5 Best Cold Air Intakes for Gmc Sierra 1500 | Best Buying Guide
Choosing the right Air Intake is quite difficult task as you’ll find plenty of options on the internet .
but how to choose the best air intake…where to find the best one ….
…these are the questions that comes in our mind while buying the air intake for your vehicle.
First of all you must be clear that why you need the Air Intake.
For those who don’t know about the part let’ me tell you that Air Intake is the performance upgrades for your vehicle.
It generally replaces your vehicle’s stock air intake with the custom designed air filter and air intake kit that draws more colder air to the engine and increases the combustion..and in this way increases the power and performance level of your vehicle.
Not only this if it can also increase torque and adds more miles per gallon.
So if you want to haul heavy loads or tow you uncle’s old truck…you just need an air intake that boost up your truck performance level and also adds more MPGs.
In our last article we’ve discussed about the best air intakes for dodge ram trucks and here we listed the best air intakes for GMC Sierra 1500 .
Before starting let’s us first know what does the Air Intake Systems do?
Cold Air Intake are basically used to improve performance – this is not the new thing as everyone knows but how ?
Cold Air intake provides improved combustion rate by drawing in more colder air. There are many flow restrictions by means of tubes , bends and turns that basically slower down the incoming air for combustion with time. More restrictions means more resistance and temperature and less air or oxygen delivered to combustion chamber causing a poor ignition of fuel rich air/fuel mixture. This leads to decrease in performance with time.
Cold air Intake system is designed to free up those restrictions and drawing in colder air or more oxygen and maximizing combustion in your engine and hence increasing performance of your truck.
Benefits of Using Cold Air Intake
#1 Power/Hp Gain : This is one of the most obvious benefits of using Cold Air intake in your vehicle. More air or oxygen means good combustion which allows good fuel rich air/fuel mixture to ignite properly hence increasing horsepower of your vehicle.
#2 Increased Throttle Response : With the time you will come to find that your vehicle will be performing bit slow and lagging in the performance during tough paths. By increasing air flow and combustion in your engine you will be adding more throttle response to your vehicle. As performance air intakes gives your vehicle more throttle response whenever you press gas pedal.
#3 Boosted Mileage or Fuel economy : By using performance cold air intake you are basically increasing your gas mileage. As better oxygen level means better combustion and rick fuel/air mixture will burn properly and you get more energy out of every drop of fuel hence increasing mileage.
You will see 1-2 Miles per gallon increase in your mileage but along with this you have to maintain your driving habits also as in if you’re driving hard using extra power and acceleration that will surely not lead to increase in mileage. So be cautious about that.
#4 Increase Engine Life: Installing a cold intake will increase your engine’s life. As good combustion and cold air means less contaminants accumulated inside engine that leads to better engine life.
#5 Easy Installation : The best part of Performance Air Intake is that they’re very easy to install with simple tools and installation instructions. If you’re totally new then mechanic help is recommended otherwise you can install by seeing videos or reading installation manual also.
After knowing all of the benefits lets look into some of the things to consider before buying cold Air Intake.
Things to Consider before Buying Cold Air Intake
#1 Filter: This is important to evaluate the quality of filter before buying the cold air intake as it is the important part. It should be reusable and washable. In this way it will last longer and saves your money also as there is no need of replacement just clean it and use it again.
#2 Size: Choose the right size according to your truck. Just look at the engine space and also look into some details regarding size while buying Cold Air Intake. You have to choose wisely which one fit easier and will not compromise with any of the above benefits.
#3 Durability: Evaluate properly the material of the cold air intake before buying. Choose that air intake which will prone to wear and tear and will last long and made from high quality material.
#4 Price: Price is obvious the main thing to consider as everyone wants to buy cheap and best but don’t compromise with quality and performance with price.And after all with best air intake you will be saving indirectly (on fuel mileage).
#5 Style of Cold air intake : The other thing to think about is the style or type of cold air intake system. There are generally three types : the short ram system , Ram Air intake and the true cold air intake system.
Short RAM Intake VS True Cold Air Intake
- Short ram system: The short ram is basically replace your factory intake with a new smooth pipe and an open element air filter .It draws air from inside the engine bay but give a short, smooth path to the engine.It is easy to install and cheaper than cold air intake.Since it takes place as your factory pipe so it allows for engine heat to have an easier path into your intake system, creating less horsepower and torque as compared to cold air intake. Its design tends to require less “plumbing” or fabrication work.
