Home made air intake for '96-'99 Vortec trucks.

[CKTA]

This is a very simple and effective mod. All you need is a stock replacement K&N filter (or similar cone style) and a trip to Home Depot.


1. K&N stock replacement filter

2. One Fernco coupler. I believe the size is 3-1/2 to 3-1/2"

3. Two worm clamps that fit over that Fernco

4. PVC pipe (3-1/2" O.D. pipe) I believe that is 3" PVC pipe

5. One ceiling pipe hanger, pipe size to fit over PVC pipe dia.


Start off by loose laying the filter on/against the pass. side inner fender.

Figure out how long of a piece of the PVC pipe you need and cut to length.

Mark and drill the IAT sensor hole and insert the rubber grommet from the stock airbox.

Install the Fernco on the MAF and then slip in the pipe, then the filter.

Install the pipe hanger over the exposed pipe and mount the hanger part (with the holes) behind the 2 heater hose bracket on the inner fender. Some enlarging of the holes in the hanger may be need to get the factory bracket to slide through, I only had to enlarge one.

Tighten everything up and enjoy better throttle responce, better milage and better upper RPM "pulls".:cool:
http://www.fullsizechevy.com/454ss/ghetto 1.jpg
http://www.fullsizechevy.com/454ss/ghetto 2.jpg
http://www.fullsizechevy.com/454ss/ghetto 3.jpg

[CKTA]

http://www.fullsizechevy.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=2163

[TigerEyz3]

Did you descreen your MAF when you did this? If not, would you recommend doing it?

[CKTA]

Originally posted by 5-8CHEVY

He did descreen and I would recommend it for sure. :D


Yup.:D However, you don't have too.

[Monarchcx]

What's descreening your MAF?

CX

[Luke2kZ71]

Originally posted by Monarchcx
What's descreening your MAF?

CX

inside your mass air flow sensor is a metal screen, many people remove this.

[uihockey2]

are there any reasons to not descreen the maf? also, thanks for the little tutorial here ckta. i think im just going to have to do this.

[CKTA]

Originally posted by uihockey2
are there any reasons to not descreen the maf? also, thanks for the little tutorial here ckta. i think im just going to have to do this.

No, some complain about a rougher idle of wrorse gas milage. I personally have been doing it since I took ownership of my first TPI F-body back in the day. I have gotten good results on everything I have done it to. If you don't want to descreen your MAF you DO NOT have to for this intake....it's up to you.:cool:

[Physh1]

IMO, on CKTA's kit you can remove it w/o issues. Mainly because the airflow is straight and true to the engine. On some cold air kits it can cause rought idle, etc. because the screen is there to help even out air flow over the sensor in the MAF. Uneven airflow over the sensor causes idle issues and stumbles.

Cameron

[uihockey2]

if i descreen the maf, and it causes any roughness, can i put it back on? thanks for the help guys.

[CKTA]

Originally posted by uihockey2
if i descreen the maf, and it causes any roughness, can i put it back on? thanks for the help guys.

No you can't, you kinda have to "break" it out. Start off w/ just the Depot intake and see if you like it.:D

[uihockey2]

ok, thanks. i will do that

[JAMIEZ71]

you can put the screen back into the MAF. I put it back into my 96 vortec. I did this cold air mod to the box and baffle. I could tell a huge difference with the throttle response. As for the screen though it did hurt the mileage. I put it back in and it seemed to be where it was before the screen removal. You don't have to break the screen to get it out. Just remove the snapring from behind the screen carefully with a small screwdriver and then use the handle of the small screwdriver to tap the screen out from the opposite side. Takes a few taps to get it broke free.

[CHEVS4ME]

did you actually notice gains that would be any different from simply droping in a k&N??? cause I always thought it was the box that says "vortec" on it that was the most restricting part of the intake..

[slmdLS1]

CKTA, do you happen to know if the LS1 f-body's MAF and TB are 3.5" just the same as this write up? i have been meaning to take a closer look, and have been to lowes once, but they didnt have much i coulda used.

[groundscraper5]

I tried this intake on the wife's tahoe and did notice a difference. Not sure how different it was from using the K&N with the stock airbox as I went straight to this setup.
I'm happy with the results. Good tech article, CKTA.:D

[groundscraper5]

Originally posted by 5-8CHEVY

I didn't notice much on the 98 when I put the airraid gen I kit on but I did notice it helped more with the muffler. :read: :D

It wasn't a huge differece, but me and my wife noticed an improvement on throttle response. I do need to get a 50 series flowmaster and get that huge 60 gallon tank of a muffler out of the way. :D

[1badgmc]

Originally posted by groundscraper5


It wasn't a huge differece, but me and my wife noticed an improvement on throttle response. I do need to get a 50 series flowmaster and get that huge 60 gallon tank of a muffler out of the way. :D

I bought a cheap $30 kit off eBay with a chrome tube and a cone K&N. I noticed a little difference. I'm also going to block off the air silencer and I want to run a tube from the MAF to the TB to replace the slinky. That should help a bit too. I just got a nice Magnaflow muffler in for it today. Once I get that on we'll see what we get. :cool:

[CHEVS4ME]

so the silencer is the box that says "vortec" on it right??
blocking it off, and having the set up explained in the tech article should make a difference compared to stock airbox with a k&N then????

thanks

[1badgmc]

Originally posted by CHEVS4ME
so the silencer is the box that says "vortec" on it right??

Right.

blocking it off, and having the set up explained in the tech article should make a difference compared to stock airbox with a k&N then????

Should.

[DruDizzle2003]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by CKTA
[B]This is a very simple and effective mod. All you need is a stock replacement K&N filter (or similar cone style) and a trip to Home Depot.


1. K&N stock replacement filter

2. One Fernco coupler. I believe the size is 3-1/2 to 3-1/2"

3. Two worm clamps that fit over that Fernco

4. PVC pipe (3-1/2" O.D. pipe) I believe that is 3" PVC pipe

5. One ceiling pipe hanger, pipe size to fit over PVC pipe dia.


Start off by loose laying the filter on/against the pass. side inner fender.

Figure out how long of a piece of the PVC pipe you need and cut to length.

