Top 4 Best Cold Air Intakes for 6.6L HD Silverado / Sierra
It’s time to elevate the performance of your Silverado or Sierra HD truck by introducing one of the most critical upgrades: a Cold Air Intake (CAI).
As a proud Silverado owner, you likely already understand the importance of a cold air intake. This upgrade not only boosts your engine’s performance but also enhances your truck’s appearance, provides a deeper exhaust note, and delivers a significant increase in towing power.
If your truck hasn’t yet been equipped with this essential performance upgrade, it’s definitely time to consider it.
And if you’ve already decided to invest in a cold air intake but are unsure which one to choose, you’re in the right place. This guide will help you identify the best option for your truck and highlight the key factors to consider before making your purchase.
Before we dive in, let’s first understand what an Air Intake System does.
Cold Air Intakes are widely known for enhancing performance, but how exactly do they achieve this?
The primary function of a Cold Air Intake is to improve the combustion process by drawing in cooler air. Over time, airflow can be restricted by various factors like tubes, bends, and turns, which slow down the intake of air. More restrictions lead to increased resistance and temperature, resulting in less oxygen being delivered to the combustion chamber. This reduction in oxygen causes incomplete combustion of the air/fuel mixture, ultimately decreasing performance.
A Cold Air Intake system is specifically designed to reduce these restrictions, allowing cooler, oxygen-rich air to flow freely into the engine. This maximizes combustion efficiency, leading to increased performance in your truck.
Choosing the right air intake can be challenging. With so many options available online, finding the best one that not only enhances power but also fits within your budget can be overwhelming.
These questions often arise when selecting an Air Intake:
- Which air intake offers the best performance boost?
- Which one provides the best value for money?
To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of the top 4 Best Cold air intakes for 6.6L HD Chevy Silverado / GMC Sieraa 2500 HD. These options are designed to boost power and torque while improving fuel efficiency—all without breaking the bank.
To compare Cold Air Intakes (CAIs), we evaluate each system based on horsepower gain, vehicle compatibility, airflow improvement, mileage enhancement, durability, and price.
We assess how much additional horsepower each intake provides, ensure it fits your vehicle, measure its impact on engine airflow, check for improvements in fuel efficiency, and review its build quality and cost. This comprehensive analysis helps us determine the Best Cold air intakes for 6.6L HD by balancing performance, fit, and value.
So without wasting much time let’s start out list.
Here we go!
Best Cold air intakes for 6.6L HD Silverado/Sierra
Looking to improve the performance of your vehicle? A cold air intake might just be what you need! Our complete buying guide covers everything you need to know about cold air intakes, from the benefits they provide to the factors you should consider before purchasing one.
Learn how a cold air intake can increase your engine’s power, throttle response, and even its lifespan. Discover the importance of choosing the right size, filter, and material, and how to spot indicators of a faulty cold air intake. Make an informed decision and upgrade your vehicle’s performance with a cold air intake.
#4 S&B Filters Cold Air Intake For 2017+ Silverado/Sierra Duramax 6.6L (+7 Mileage and 5-7 Hp gain)
Enhance your Engine’ performance with the S&B Filters Intake system as it feed more air to the engine and unleash its trapped potential.
If we talk about the manufacturer – S&B Filters has been making high performance air filters and breathers for vehicles and other custom applications. From its humble beginnings in a garage in Ontario, California, S&B has continually strive to design and manufacture the highest quality and most durable re-chargeable air filter in the industry.
Apart from drawing in cool air in your engine, the S&B filters air intake system also increases the horsepower, torque and fuel economy.
What can you expect with S&B CAI kit:
- More Airflow: You will get 51.83% more airflow than stock
- Horsepower Gain: You can expect around 5-7 HP Gain
- Efficiency Rating : 99.42%
- Economy Increase: It help reduce vehicle’s fuel consumption due to more inflow which allows better combustion. You can easily get aroung +7 Mileage gain.
- Easy maintenance: Comes with Cotton Cleanable and Dry Extendable
With the superior design and quality the S&B cold air intakes feature a premium silicone S&B Air filter specifically matched to your vehicle.
Thanks to its highly durable unbreakable filter that offers exceptional tear strength and will easily last long.It won’t crack over time and can withstand temperature as high as 400 degree F.
With the washable and reusable air filter the S&B cold air intake system also replaces the air box with the custom designed air box that keeps loose dirt and turbulent engine air out of your system.
One of the most impressive thing that we liked about this filter is,The ease of installing with no more coding.