- True cold air intake: Whereas Cold Air intake or The “true” cold air intake places an emphasis on moving the air filter as far forward as possible. It draws air from outside the engine bay to give engine cooler and denser air. It produces more supplemental cold air flow than the short ram design. Due to the intake having more piping, the cold air is usually more expensive, and more difficult to install.
- Ram Air Intake: The Ram Air Intake is pretty much similar like cold air intake only the difference is – it comes with longer tubes and air filter at the back of system. This is more beneficial during high speeds as it draws larger volume of air with wind pressure which results in more engine power.It is somewhat like turbocharger but with less parts.
It’s depend upon you which air intake you want to buy, if you’re ready to spend money and want noticeable performance and horsepower increase then Cold Air intake is best.On the other side if you don’t want to spend much and want good economy increase along with better throttle response then you should go with Short ram intake.
These are some of the points you should keep in mind before buying Cold Air Intake. If you have any doubt fell free to comment below.
So if you own a sierra and need a more power than you must landed at right place.This article is your go to guide for choosing the best air intake for your GMC Sierra 1500.
Also Check :Best 3 Mods & Upgrades Combination to Boost GMC Sierra 1500 Performance
So without wasting muck time let’s start our list of best air intakes for GMC Sierra 1500.
Here we go!
Best Performance Cold Air Intakes for GMC Sierra 1500
#5 K&N 63-3085 Performance Intake Kit
The K&N 63-3085 air intake system replaces the restrictive factory air filter and air intake housing on GMC Sierra 1500 models.
K&N air intakes are designed to dramatically reduce air intake restriction as well as smooth and straighten air flow.
This allows your engine to inhale a larger amount of air than the factory air filter assembly. More air means more usable power and acceleration throughout the engine’s RPM range.
The 63-3085 air intake comes with a chrome topped K&N high-flow air filter and a heat shield that installs into the original air box space.
Air is directed through an aerodynamically engineered intake tube into the engine’s throttle body for a guaranteed power gain. The tube accommodates the factory mass air sensor and crank case vent hose.
The oversized cone shaped air filter can be used for up to 100,000 miles before servicing is needed depending on driving conditions.
This air intake is relatively easy to install, usually in 90 minutes or less using your vehicle’s existing factory mounting points.
The tools needed are a screwdriver, ratchet set and several wrenches.
This air intake cannot be sold in California. It is not legal for use in California or other states adopting California emission standards.
Check out Customer Reviews & Ratings
Key Features
- Increases horsepower
- Comes with Oversized Washable High flow air filter
- 10 Year/ million Mile limited warranty
- Easy to install in just 90 min with basic hand tools
- Free-flowing high density polyethylene tube
- Replaces entire factory intake system
- Not for sale in state of California
Check K&N Performance Air intake systems for all GMC Sierra MODELS Year-wise
#4 aFe Power 51-12332-GR Magnum FORCE Performance Air Intake System
Outflow your Vehicle stock intake with the aFe Power Magnum Force Performance Intake System.
Depending on the performance needs of your engine, aFe replaces restrictive stock parts with custom- tuned components. Most kits include an aFe performance filter of your choice and all come with a powder-coated steel heat shield to keep the air flow cool.
Actually it works in two stages-First it replaces factory air box and air filter and then it replaces factory air box, air box and intake tube.
And some kits actually replace the entire stock intake system. You’ll get maximum flow rate and most efficient air intake possible and monster gains up to 50 HP.
What more your need!
Basically, This intake system utilizes a pre-oiled, 8 inches tall inverted top conical 360 degree radial flow performance air filter with 3-layers of progressive finer porosity synthetic media providing maximum airflow and performance.
One-Piece 3-1/2 inches Mandrel-Bent Wrinkle-Black Powder-Coated aluminum intake tube directs unrestricted airflow from the filter to the throttle body for more horsepower and torque.
Every aFe Cold Air Intake includes the filter and everything you need to optimize performance .The installation is quite simple.You can install in just 30 min with ordinary tools.
The aFe air intake system Is backed by lifetime warranty.
This product is not currently CARB exempt and is not available for sale in California or for use on any vehicle registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicle.
Check out Customer Reviews & Ratings
Key Features
- Outflows the factory intake by up to 55 percent . Produces an additional 18 horsepower and 23 lbs. x ft. torque
- 3-Layer non-oiled, washable synthetic media for the perfect balance of performance, protection and convenience
- Features a powder-coated one piece heat shield and 3-angle adaptor
- 3-1/2 inches Mandrel-bent wrinkle-black powder-coated aluminum intake tube
- Replaces air box, air filter and air intake tube
- Install in just 30 min
- Backed by lifetime warranty
Check aFe Performance Intake system for All GMC Sierra Models Year-Wise
#3 Spectre Performance 9006 Air Intake Kit
Make your Intake system running more cool and increase your vehicle’ performance with the Spectra Performance Air Intake System.