Mark and drill the IAT sensor hole and insert the rubber grommet from the stock airbox.

Install the Fernco on the MAF and then slip in the pipe, then the filter.

Install the pipe hanger over the exposed pipe and mount the hanger part (with the holes) behind the 2 heater hose bracket on the inner fender. Some enlarging of the holes in the hanger may be need to get the factory bracket to slide through, I only had to enlarge one.

Tighten everything up and enjoy better throttle responce, better milage and better upper RPM "pulls".:cool:
Hey great idea!....I would just like to know if this mod will work for a 99 5.7L Central Port Inj Yukon. Thanks

[1badgmc]

Originally posted by DruDizzle2003


Hey great idea!....I would just like to know if this mod will work for a 99 5.7L Central Port Inj Yukon. Thanks

That's the same engine/engine compartment as his '96 pickup.

[DruDizzle2003]

What about the part of the intake that runs to and gets air from the fender?

[JAMIEZ71]

I left my tube that runs into the fender there. Doesn't restrict airflow and could allow it to pull a little more cool air from the fender.

[1badgmc]

Originally posted by DruDizzle2003
What about the part of the intake that runs to and gets air from the fender?

Like I said, same thing.

[bradz71]

I'm running just the K&N filter and noticed a 0.5-1 mpg gain. I ran my truck with the airbox lid off for a while-to see if that made a difference. The 'seat of my pants' test felt like it helped, mileage didn't change, but when I ran it that way at the track it was slower than with it on. I keep it on from now on.

[tormenting5.7]

Hey the thing in the fender, pull it!!!! You'll get better flow. Also that open cone draws a lot of heat from the eng. You better make sometype of heat shield to get the full effect.

[DruDizzle2003]

Does the new filter give the engine a different sound?

-Andrew

[Monarchcx]

Yes.

[Idaho Guy]

The boys at Home Depot looked at me like I was speaking Greek when I asked where I could find the ceiling pipe hanger listed as parts for this article. The only thing they had was some galvanized "plumber's tape". It's about 10' long, about 3/4" wide and has little holes running the entire length of it. They didn't have anything else. I next went the local "mom and pop" plumbing store and they, too, didn't have anything. Could someone who's installed this home-made kit on their 5.7L Vortec send me some pics of their setup? I'd much appreciate it. Thanks.

[CKTA]

Originally posted by Idaho Guy
It's about 10' long, about 3/4" wide and has little holes running the entire length of it.


It looks like that except it has a round black rubberized pipe holder end on it. Are you at a fax machine? I can draw it for you.

[juztyn]

what model in particular k&n filter did you use?? and i have a 4.3 and a big airbox (pipe runs into the back of the airbox) so do i just take the whole thing out?? thanks...

[Idaho Guy]

Yea, that's what I did. Unscrew the bolt that goes thru the fender to get that big plastic piece of out there. I held onto mine in case I ever sell the truck. Everything upstream side of the MAF is new.

Originally posted by juztyn
what model in particular k&n filter did you use?? and i have a 4.3 and a big airbox (pipe runs into the back of the airbox) so do i just take the whole thing out?? thanks...

[Idaho Guy]

Home Depot didn't have it so I went to Lowe's and I found what I was looking for:

--> Picture of Ceiling Pipe Hanger (http://www.pbase.com/image/25162452)

Hope this helps anyone else who installs this home-made kit.

[CKTA]

Originally posted by Idaho Guy
Home Depot didn't have it so I went to Lowe's and I found what I was looking for:

--> Picture of Ceiling Pipe Hanger (http://www.pbase.com/image/25162452)

Hope this helps anyone else who installs this home-made kit.


BINGO!:head: How do you like the whole set-up now?

[Idaho Guy]

I like it - I like it a lot! Much better throttle response in the higher RPM's. It did change the sound of the motor but really not by much. Just a tad more growl during hard accelerations. I'm not totally satisfied with my pipe hanger installation. It does the job but I'm thinking of re-doing it to make it look better.

All in all, I like it very much.

[CKTA]

Originally posted by Idaho Guy
I like it - I like it a lot! Much better throttle response in the higher RPM's. It did change the sound of the motor but really not by much. Just a tad more growl during hard accelerations. I'm not totally satisfied with my pipe hanger installation. It does the job but I'm thinking of re-doing it to make it look better.

All in all, I like it very much.


:head: :head: :head:

[TB383]

This is a grea idea but what if you are one that goes off roadin and get dirty in the mud. When you go through some thick mud alot of mud gets into the engine bay and might cover ur filter with some mud. Any ideas on how to like cover of build some box so it wont get muddy and wet when going off road?/?

[DruDizzle2003]

Are the intakes available on Ebay such as this one http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=38634&item=2454278421 any good?
Thanx!

-Andrew

[1badgmc]

Originally posted by DruDizzle2003
Are the intakes available on Ebay such as this one http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=38634&item=2454278421 any good?
Thanx!

-Andrew

I'm running an eBay intake basically like that on the Yukon and it's just fine. You can't even get a K&N cone filter for the price I paid for the whole tube and all. :cool:

Sometime I plan to run a smooth tube between the TB and the MAF to get rid of that "slinky."

[DruDizzle2003]

Originally posted by 1badgmc
I'm running an eBay intake basically like that on the Yukon and it's just fine. You can't even get a K&N cone filter for the price I paid for the whole tube and all. :cool:

Sometime I plan to run a smooth tube between the TB and the MAF to get rid of that "slinky."

How did u go about installing this intake. I have no idea what i am doing! Any help would be great!

-Andrew

[MidTexChevy]

Your pics on the install were not working, but I think I know what you have in mind. My question is the stock air box still needs help getting more are in. I was looking to drill a 3 1/2in hole though the bottom of the air box and though the pan the box sits on. Then take about a 4in piece of 3in PVC and attach an elbow and put it though the bottom of the box facing the fender. Maybe with a small screen on it. Would this work?

