I am looking at putting on a cold air intake kit, on my '03 Silverado with the 4.8L. I have no mods. The 2 that seem to be the best are obviously the K&N or the Volant. I really like the looks of the Volant, as its enclosed, and has the sharp looking chrome cover, but the price is a bit steep, and then theres the K&N. I was looking at the 77 series, but have read that the chrome tube will produce heat, thus robbing HP, then theres the K&N FIPK. Does the chrome tube really affect HP? My brother has the K&N on his Grand Cherokee, and a friend of mine has an Airraid on his Dodge, so whats a boy to do? Price wise, K&N would be my choice and better availability, and i really like the looks of the Volant. Will the cover on the Volant rust, and also the tube on the K&N 77 series ? Is it better for the CAI to be enclosed or not? The K&N FIPK is same as 77 series w/o the chrome tube right? Please give me your evaluations. Thanx, Jim

 

I have the volant and would go no other way. Ilike that it is a completely sealed unit. Also, yes the aluminum pipe will increase heat in the intake, so avoid it. You will see great performance increase from both, but the additional cost of the volant will be worth it in the end.

 

Hey Smoke, Thanx for the response. I also was wondering, doesn't the Volant have an opening on the bottom or somewheres for a seperate Ram Air tube? If i don't get that, will that affect anything? Just curious, thanx, Jim

 

It does have an opening in the bottom. From what I have read the ram they make helps a little on th highway with milage, but you have to close it off before going off road as it will suck mud in. I opted not to get it, and want to make my own, just haven't had time yet.

 

I would say go with the Volant. I have the K&N FIPK and it does alright, but for the extra $35I would go ahead and get the Volant. I believe its about $265 for the k&n and the volant is around $300. I think the sealed system would be alot better.

 

I paid $250.00 for the K&N FIPK. And K&N were more readily available. Exhaust work will be the next big mod.