Before talking about the part let’s see the manufacturer info first – Started in Onterio, CA back in 1983, Spectre boasts a state-of-the-art facility. Equipped with a chassis dyno to optimize performance and emissions testing, Spectre also features a top-of-the-line Super-Flow flow bench with airflow, pressure and velocity measuring capabilities in both intake and exhaust modes.
Spectre air intake systems are designed to get more horsepower and torque from your vehicle while working to protect your engine from harmful debris. Under normal drive it also helps to increase the few MPG.
This air intake comes with a red Spectre reusable low restriction air filter, polished aluminum tubing and a black powder coated heat shield to help prevent engine air from entering the intake inlet.
Spectre air intakes come with the necessary boots, clamps and hardware for an OE fit and finish.
You can get lifetime warranty with your Spectra Performance Air Intake System.
Check out Customer Reviews & Ratings
Key Features
- Increase horsepower, torque and improve your fuel economy with Spectre Cold Air Intakes
- Custom-designed to fit your car, truck or SUV
- Polished aluminium air intake tube
- Includes a red spectra air filter
- Mandrel-bent chrome tubing boosts airflow and looks good
- Includes Powder coated steel heat shield, all necessary brackets, couplers, clamps and adapters
- Easy installation
- Backed by a Lifetime Warranty
Check Spectre Performance Air Intake kit for All GMC Sierra Models Year Wise
#2 Airaid 201-285 AIRAID Cold Air Dam Intake System
Whether you want to haul heavy load or used it for towing you’ll get all these with the Airaid Cold Air Dam Intake System.
Before Talking about the features let’s know about the manufacturer.
Airaid Intake Systems are specifically designed to take full advantage of today’s vehicle technology. They are recognized throughout the world as the standard in high-performance intake system upgrades with a price that makes it even more sensible for the Motorsports enthusiasts.
By feeding your engine more air with Airaid Cold air dam intake system you can feel the gain in torque , horsepower and fuel economy of your vehicle.
The intake system retains the original location of the air filter but delivers a big boost with the addition of a huge open-element air inlet protected by Cold Air Dam panels that help to provide a steady, free-flowing supply of cooler outside air into your engine.
The panels mount in the factory air box location and utilize any factory cold air inlet ducts that are present, while adding additional cold air passages to the filter.
The panels also keep the filter isolated from the hot engine compartment air by sealing to the underside of the hood via blade-style weather stripping.This air box system connects to the factory air intake tube.
Thanks to the reusable and washable dry black air filter that is less restrictive than traditional paper and assures superior filtration.
You can install Air Box system easily with simple hand tools in just 30 minutes.
Your Airaid Air Intake system is backed by lifetime warranty.
Check out Customer Reviews & Ratings
Key Features
- Boosts airflow results in increased torque, horsepower and fuel economy
- Custom designed and engineered to fit in your specific model and make
- Cold Air Dam panels block out hot engine bay air
- Replaces stock air box and air filter
- Comes with Washable , reusable Airaid filter for superior filtration
- Installed in just 30 min with simple hand tools
- Backed by Lifetime No hassle Warranty
Check Airraid Air intake System for all GMC Sierra MODELS Year-wise
#1 K&N Performance Air Intake Kit 77-3082KP
Wait for the First position is over- K&N Performance Cold Air Intake Kit stands at #1 Position in our list of Top 5 best Air Intake kits.
Whether to Haul ,tow or climb the stope the K&N Performance Cold Air Intake Kit is your best bet to boost up your performance level of your truck.
Before moving forward let’s take a look on manufacturer- K&N Engineering, of Riverside, California, is the inventor and leading innovator of reusable cotton gauze filter technology for automotive applications.
K&N exists as both the sales and brand leader for performance filters, and maintains a stocking catalogue of over 3,500 part numbers, including an extensive line of both factory replacement drop-in filters, FIPK (Fuel Injection Performance Kit) applications, and its line of innovative Performance Gold oil filters.
Built for performance and show utilizing the highest quality components, the K&N 77 Series High-Flow Performance Air Intake is a free-flowing mandrel-bent aluminum tube induction system designed for Trucks and Sport Utility Vehicles.