[Luke2kZ71]

Originally posted by MidTexChevy
Your pics on the install were not working, but I think I know what you have in mind. My question is the stock air box still needs help getting more are in. I was looking to drill a 3 1/2in hole though the bottom of the air box and though the pan the box sits on. Then take about a 4in piece of 3in PVC and attach an elbow and put it though the bottom of the box facing the fender. Maybe with a small screen on it. Would this work?

www.fullsizechevy.com/fscu :read: the pictures should be up there :D

[LilMule]

just installed mine i ran into a few snags... well alot they didnt have the 3 1/2" fernco at any damn stores so i got a 4" and my scissors out :D and made my own to fit perfectly and i could find the hanger so i just wire tied it down for now till i can find out nice and snug hope i dont loose it...

[454ss]

Originally posted by MidTexChevy
Your pics on the install were not working, but I think I know what you have in mind. My question is the stock air box still needs help getting more are in. I was looking to drill a 3 1/2in hole though the bottom of the air box and though the pan the box sits on. Then take about a 4in piece of 3in PVC and attach an elbow and put it though the bottom of the box facing the fender. Maybe with a small screen on it. Would this work? Pictures are back up now.

[CKTA]

Originally posted by LilMule
just installed mine i ran into a few snags... well alot they didnt have the 3 1/2" fernco at any damn stores so i got a 4" and my scissors out :D and made my own to fit perfectly and i could find the hanger so i just wire tied it down for now till i can find out nice and snug hope i dont loose it...

Check back w/ Depot in a couple days or check w/ lowes or a plumbing supply store. Someone should have both in stock.....they are very common parts.:D

[forum282]

Just installed the intake today, I love it. Sounds great and helps throttle response, can't wait to hear it with the soon to be exhaust.... thaks CKTA! :head:

[CKTA]

:thumbup:

[pohlyman]

When you said K & N replacement filter, do you mean a K & N filter that replaces the stock air filter?
Thanks,
pohlyman

[CKTA]

Originally posted by pohlyman
When you said K & N replacement filter, do you mean a K & N filter that replaces the stock air filter?
Thanks,
pohlyman

Yes, it works out nice w/ the stock replacement. However, a simmilar size length K&N will work too.

[retorq]

Doesn't PVC give off some sort of hazardous fumes if it gets too hot?? I'm pretty sure that's why most poeple use steel exhaust tubing.

[CKTA]

Originally posted by retorq
Doesn't PVC give off some sort of hazardous fumes if it gets too hot?? I'm pretty sure that's why most poeple use steel exhaust tubing.

1. It does'nt get that hot.

2. Unless you let people ride under the hood...who cares?:D

[Carver1]

If you remove the "Vortec" silencer, what do you replace it with?

[CKTA]

Originally posted by Carver1
If you remove the "Vortec" silencer, what do you replace it with?

I left mine on, it makes the motor look better IMHO.

[HegsZ-71]

alright I've been meaning to do this, but haven't got around to it until now. Roughly how much did all of this stuff run you? and I've heard that taking the silencer box off will help with power is it true? will it make my engine more loud? Thanx for the help I'm in need of some power.

[CKTA]

Originally posted by HegsZ-71
alright I've been meaning to do this, but haven't got around to it until now. Roughly how much did all of this stuff run you? and I've heard that taking the silencer box off will help with power is it true? will it make my engine more loud? Thanx for the help I'm in need of some power.

1. Minus the K&N.....less then 20 bucks!:head:

2. Mine works fine w/ the box still on.

3. It may be a LITTLE louder, but only under acceleration.

[jspx_22]

Originally posted by TB383
This is a grea idea but what if you are one that goes off roadin and get dirty in the mud. When you go through some thick mud alot of mud gets into the engine bay and might cover ur filter with some mud. Any ideas on how to like cover of build some box so it wont get muddy and wet when going off road?/?

yeah and what about water any problems there

[CKTA]

Originally posted by jspx_22
yeah and what about water any problems there

Unless you go through a puddle that's over your hood.............you'll be fine.:D

[HegsZ-71]

Originally posted by CKTA
1. Minus the K&N.....less then 20 bucks!:head:

2. Mine works fine w/ the box still on.

3. It may be a LITTLE louder, but only under acceleration.
Alrighty. Looks liek I'll have something to do in a couple weeks. I'll let ya know how it goes and see if I can get some pics up.:head:

[CKTA]

Originally posted by HegsZ-71
Alrighty. Looks liek I'll have something to do in a couple weeks. I'll let ya know how it goes and see if I can get some pics up.:head:

:cool:

[2doortahoe95]

I have a 95 Chevy Tahoe and I have a couple questions:
1. Will this type of intake work on 95 Tahoe?
2. I know this one is stupid but do I have a MAF (i know you can buy them, but do I have one from factory) in mine? if so can I descreen it?:think:
3. This has little to do with intake and just a general question:
My truck idles at like 200rpm (way low, second small line above zero) my idle speed is ECM controlled and was wondering what might have caused it to drop so low. I am afraid to descreen if a. I have one to descreen and b. if it causes you to idle low then that would really screw with my idle. Help me out here, I went to a shop but they said the ECM controls the idle and "not to worry about it". But when it is almost stalling out I tend to worry. :think:

[CKTA]

Originally posted by 2doortahoe95
I have a 95 Chevy Tahoe and I have a couple questions:
1. Will this type of intake work on 95 Tahoe?
2. I know this one is stupid but do I have a MAF (i know you can buy them, but do I have one from factory) in mine? if so can I descreen it?:think:
3. This has little to do with intake and just a general question:
My truck idles at like 200rpm (way low, second small line above zero) my idle speed is ECM controlled and was wondering what might have caused it to drop so low. I am afraid to descreen if a. I have one to descreen and b. if it causes you to idle low then that would really screw with my idle. Help me out here, I went to a shop but they said the ECM controls the idle and "not to worry about it". But when it is almost stalling out I tend to worry. :think:

1. No

2. You DO NOT have a MAF.

3. No descreen, no MAF. As far as the idle problem look into the Throttle Position Sensor.

[2doortahoe95]

Super! Everything I was hoping was shot down. Thanks for ruining my dreams:cussing: Joking thanks for the help

[CKTA]

For your '95 TBI motor a simple open elenment K&N will do wonders.:D

[HegsZ-71]