The S&B engineered it very well by devoting huge amount of time, so that you will never face any issues while integrating into your engine and also this one is custom tuned with your stock caliberation making it more easier installation..So you don’t have to hit your head by doing all diffucult codings.
You can install your S&B Air Intake system in just 30 minutes with the easy to use installation instruction and illustrations.
The S&B Air Intake system is backed up an 1,000,000 mile warranty.
Check out customer reviews & ratings
Key Features
- Made for Chevy Silverado /GMC Sieraa (2500HD and 3500HD)
- Designed with two openings to pull air into the air box.
- Feature a premium, tear resistant high quality silicone S&B Air Filter specifically matched to your vehicle type
- S&B air boxes feature an exclusive clear window top to ease inspection of your high-performance filter-and it’s great for showing off
- S&B Cold Air Intakes also help balance air/fuel ratios that improve your gas mileage
- Bolts directly on to the side of the truck eliminating the need for the stock mounting rack and creating the most solid mounting point imaginable
- You can attach your stock breather to the adapter installed in the air box
- Backed by 1,000,000 Mile warranty
- Increase horsepower, torque and improve your fuel economy
- Easy Installation
- Custom tuned with stock caliberation
- No more coding, High Power noticed
- Check Fit for your model before buying
- Always check for the proper hardware and installation instruction otherwise you will face fitting issues
#3 Airaid MXP Intake System ( Add up to 11.92 HP )
Make your Intake system running more cooler and increase your vehicle’ performance with the Airaid Cold Air Intake System.
The Airaid Performance Cold Air Intake System produces horsepower and torque gains by replacing your vehicle’s restrictive factory air filter and air intake housing.
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 easily feel the gain in torque , horsepower and fuel economy of your vehicle.
The Airaid MXP Air intake system proves to be best and ultimate CAI responsible for delivering higher levels of horsepower and acceleration to Chevy/GMC HD trucks models.
The intake system retains the original location of the air filter but delivers a big boost with the replacement of stock air filter with huge one-piece roto-molded air box that help to provide a steady, free-flowing supply of cooler outside air into your engine.
It also replaces that factory air box with the in-house air box in which you will get an AIRAID premium Red Oiled air filter that delivers outstanding air flow and filtration.
Air is directed through a new air intake tube constructed of cross-linked, high-density polyethylene that is designed using extensive computer modeling to maintain proper mass air flow readings and calibration.
Morever, the outside covering or panel also keep the filter isolated from the hot engine compartment air by sealing to the underside of the hood via blade-style weather stripping.
What can you expect with Airaid Air Intake kit:
- More Airflow: You will get 40% more airflow than stock
- Horsepower Gain: You can expect around 11.92 HP Gain (as per official AIRAID Website)
- Economy Increase: It help reduce vehicle’s fuel consumption due to more inflow which allows better combustion. You can easily get around 10% increase in mileage.
- Other Benefits : Faster throttle response, and a throatier engine intake sound
This MXP air intake system incorporates fresh air ducting which further promotes airflow, and has provisions for the factory mass air sensor and engine breather tube.
With ease of installation and no need of recalibration after induction makes it one of the best cold air intake in the market today.
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 and Ratings
Key Features
- Custom designed and engineered to fit in Chevrolet Silverado 1500/2500/3500 and GMC Sierra 1500/2500/3500 models.
- Boosts airflow results in increased torque, horsepower and fuel economy
- Cold Air Dam panels block out hot engine bay air
- Replaces stock air box, intake tube and air filter
- Comes with Washable , reusable Premium oiled Airaid filter for superior filtration
- Installed in just 30 min with simple hand tools
- Backed by Lifetime Warranty
Check Airaid Cold Air intake kit for ALL CHEVY/GMC HD Models year-wise
- Boost overall performance
- Install in just 30 mins
- Comes with Washable and Reusable filter
- Heat Shield plus gives better throttle response & Engine sound
- Check Fit for your model before buying
- Always check for the proper hardware and installation instruction otherwise you will face fitting issues
#2 aFe Power Momentum GT for 6.6l HD GM Silverado/Sierra Performance Intake System (+ 16 Hp Gains, 56% More airflow)
Outflow your factory intake by up to 56% and boost the trapped power of your engine with the aFe Power Momentum GT Cold Air Intake System.
With its distinctive design, the aFe Power Momentum Cold Air Intake System offers up to 16 horsepower and 44 lb-ft of torque gains, earning it the #2 spot on our list of the Best Cold air intakes for 6.6L HD. Although it excels in maximizing horsepower and mileage and could easily claim the top position, its higher price point places it just behind our top choice.