K&N intake systems replace your vehicle’s restrictive factory air filter and air intake housing.
K&N intakes are designed to dramatically reduce intake restriction as they smooth and straighten air flow.
This allows your vehicle’s engine to inhale a larger amount of air than the OEM air filter assembly. More air means more usable power and acceleration throughout the engine’s RPM range.
The filters on these kits are washable and reusable.
Most of the intake kits are relatively easy to install using tools commonly available (see installation instructions).
77-Series air intakes come with K&N’s Million Mile Limited Warranty.
Check out Customer Reviews & Ratings
Key Features
- Outburst the flow rate
- Estimated horsepower gain of 10.18 HP at 4996 RPM
- Designed to improve throttle response and engine sound
- Feature an aluminum intake tube in Polished or Gunmetal Gray
- Easy to install, usually in 90 minutes or less
- Replaces entire factory air intake system
- Provided with washable and reusable filters
- Lasts up to 100,000 miles before service is required (depending on driving conditions)
Check K&N Performance Air intake systems for all GMC Sierra MODELS Year-wise
What are the Indicators of Bad or faulty cold Air Intake?
These are the three symptoms or indicators that will alert you that your Cold Air intake in not functioning properly.
Bad or Faulty Air intake
1.Reduction in Engine Performance
This is one of the most common indicator that will alert you that something is not good with cold Air Intake. Mostly over the time, the air filter gets clogged or become dirty that will result in reduction in power, accelerations and mileage. You will also experience problems while starting the vehicle that something is stuck and starting will become not smooth as before.
2. Excessively High Idle
The another indicator or alert you may get with the faulty Cold Air intake is an excessively high idle. Faulty cold air intake is not only the factor for high idle but this is one of the potential indicator. High Idle in this case is a symptom of vacuum leak. Most of the cold air intake systems come with vacuum ports to accommodate the original manufacturers vacuum routing. If the hoses on these ports or the ports will break that will lead to a vacuum leak and will cause excessively high idle.
3. Check Engine Lights
If the sensors installed in the cold air intake detects any issues, then it will set the Engine light on that will be the sign of something bad with the cold air intake whether it was vacuum leak or any faulty sensors. You can check the Engine light with Engine light reader also. Those sensors installed in the intake are specially designed to detect any problem and let your alert about the same.
Important things to consider for long life of Cold Air Intake – Expert Tips
Here are some expert tips and important things to consider for longer life of Cold Air intake. Here we mentioned only the names to Read full tips >> Click Here
- Timely Maintenance : Always do regular checks and inspection and keep your air filters clean for longer life.
- Check for any Water Intake (or Ingestion) : Check for Any water ingestion in you Air intake system . Entering of water in intake system will lead to engine failure
- Which one to Choose Dry or Oil Filter – Choose between the two according to your driving conditions.
- Keep the Air Box Cooler and Increase its efficiency Using Heat Shield – use thermal barrier for better efficiency of intake system
- CARB Approval – Your intake system must be CARB Approved.
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Cold Air Intake Buying Guide – FAQs
Q.What is cold Air Intake?
Ans. A Cold air intake kit is replacement or aftermarket part that is designed to provide the engine with greater capacity of cooler air. Cold Air intake provides improved combustion rate by drawing in colder air. There are many flow restrictions by means of tubes, bends and turns that basically slower down the incoming air for combustion with time. More restrictions mean more resistance and temperature and less air or oxygen delivered to combustion chamber causing a poor ignition of fuel rich air/fuel mixture. This leads to decrease in performance with time.
Cold air Intake system is designed to free up those restrictions and drawing in colder air or more oxygen and maximizing combustion in your engine and hence increasing performance of your truck.
Q. Why Cold Air Intake is important for the engine?
Ans. Cold Air intake draws in cold and denser air to the engine which has high concentration of oxygen. This means better combustion and less fuel is needed to create the spark and run the engine which leads to better horsepower, torque and fuel economy. Moreover, it increases the efficiency of the engine also.
Q. Does cold Air intake make any difference in performance?
Ans. Yes, Cold Air Intake do make a difference in performance. Some manufacture claims as much as 20-30 HP increase. But you will easily get 15-20 increase in horsepower and noticeable economy increase. And, if you’re using other modifications also like better performance exhaust, Tuners or suspension then you will create a much more efficient system.
Q. How often should I replace my cold air intake filter?
Ans. It depends upon the type of air filter you’re using. If you’re using Oiled filter that is re-usable and will last longer than the dry filter. So, it depends upon your cold air intake system.