Well I did it today. I cna feel a bit of difference taking off and also here a little louder noise. All in all I'm happy with it. I paid $67 including filter so I can say it definatly beats the $250+ for the FIPK kit :head: thanks CKTA

[CKTA]

Originally posted by HegsZ-71
Well I did it today. I cna feel a bit of difference taking off and also here a little louder noise. All in all I'm happy with it. I paid $67 including filter so I can say it definatly beats the $250+ for the FIPK kit :head: thanks CKTA

Another satisfied customer.:D :happy: :thumbup:

[Cracker]

Originally posted by CKTA
Another satisfied customer.:D :happy: :thumbup:

And another. Thanks bud. :D

[jspx_22]

does the iat sensor pull right out and does anyone know what size hole to drill

[CKTA]

Originally posted by Cracker
And another. Thanks bud. :D


:FSCrules:

Originally posted by jspx_22
does the iat sensor pull right out and does anyone know what size hole to drill

Yes, it pulls straight out.

Hole? not off hand, but pull the rubber grommet out of the factory intake and measure......I think I had to make my hole in the PVC just a hair bigger because of the thickness.

[Cracker]

The hole was a good size. I couldn't scrounge up a bit the exact size, so I reamed it. With the rubber in the hole it was a good fit. Disclaimer: don't read into that last line too much. :naughty:

[CKTA]

:LOL:

[miself_s10]

well i ahve a 4.3L s-10 and i've been plannin on makin an intake of my own to put on my truck and tongiht my friend sent me here b/c i was havin trouble with the MAF and attachin it to the PVC....where can u get the fernco coupler at??? would they have them at lowes/home depot or auto zone or where? I already ahve teh PVC 3" (not srue of the OD) but everything seems to be in order except for the MAF and time, ive had the stuff (sans filter) for over a week and jsut popped the hood today and started workin and ran into my prob.

[CKTA]

Originally posted by miself_s10
well i ahve a 4.3L s-10 and i've been plannin on makin an intake of my own to put on my truck and tongiht my friend sent me here b/c i was havin trouble with the MAF and attachin it to the PVC....where can u get the fernco coupler at??? would they have them at lowes/home depot or auto zone or where? I already ahve teh PVC 3" (not srue of the OD) but everything seems to be in order except for the MAF and time, ive had the stuff (sans filter) for over a week and jsut popped the hood today and started workin and ran into my prob.

Yes, any of those places should/will carry the Fernco. I believe you need a 3.5" I.D. Fernco.:D

[miself_s10]

thanks dude...i checked things out a bit today....under my hood is fairly cramped so I'm havin to do somthin' a lil' different than originally planned. Do they sell the fernco that will downsize to another diamater...like from 4" down to 3"??? B/c heres my dellima(sp?) I couldnt use the traight run of PVC b/c it would hit my fusebox w/ the 45* bend comin off of the throttle body and with the 90* it was too much the other direction....so I took the 90* turndown that I had (has a male & female end) and slid teh 45* onteh end of that...and what I wanna do is attach the fernco to that then the MAF followed by the filter or another turndown thenthe filter will drop right in where the stock airbox was and i belive will get some colder air.

[CKTA]

Yes, Fernco makes all kinds of crazy stuff. Do a Google search for Fernco....go to their site and check it out.:D

[juztyn]

so are you really going too notice much difference between a fipk and this mod? esp considering the price difference is like $150-$200...

[CKTA]

Originally posted by juztyn
so are you really going too notice much difference between a fipk and this mod? esp considering the price difference is like $150-$200...

I'm a little bias, but try it and find out. For 20 bucks you really can't go wrong. Ask some of the others in this thread that did it.:D

[uihockey2]

hey ckta, I finally got the stuff i need to do this, but i dont have a k & n yet. I took my stock filter off and the hole is too big for the pvc pipe i have. the pipe is 3.5" OD. Do you know the part # for the K & N filter that will fit the 3.5" OD pipe? I wanted to just try it with my stock filter but it wont work.

[CKTA]

Originally posted by uihockey2
hey ckta, I finally got the stuff i need to do this, but i dont have a k & n yet. I took my stock filter off and the hole is too big for the pvc pipe i have. the pipe is 3.5" OD. Do you know the part # for the K & N filter that will fit the 3.5" OD pipe? I wanted to just try it with my stock filter but it wont work.

The K&N is a direct replacement for the stock one. It was a little bigger, but a worm clamp takes care of that. Can you do that w/ that factory one? I don't remember what the stock one looks like. The K&N has a big rubber flange on it and the worm clamp makes it fit fine.:D

[4x4K1500]

I was wanting to know If anyone has replaced the piping that goes from the the MAF to the throttle body with some 3.5 inch piping of some sort?

It looks like on the homeade one that the angle is kind of hard to make one.

But on my Airaid intake it looks like a pretty straight shot.

I always thought this pipe is what separated the K&N from the Airaid

[uihockey2]

no, the hole in the stock filter is much too big for the pipe, and there is no way to clamp it. ill just have to find a filter with a 3.5" hole.

[seansmitty42]

ive got the fipk 2 kit and it is badass. when i added it i know that it bumped the horses and torque up alot. plus the intake is louder than my exhaust which is two 40 series mufflers.

[4x4K1500]

Does anyone know if the pipe is replacable the pipe from the MAF to TB

[nebraskaz71]

I'm thinkn bout tryin to make new tube from maf to tb and then using the stock elbow to connect to maf and filter and just use lower part of box to hold filter, then remove silencer and i think it might work?

[cooker2003]

Here is a pic of my intake I made out of 3.5" mandrel bent exhaust tubing, a couple fernco couplers, a k&n air filter, and some galvanized sheet metal that I used for my intake. Seems to work good, the heat shield is painted black along with the exhaust tubing, and around the edges I just stuck some 1/2" rubber hose to clean up the rough edges and guard from scraping up the underside of the hood.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v117/cooker2003/Truck/intakepic.jpg

The filter cost me about $50, the tubing was around $20, and the couplers were about $6. The heat shield was just made out of some scrap I had lying around. It was relatively inexpensive compared to the kits from K&N, etc, and works good.