The smooth one-piece sealed housing is used to eliminate the use of multiple-piece housings and ensure the coolest air intake charge available.
A large, clear sight window is used for a hassle-free filter inspection and an aggressive style.
The CAI System uses a CAD designed, dyno-tuned, roto-mold intake tube to achieve maximum power gains while maintaining a perfect fit.
The Momentum GT intake is designed around a pre-oiled, large 5″ Tall conical inverted top 360 degree radial flow performance air filter with 5-layers of progressive finer mesh cotton media providing maximum airflow and performance.
The unique air filter-to-housing interface (patent pending) allows for maximum filter size which increases the available air volume while simplifying the installation process.
A premium stainless steel T-bolt clamp and a silicone couplers are used for strength and durability while also providing the most secure installation available.
Momentum GT intakes are designed with fewer parts for a quick and simple installation.No Cutting or Drilling required on factory parts.
What can you expect with aFe Power Air Intake kit:
- More Airflow: You will get 56% more airflow than stock
- Horsepower Gain: You can expect around 16 HP Gain
- Economy Increase: It help reduce vehicle’s fuel consumption due to more inflow which allows better combustion. You can easily get around 10-15% increase in mileage.
- Easy maintenance: Comes with Washable and Reusable Pro 10R Air Filter for Maximum Dust Holding Capacity and Longevity
This product is not CARB exempt at this time and is not legal for sale in California or use on vehicles registered with the California Department of Motor Vehicles.
Check out Customer Reviews and Ratings
Key Features
- +16 HP / +44 lbs. x ft. Torque max gains
- Outflows factory intake by up to 56%
- CAD-Designed Roto-Molded Intake Tube
- One-Piece Sealed Housing
- Pro 5R oiled 5-Layer Progressively Finer Mesh Cotton Gauze Oiled Media for Maximum Performance
- Built-In Sight Window Provides Easy Inspection of Filter Without Disassembly
- Unique (Patent Pending) Filter-to-Housing Interface for Easy Installation
- No cutting or drilling on factory parts for faster installation
Check aFe Power Cold Air Intake kit for All Chevy/GMC HD Models Year-Wise
- Increase +16 HP / +44 lbs. x ft. Torque max gains
- outflows factory intake by upto 56%
- Pro 5R Oiled Washable and Reusable filter
- Heat Shield plus gives better throttle response & Engine sound
- Check Fit for your model before buying
- Always check for the proper hardware and installation instruction otherwise you will face fitting issues
#1 K&N 63-3101 P Performance Air Intake System (+15 HP ,50% More airlfow)
Wait for the First position is over- K&N Performance Cold Air Intake Kit stands at #1 Position in our list of Top 4 Best Cold air intakes for 6.6L HD.
The reason for this intake to stand at first position is its price. It will give you noticeable amount of HP bosst without cutting your pockets.
So,whether you have to Haul cargo ,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.
Now Coming towards the Performance Cold Air Intake Kit- it is custom designed for your specific made , make and model.
The K&N Air Charger air intake system replaces the restrictive factory air filter and air intake housing on specific Chevy/GMC HD 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 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 and turbo inlet for a guaranteed power gain.
The tube accommodates the factory air temperature sensor. 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 and an Allen wrench.
Check out Customer reviews and ratings
Key Features
- Fits on Chevy Silverado / GMC Sieraa 2500HD/3500HD
- Guaranteed to Increase Horsepower and performance
- Designed to improve throttle response and engine sound
- Add up to 14 horsepower to the pedal
- Comes with Largest possible K&N Filter charger cotton-gauze filter (washable & Reusable)
- Lasts up to 100,000 miles before service is required (depending on driving conditions)
- Replaces entire factory air intake system
- Free-flowing high density polyethylene tube
- Easy installation with details instructions and a complete hardware kit
Check K&N Cold air Intake kit for All GMC/Chevy trucks Models Year-wise
- Increase HP up to 15
- outflows factory intake by upto 50%
- Largest K&N Filter charger cotton-gauze filter Washable and Reusable
- Heat Shield plus gives better throttle response & Engine sound
- NA
Conclusion for Best Cold air intakes for 6.6L HD
We hope you enjoyed the article Top 4 Best Cold Air Intakes for 6.6L HD Chevy Silverado /GMC Sieraa HD (2550HD/3500HD) 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/ CHEVY HD trucks that boosted the flow rate and hence increase the performance level.
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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.
