you put the pedal to the metal. Those boxes are of a certain size, shape, length and are designed to cancel out unwanted harmonics created by each intake valve opeing and closing. The less noise there is, the more undisturbed is the air flow that is being sucked into the engine. The idea is to strike a balance between power, noise, and fuel economy. The reason why intake kits give you more power is most of the time the power curve of the engine is modified in a narrow area. The rest of the power band remains steady or might even drop. I suggest if you really want cut and dried answers to your question, read The Scientific Design of Intake and Exhaust Systems by Phillip H. Smith.
This book has more than enough information to help you make a more informed decision. Best of all it's probably down at your local library for free. -Chris

Let me say this.

I've had K&N FIPK's on my last 2 vehicles. Definite improvement in throttle response and power, and it does sound better.

On this truck I took a good look and decided to hack it up. With the baffles/resonating chambers removed, the air intake tube is good and smooth and highly resembles the K&N's I've had. Only real difference is that I'm still using a paper filter as opposed to a mesh one. I have the botttom of my airbox pretty much completely open and am going to pick up the K&N drop in as the final touch sometime soon, just have to make it to Pep Boys.

With the 'hack' mods to the intake track (remove resonating chambers, cut open airbox, and MAF screen) there was a definite improvement in throttle response, and gas mileage. Can't tell about total power because this 5.3 is already impressive enough. Even with a few short trips towing my boat to the ramp (about 3750 pounds total) I still managed 17.5MPG last tank. Without the boat in the equation I got 20.2 MPG on the tank before that. Before the mods my typical mileage was 18.5 wihtout the boat, dropping to arond 15-16 if I started pulling the boat around.

As far as the intake noise robbing you of power, that's not true. The noise is there no matter what. What's robbing you of power is attempt to muffle that noise, the baffling chambers that cause both the air and the sound energy to have a much less direct route.

I was about to say the same thing! Plus your mechanic should know that these products are tried and true and produce real increases in power and mpg that can't be disputed!

On another note, jeverett how do you like the NELSON TUNE?

I haven't recieved it yet, I'm waiting on my new engine to be installed, but I can't hardley wait for it! I've heard so many good things about it, I feel like there's no way to go wrong with one.. as soon as I get it, and get it broken in, I'll surely let you know.

could i drill a hole in the stock air box and run air tubes down from the bottom om my grill to the bottom of my box and will it hurt or help anything or is it stupid and not worth it. i gotta 94 chevy 350