[nebraskaz71]

How much do u want to make one of those cooker? :)

[cooker2003]

Hmm, I'm not really sure, just pay for the parts and maybe a few extra dollars to cover my time :read:

I am sure we could work out a deal for ya - shoot me a PM sometime

Dave

[JEEP FARM]

Yes I am also interested in knowing!

Thanks, Jay

[HardcoreZ28]

Are most of you guys running the filter element open or inside the stock intake box? Cooker I like your design because it blocks a lot of the engine heat I bet. How do you have that shield for the filter attached in there? Any pics?
Also how much just for the mandrel bent pipe?

[cooker2003]

Are most of you guys running the filter element open or inside the stock intake box? Cooker I like your design because it blocks a lot of the engine heat I bet. How do you have that shield for the filter attached in there? Any pics?
Also how much just for the mandrel bent pipe?

The shield is attached to the wheel well from underneath, as well as to the inner fender with a bolt and wingnut, it fits in nice and snug too next to the battery, etc.

I can probably get some pics if you want them.
I got the exhaust pipe from a local Truck Shop, and I believe it cost me around $23.

[Mn02Sierra]

Here is a pic of my intake I made out of 3.5" mandrel bent exhaust tubing, a couple fernco couplers, a k&n air filter, and some galvanized sheet metal that I used for my intake. Seems to work good, the heat shield is painted black along with the exhaust tubing, and around the edges I just stuck some 1/2" rubber hose to clean up the rough edges and guard from scraping up the underside of the hood.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v117/cooker2003/intakepic.jpg

The filter cost me about $50, the tubing was around $20, and the couplers were about $6. The heat shield was just made out of some scrap I had lying around. It was relatively inexpensive compared to the kits from K&N, etc, and works good.

could you post another picture of this up please?

Thanks!

[panchovilla209]

might be a dumb question but how do you block off the silencer?

[cooker2003]

could you post another picture of this up please?

Thanks!

here ya go:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v117/cooker2003/Truck/intakepic.jpg

[ByRoN L]

That looks pretty good. :clap: I like the k&n with the box around it a little cleaner looking but your way is a nice cheap way to start.

[Bigtown88]

I made an air intake this weekend using the info on the tech section. I think it was by CKTA. I also fabricated a heat shield out of galvanized sheet metal I picked up at Home Depot. Can tell an increase in throttle response but haven't been able to check gas mileage yet but will at the next refill. The next thing I'll do is eliminate the slinky with some hard pipe. Here are some pics of the before and after.

[scottx]

Here's my version of the home made intake. It's on a 1996 Silverado with a 350. I plan to move the battery to the bed and convert it to cold air through the radiator support one of these days.

Before:
http://www.vulnerable.org/gallery/albums/96/PICT0043.sized.jpg

After:
http://www.vulnerable.org/gallery/albums/96/PICT0008_001.sized.jpg

[XXL]

Any problems you forsee with this method? I've simply replaced the coupler-pipe-coupler method in CKTA's method with just a coupler connecting the throttle body throat to the MAF. I'll chuck on a K&N to the end of that for now, then fab up a shield/duct to get some colder air out of the fenderwell.

[CKTA]

The only things i see is that the elbow is very restrictive and the filter sits right over the manifold.

[XXL]

what model in particular k&n filter did you use?? and i have a 4.3 and a big airbox (pipe runs into the back of the airbox) so do i just take the whole thing out?? thanks...

Anyone got a K&N pn#? I'm doing a lookup on their site based on dimensions and these both look pretty good. Just wondering what people have been actually using.

E-0773 (http://www.knfilters.com/search/product.aspx?Prod=E-0773) (though may be hard to find)
RU-1785 (http://www.knfilters.com/search/product.aspx?Prod=RU-1785)

[98RhinoZ71]

I have a K&N FIPK would it do anything if i descreened my MAF has anyone descreened one with the FIPK on it? how did it run did you loose mpg? more power?...

[XXL]

The only things i see is that the elbow is very restrictive and the filter sits right over the manifold.

Good point on the restrictive elbow. I think I like the simplicity of this one... and, like my pic above, it doesn't actually sit over the manifold like it may appear to in the pic. Now just trying to figure out the best way to get cold air ducted up to it at that location.

http://www.vulnerable.org/gallery/albums/96/PICT0008_001.sized.jpg

[too_g]

i just did this mod and it sound great and i have noticed a little bit mor kick of the line but nothing major i did it on a 98 1500 5.7 vortec short box ext cab

[scottx]

The elbow isnt that bad, It pulls very strong. I might change the elbow into something else. I've been poking around plumbing supply places looking for a 3 inch - 22 1/2 degree _chrome_ elbow. Might just get one fab'd.



< http://www.vulnerable.org/gallery/96 >

[XXL]

Might just get one fab'd.

I've got a guy fabbing up a piece that'll pop over the throat of the throttle body, and curve out from there. It's drawings so far, but this guy has made several pieces for me in the past and always did top-notch work. After all is said and done, I'll probably have spent more than just buying the K&N 77 kit, but it's only money :thevision

[96chevywhip]

I also have the cheap $30 version from ebay notice some nice throttle response from it.

['95-Silverado]

I attempted this with a 95 Silverado, non-vortec and the results where just as good. For anyone reading that would want to do this.

Here is a pic I took right after I got it to work, I had to rearange it the get more air flow so it looks different now, but here's the idea.

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a375/95Silverado/intake.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a375/95Silverado/intake2.jpg
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a375/95Silverado/intake3.jpg

I did not flip the lid since I've had it fliped for a while because I would like the intake to actually do it's job, and it does it well.. Ive noticed better gas mileage by 10% and much better throttle response, and it sounds cool starting up, the whine of wind.

