Alternative's to K&N filter?

I have an 05' GT v6. I have been looking to upgrade the air intake, but would like to get away from spending $350+ on the K&N if at all possible. I was thinking of trying to make my own with some parts from autozone. Anyone know of any alternatives?

I saw this on Ebay, http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/99-05-MONTE-CARLO-GRAND-PRIX-3-1L-3-4L-V6-AIR-INTAKE_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a1205Q7c39Q 3a1Q7c66Q3a2Q7c65Q3a12Q7c240Q3a1318QQ_trksidZp3286 Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem110290527730QQitemZ110290527 730

The problem I've found with short ram intakes (and I know from experience) is the intake air is too hot. You gain CFM from the filter but you lose power from the increased intake air temperatures. On a 30*C day, sitting at a light, I could see temperatures anywhere from 125*F to 185+*F depending on how long I idle. I built a cold air box (which takes air from the fenderwell, it's fully insulated) and I now see cruising temps only about 10 to 15* above ambient temps (maybe better at times) and I have never seen the air intake temps go much above 100*F even at lights, not even 110.

Food for thought.

:werd:

I agree. Cheapy short ram air intakes are a waste of money. The one shown at the EBay link is for a 3100/3400 V6 engine although the pic shows a Series III 3800. There is no thermal/heat insulating shield and the other problem with that setup shown is water intrusion due to a lack of enclosure. It is placed right behind the driver's side headlight where there is an opening to take advantage of airflow and the high pressure area. That setup is fine with the stock airbox. However, when the intake system due to a poor design or improper installation sucks in water the engine may hydrolock.

There are plenty of effective aftermarket CAI/FWI air intakes other than the cheapies on EBay and the K&N brand for the '04 and up GP.

See links below:

Thrasher CAI (http://www.3800performance.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=TEP-CAI-2004&Category_Code=AI&Product_Count=3)

MSP CAI (http://www.3800performance.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=MSP-CAI-2004&Category_Code=AI&Product_Count=5)

Wizaired CAI (http://www.zzperformance.com/grand_prix/products1.php?id=247&catid=113)


Here is a custom true fender well intake (FWI). The cone filter sits underneath the driver's side fender.

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/lizzywiz/DSC08896.jpg

I might snap some pics of my cold air intake setup when I remove it to install my replacement PCM...just to give ideas...it's a LITTLE cheezy and not as pretty as a store bought CAI but it's fully functional.

it's a LITTLE cheezy and not as pretty as a store bought CAI but it's fully functional.

Cheezy? :lol:

Regardless, I'd like to see it.

Cheezy? :lol:

Regardless, I'd like to see it.

Well, the outside is wrapped in heat insulating tape (that aluminum stuff) as is the coupler...I figured anything to resist heat is good.

Today I was getting 4*F above ambient temps cruising at 60km/h...

I'll have pics up this weekend, I likely won't get the PCM in til Friday if it takes the same time to get here as it did last time.

what brand PCM did you go with?

I went with Intense...