Q. How many types of Cold Air intakes are there And Which is better cold air intake or Short Ram?
Ans.There are generally three types : the short ram system , Ram Air intake and the true cold air intake system.
Short ram system: The short ram is basically replace your factory intake with a new smooth pipe and an open element air filter .It is easy to install and cheaper than cold air intake.Since it takes place as your factory pipe so it allows for engine heat to have an easier path into your intake system, creating less horsepower and torque as compared to cold air intake. Its design tends to require less “plumbing” or fabrication work.
True cold air intake: Whereas Cold Air intake or The “true” cold air intake places an emphasis on moving the air filter as far forward as possible. It draws air from outside the engine bay to give engine cooler and denser air. It produces more supplemental cold air flow than the short ram design. Due to the intake having more piping, the cold air is usually more expensive, and more difficult to install.
Ram Air Intake: The Ram Air Intake is pretty much similar like cold air intake only the difference is – it comes with longer tubes and air filter at the back of system. This is more beneficial during high speeds as it draws larger volume of air with wind pressure which results in more engine power. It is somewhat like turbocharger but with less parts.
It’s depend upon you which air intake you want to buy, as from the name Short Ram intake provides short path which results in better throttle response. Moreover, it draws air from inside the engine bay which is much warmer and better for complete combustion of fuel which means short ram intakes gives better gas mileage also than cold air intake.
Whereas on the other hand Cold Air intake draws in cold and denser air that means more oxygen available for combustion which leads to more power. On the other hand, sometimes Short Ram intake gets issue like its intake pipe gets heated up due to engine heat- for that you need heat shield installed in the Short Ram Intake.
Q. Does a cold air intake damage your engine?
Ans. There is a bigger concern with air intake to your vehicle – that is hydrolocking or hydrolock. It is the condition in which engine takes in water instead of air, causing engine damage. As water gets trapped in the cylinder of the engine and it doesn’t compress also which can ruin the pistons and cause connecting rods to bend and damage the engine. But this is very rare case nowadays.
This have happened in past but now it’s very rare thing to happen as now the cold air intake comes with air bypass valve installed in the middle of the cold air intake. The high pressure of bypass valve would not allow water to engine your engine. The other option is you can choose short ram intake, so there is no option for hydro-lock.
We recommend if you’re living in area where the raining is very common than you should choose short ram intake.
Q. How Much a good cold air intake cost?
Ans. Changing from your vehicle’s intake system to Cold Air Intake system will cost around $150 to $550, depending upon the system. The cost is worth it actually , as you will save on fuel and your engine will get more power and better working.
Q. Why my cold intake pipe becomes very hot or what is heat Soak?
Ans. If your intake pipe is becoming hot very frequently then this is condition of heat soak in which the intake pipe itself heats up and it also increase the temperature of air going into your engine, decreasing engine performance. This is the issue usually with low grade air intakes. A good intake system is made from material such as aluminium that doesn’t allow the piping to get hot enough to effect performance.
Q. Does you need any tune with a cold air Intake?
Ans. Cold Air intake itself is best option to get more power and better mileage. Whereas if you want more advanced modifications then you should go with Tuners or Programmers, performance Exhausts, Suspensions and in trucks tonneau covers for better overall efficiency.
Q. Why some air intakes are cheaper than the others? If this really makes any difference?
Ans. First of all it totally depends upon your budget and system, which one you have to choose. But choosing cheaper one does not gives you that performance like the normal air intake. The cheaper air intakes usually come with simple design with a pipe and cheap filter and there is no testing for proper air/fuel mixing resulting in poor performance whereas the best Air intake comes with proper design and testing that mix air and fuel in proper ratio for better combustion and efficiency.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed the article 5 Best Cold Air Intakes for 2014-17 GMC Sierra 1500 – Performance Upgrades to its entire bits.
We do hope that this article helped you in making a definitive choice when it comes to choosing an Best Air Intakes for your GMC Sierra 1500 that boosted the flow rate and increases the performance level.
If it really helped you,We’ll be glad if you could share this article on social media services like Google+,Twitter,linkedin,Stumple Upon and Facebook using the Sharing buttons on the Top and End of this articles.
If you have any query Feel free to add you thoughts in the comment section below.
Vicky Dwaj, Founder and CEO of TrucksEnthusiasts , is an automobile engineer passionate about pickup trucks and accessories. Follow his journey to discover the latest trends in off-road accessories, cars, and truck parts.