Thank's for the idea CKTA =D

[scottx]

If i was you i'd get rid of that and run a straight round 14x3 inch K&N with a nice base/lid. But that's just me. I have a 1990 Silverado also, Runs this K&N (The filter has around 200K miles on it btw)

http://www.vulnerable.org/90.jpg

[OlemissRebelZ71]

Check out the air duct department of home depot of loews and get some foam instulation tape and some foil reflective tape and put it on your home made airboxes and you will notice better performances and gas mileages. make sure the foil goes on the outside. it reflects heat. the foam tape adds insulation to the box against heat as well. try it. the foil tape is a lil pricy but its worth it. you get 30 yards. lol

['95-Silverado]

Modified it a little bit more, but couldn't get a GREAT shot of it.. here's an idea.
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a375/95Silverado/DVC02212.jpg

[XXL]

Modified it a little bit more, but couldn't get a GREAT shot of it.. here's an idea.


Interesting approach. It seems like you'd lose both the "streaming" effect on the air column and the pressure because of the old filter canister on top of the throttle body. If you look at the aftermarket units, they tend to keep air turbidity down by keeping bends smooth all the way to the TB throat, and they keep pressure up by eliminating any large volume chambers.

[CKTA]

Are you using 2 filters w/ that set-up on the TBI.

[bob3sons]

I'm looking for ways to get a couple more mpg's. I have a 96 c3500 crew. Seems like the air intake is a good place to start. Anyone have mpg data on before and after?
Thanks.

[miesrules]

There's nothing like American ingunity (spelling)! I wish there was an easy solution for my 01'. :dunno:

[tallone09]

well i'm fixing give the mod at try let you know how it works out. one question where the roof clamp bolt to the way i understand you bolt it where the heater hose are bolted to on the fenderwell is that correct?

[CKTA]

well i'm fixing give the mod at try let you know how it works out. one question where the roof clamp bolt to the way i understand you bolt it where the heater hose are bolted to on the fenderwell is that correct?

Correct...sort of. No bolts needed. What I did was take the plastic clamp off (it just clips on the inner fender) drilled out both holes a little bigger on the pipe hanger, lined the holes up w/ the inner fender then snapped the plastic hose holder back in place samwiching the pipe hanger in place.......nice and neat and no hardware needed.

[tallone09]

Correct...sort of. No bolts needed. What I did was take the plastic clamp off (it just clips on the inner fender) drilled out both holes a little bigger on the pipe hanger, lined the holes up w/ the inner fender then snapped the plastic hose holder back in place samwiching the pipe hanger in place.......nice and neat and no hardware needed.
ok thanks get back when i get it done. let you know what i think.

[XXL]

Just ran across this interesting setup while surfing...

['95-Silverado]

Interesting approach. It seems like you'd lose both the "streaming" effect on the air column and the pressure because of the old filter canister on top of the throttle body. If you look at the aftermarket units, they tend to keep air turbidity down by keeping bends smooth all the way to the TB throat, and they keep pressure up by eliminating any large volume chambers.


I realised this after I noticed a significant power loss.... So I remodified it and I got rid of that bend and straightened it out, and the flow is even and continuous. About the two filters, I took the cylinder K&N out of the air box over the TBI unit so I was just using the cold air filter. I didn't see a point in having two filters, and besides that's a little restrictive.. Wouldnt you think?

So anyway way, after changing the setup and straightening it out, It runs much better.

[95baggedsierra]

I just completed mine also and it fit & works great!!!! I'll get some pics!!!!THANKS FOR THE INFO!!

[96thebossgrnchv]

the silencer vortec box, has anyone blocked it off? if so what did you use to cap it off, i've heard that it makes your intake louder, the guys at http://www.sshotrods.com/fullsize/v3xx/airbox/ used a coke bottle.

[XXL]

the silencer vortec box, has anyone blocked it off? if so what did you use to cap it off, i've heard that it makes your intake louder, the guys at http://www.sshotrods.com/fullsize/v3xx/airbox/ used a coke bottle.


Since it's a silencer, logic dictates that it would be louder without it. I used the lid from a can of spray paint and the factory clamp. Works great. Note, this is clearly ghetto... and it is temporary as I'm making an aluminum intake for the whole thingie.

[96thebossgrnchv]

thanks XXL, yes this is a pretty ghetto setup, but it works lol, i pulled the vortec box off this morning and found a pickle jar cap to take it's place, fits like a glove man with the stock rubber clamp

96excab2"droppedrear

[AirSchatz]

Any ideas on an improvement on a 92 throttle bodied 350? I have a K&N replacement element but still running the stock breather and all. Any ideas would be great, thanks

[bretsk2500]

Any ideas on an improvement on a 92 throttle bodied 350? I have a K&N replacement element but still running the stock breather and all. Any ideas would be great, thanks

10" or 14" FLAT bottomed open element air cleaner and a push in breather to replace the PCV breather tube. do a search in performance.. :deadhorse:

[N0DIH]

It is a laminar flow screen. Not for dirt and debris protection like the old ones were (80's). This one NEEDS to be in place, else the MAF calibration is screwed up bad. This is why people have drivability problem. Can you get some more power? Yes, but not due to air flow. The MAF isn't a restriction. You are now fooling the PCM's airflow reading and it now is making improper airflow a/f calculations.

GM has spent countless hours refining and calibrating the MAF to be as close to 100% accurate as possible. Then people come along and tamper with it thinking they know better. Uh huh.

Leave it alone. I tried it 10+ years ago when I was studying it on my 3800 and drivability and power went to crap. That one was even more sensitive due to the sampling type design. The amount of restriction is soo minimal it is less than 2% total air flow. Your K&N air filter is more of a restriction. IF you want to test it. Get a vacuum gauge and stick it on the intake side before the throttle body and measure WOT vacuum readings at redline. Then descreen the MAF. You will see the readings do not change. This indicated that there is no restriction due to the MAF screens. It is best to borrow a descreend MAF from a friend before you destroy your own. Or borrow a screeend one if you already did your own. They can be descreened with minimal damage, but it takes careful work. On my LT1 a stock AC Delco paper filter vs K&N doesn't show any flow restriction. I am running <1 inch of vacuum at WOT in 2nd gear just before the rev limiter kicks in. Stock throttle body, stock air intake, stock AC Delco filter. Modified air box.

are there any reasons to not descreen the maf? also, thanks for the little tutorial here ckta. i think im just going to have to do this.

