K&N vs. Airaid

[surveyor-97]

I'm looking at investing in an intake kit, but it seems that the two most popular ones are the FIPK GENII (about $272) and the Airaid kit (about $156). Can anyone explain such a difference in price? I notice the K&N claims to gain almost twice the HP for my model year, and it also looks like it goes clear from the filter all the way to the TB, whereas the Airaid looks like it only goes from the filter to the MAF. Any Suggestions?
Also, can you get a TB spacer that will fit under the K&N? I have seen them for the Airaid.

[BadBoy1404]

I upped the price and got a K&N due to the great brand name. I rode in a friends truck who had airaid and he was happy with his product. Im just telling you that i am 100% satisfied with K&N's products and they deliver what they advertise. I would wait until you hear more people who have had Airaids who respond. Also IMO, and so ive heard, TB spacers dont do jack because they twirl the air but by the time it reaches your runners its straightend out. It almost slows airflow down, which is the reason K&N prefers the straightest direct shot into your TB. just my 2 cents

[Slowprocess]

The only difference in the two for your model truck is the heat shield on the K&N. On the new model trucks, the airaid comes with a heat shield and an upgrade known as the modular intake tube, but for some reason, they don't for the 97s. I love my Airaid intake kit. I was given a tb spacer for my truck, and the K&N wouldn't work with it, so that justified me buying the airaid. Both of these products are quality brands, so its really a matter of if you want to spend the extra money on the heat shield and long tube or not. That's most likely the reason they claim more horsepower, because they have the shield that helps block out any motor heat trying to get to the filter. The cooler the air the better. So, I would say, for your model, it would be worth the extra money to get the K&N.
As far as the throttle body spacer goes, I did notice an increase in acceleration. But, like I said, this was "given" to me by a friend that purchased a K&N intake. We machined a hole in the top of one for a friend to put a nitrous kit on. It was a nice functional system, and it looked damn good. I have been wanting to do one for my truck, but gotta wait until May(and those payments are over). Then I'll see what she's made of.