[96thebossgrnchv]

http://www.sshotrods.com/fullsize/v3xx/maf/

the guys here say that "The screen is used to stop any objects that pass through the filter from hitting the sensor coils." they also go into the topic of descreening the MAF

[N0DIH]

No, it is a laminar flow screen. It is to maintain an balanced even airflow across the MAF in all places. It has nothing to do with dirt. That is the air filter's job.

Taking it out really wreaks havoc with the MAF calibration. Airflow is no longer consistent through the MAF, causing enormous calibration error.

They don't have a clue what this screen is for. GM would not have put such an expensive fancy dancy screen on for dirt that should not ever make it past the air filter. The OLD MAF's, back in the olden days of GM like 80's (TPI's and 3.8L Buicks) DID use a dirt screen that was often removed. This is ok to do. But GM realized that the calibration of the MAF was not consistent and that they could enhance the overall MAF accuracy by this laminar flow screen.

DO NOT remove it. Any flow increase (very very small) will be lost in calibration errors. Talk to any PCM tuner about it. Talk to an GM drivability or emissions engineer about it.

http://www.sshotrods.com/fullsize/v3xx/maf/

the guys here say that "The screen is used to stop any objects that pass through the filter from hitting the sensor coils." they also go into the topic of descreening the MAF

What they do not tell you is yes, they DID get some performance gains, but if you were to track this "power increase" on a dyno, you would see the BSFC (Brake Specific Fuel Consumption) go up, not down. So the engine is wasting fuel for a very small gain. In other words the engine's efficiency went down the dumpster. Losing gas mileage and emissions at the same time for a minimal gain in power.

A serious dyno tuner will watch carefully the BSFC and tune the fuel/timing maps carefully to ensure BSFC is maintained or improved, never lost. Gains there are poor mods and should be avoided.

[96thebossgrnchv]

if i were to buy an aftermarket MAF, does it come with a screen? or is it just the middle sensor part? i agree with you man, so descreening would gain little hp with the consequence of consumming more fuel, and if you descreen, you won't have to worry about dirt hitting the little heating coils because the screen wasn't there to protect them in the first place, right?

[DetroitDan]

How are you getting cooler outside air to the filter in these setups? It looks to me like most of them air just sucking hot air. (granted, a lot more air, but still hot) and with the shield in place the direct radiant heat is blocked to some degree, but arent you still breathing hot underhood air thats coming around the shield? I doubt that it is even drawing air through the original fender hole, now that the airbox (shield) is no longer sealed. I want to do some kind of home made intake on my 6.5TD, but I dont think its worth doing unless I can get some fresh cool outside air. One idea I have is to leave the K&N in the stock box, cut a 3" hole in the side of the box, and run 3" flex tube (all I have room for) back to the firewall. I have one little open space big enough to cut another 3" hole to hook the tube up, which will give me air from inside the wiper cowl. Should be a lot cooler and more turbulent air, however I'm not 100% sure what the airflow would be like in there at speed. it might even be a low pressure area due to so much air passing over the top of the cowl at the base of the windshield.
I really would like to get the filter outside like they do on the big rigs, but I'm pretty sure it would look seriously retarded on a pickup.

[XXL]

I really would like to get the filter outside like they do on the big rigs, but I'm pretty sure it would look seriously retarded on a pickup.

Nah, I think it might work out pretty well ;)

http://www.blackdeathclan.de/gallery/data/thumbnails/3/mustangpipes.jpg

[juztyn]

Just did the mod... Had to make a few improvs
Home Depot dont have 3 1/2 fernco's, so I used a 4" to 3". Put the 4" end on the maf, right on that rubber seal thingee thats already on there... just cut the little pieces of rubber sticking out off. Good tight seal. 3" end on a 3" pipe. Drilled the IAT hole with a 1/2" drill bit had to open it up to about 7/8" to get the sensor in there. Now just got find a way to support it... They didnt have any ceiling pipe hangers there... Thought about running a piece of metal banding across. But I dont know if that would support it enough. Anybody get a high idle when they first started it up? I only ran it for a minute so maybe the computer needed to adjust but it ran at like 1k... ill drive it around tommorrow...

[CKTA]

No high idle here when I first started.

[juztyn]

nevamind... it evened itself out. nice power gain... ending up using a closet shelf hanger...

[CKTA]

:cool:

[juztyn]

pics of my setup...

http://xs77.xs.to/pics/06166/intake2.jpg

dig the 2 minute ms paint banner

[96thebossgrnchv]

:lol: get some pcv or pvc pipe and get rid of the slinky plastic and gain at least 350 more hp
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e63/zo6vtt/100_0923.jpg

[juztyn]

Wait that metal band around your K & N is restricting your airflow. Replace it immediately to gain 500 rwhp...

[96thebossgrnchv]

lol, will do immediately

[CKTA]

I'm sueing both of you for copyright infringement! :teddy: :lol:

Nice changes guys.....glad it helped you guys out! :cool:

[96thebossgrnchv]

it's a cool mod, makes a nice intake noise and after i painted the pvc pipe black, everyone thinks its stock

[CKTA]

Nice and stealthy! :cool:

[BILLSONG]

:eyecrzy: What are the benifit of this. Beside what about the ram air that the stock came with. Beside the design for a reason. BYW its a creative idea.

[CKTA]

:eyecrzy: What are the benifit of this. .

More air.

More air = More power and no high RPM bogg/lag like stock.

Cold air fom the outside would help some more and could be done w/ a shield and hacking the inner fender for some ducting, but I did'nt want to :hack: up the inner fenders for a couple extra HP.

BTW, I'm sure other will chime in, but the best thing I noticed w/ this was the no more upper RPM bogg. It's smooth all the way 'til redline. :cool:

[Kruznlow69]

is there a 90degree elbow out there to be bought cheap to come off the throttle body, then whatever tubing to the MAF then custom ducting to filter.. need to totally re-route air intake and was curious, also is there a gain besides noise from removing the vortec silencer box? thanks

[juztyn]

I noticed a slight bit more pep when I took the silencer off. YMMV though. Go to walmart and steal the lid off a spray paint can (I used low gloss engine paint, matches rest of the system and looks stock). Take the silencer off, put the lid over it. If you like it keep if not take it off. Easy.

[XXL]

I noticed a slight bit more pep when I took the silencer off. YMMV though. Go to walmart and steal the lid off a spray paint can (I used low gloss engine paint, matches rest of the system and looks stock). Take the silencer off, put the lid over it. If you like it keep if not take it off. Easy.

Still running this way after a year ;) Mine says "Satin Black" on it :phatyo:

[juztyn]

Low Gloss Black gives you more power :read:

[XXL]

Low Gloss Black gives you more power :read:

Yeah, but my truck's a bit of a sleeper. I didn't want to scare off would-be racers when they saw gloss.

:tongue:

[98350ss]

Nice mod *bump*

[scrammersam]

will i notice any difference mentionable. i have the k&n in the stock box. pulls good. took the lid off the box got more pull and a louder engine:head: ....so is this going to make much more of a difference. btw without having filter in the air box yall clean your filter more often dontcha. cuz you will gain back your 850hp with it clean again:ford:

[N0DIH]

Has anyone come up with a version that works on the 454 that looks good? The intake between the MAF and the TB is pretty twisty.

[scrammersam]

no one knows if this is gunna help me:judge: :judge:

[CKTA]

no one knows if this is gunna help me:judge: :judge:

It will be a little better then the 1/2 a box you have now. It's a straighter flowing set-up this way. That factory 90 kills the flow IMHO.

[scrammersam]

It will be a little better then the 1/2 a box you have now. It's a straighter flowing set-up this way. That factory 90 kills the flow IMHO.
thanks. would you suggest doin the corigated piece after the maf

[NacIK]

I was wondering if my intake was an aftermarket kit. I have never seen them on another truck, unless it is the intake for the hoes. I took off the Vortech box and cut off some of the box inbetween the air filter and the finder hole. I does sound nice however and picks up quite well.
http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i169/thenacik/DSC01256.jpg

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i169/thenacik/DSC01255.jpg

[dalejrfan8]

^^^ That kinda looks like a Tru Flow style intake but im almost positvie its not...... I did the sliencer removal thing and it made my truck a little louder. Maybe a slight increase in power and mpg but nothing spectacular.

[NacIK]

I agree, not much of a power difference, but it does help out though when you are towing. The trans down-shifts less.

[evildick1]

Anyone know of a non-ghetto way to remove the vortec silencer box and plug it?

I just installed an AEM brute force intake and it isn't as loud as I had hoped, although I can hear a bit of difference at WOT.

Was hoping if I got rid of the silencer box it might sound better.

[96thebossgrnchv]

try the "search" option:read:

[evildick1]

try the "search" option:read:

I did, but the best I could find was a pickle jar lid painted black.

[Tahoe97]

I did, but the best I could find was a pickle jar lid painted black.

Go to a hardware store in the plumbing section and buy a rubber end cap. Its looks great and you couldnt see it unless you look at the hose clamp holding it on.

[Dhorn33]

So I just spent 10 minutes reading this post and not one person posted anything about a real world gain in mpg?? Did this help mpg at all?

[CKTA]

So I just spent 10 minutes reading this post and not one person posted anything about a real world gain in mpg?? Did this help mpg at all?

Did you read the first post? :think:


"Tighten everything up and enjoy better throttle responce, better milage and better upper RPM "pulls"." :read:

[Dhorn33]

"Tighten everything up and enjoy better throttle responce, better milage and better upper RPM "pulls"."


That statement says nothing about a real world gain in mpg - it says "better mileage" which mean what? .5 mpg better - 10 mpg better? Anyone actually keep track of what kind of mpg gain this mod netted them?

[CKTA]

That statement says nothing about a real world gain in mpg - it says "better mileage" which mean what? .5 mpg better - 10 mpg better? Anyone actually keep track of what kind of mpg gain this mod netted them?

Everyones results will be different based on driving habits, gears, size of truck and 2 or 4wd.

My '96 gets 20 MPG (all around driving) with just this and exhaust.

[Dhorn33]

Everyones results will be different based on driving habits, gears, size of truck and 2 or 4wd.

My '96 gets 20 MPG (all around driving) with just this and exhaust.

I understand that - but for reference what were you getting before you did this mod? For example:
I have average 13.8 mpg over the past 9 months - after I did this mod I am now averaging 14.5. When I added a higher flow muffler my mileage has averaged 15.2....

Something that shows an actual documented improvement instead of a "seat of your pants" estimate. A lot of people spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars chasing small gains in mpg or hp when in reality some of the things they do actually make it worse! I don't mean to sound stupid or anything - I was just curious because it looks like a lot of people have done the mod on here and/or the silencer removal on these Vortec motors. I would think at least one person would have posted up that they had a "1 mpg" increase in or something like that if it was actually working. Anyone?

[CKTA]

Never checked the before, but I know for a fact it was'nt as good stock.

I know what you are saying, but for 20 bucks you really have nothing to loose.

[scrammersam]

my 96 z71 is getting 20 mpg with hard driving and all ive done is take the lid off and a k&n. im slow on progress with the truck

[AcrophobicChevy]

i did the MAF grid delete and silencer bypass i kinda like it....helluva ot louder...MPG would go up if i kept my foot out of it

[NacIK]

If it does anything it does make it louder.

[coondogz71]

is there a way to block off the vortec box and leave it on there? just block it but leave it on?

[diecast92]

When you put an intake like this on, don't you have to unplug the battery for 30 minutes to reset the ECM so it will notice the higher airflow?

[N0DIH]

No, you can just drive. Everytime the PCM goes to a different load cell, as long as learning is enabled, then it will update those cells. All pulling the battery does is reset back to 128 for all cells. It really doesn't matter, just drive normal. Odd driving behavior will cause learning to be turned off or for it to be wrong when you do hit the cells in the normal driving.

[96thebossgrnchv]

http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e63/zo6vtt/04-02-07_1756.jpg
http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e63/zo6vtt/04-02-07_1757.jpg

[WetPaintYukon]

I wanna see a good pic of how you guys are mountin these things and if I can use my stock air filter.

[coondogz71]

my 96 z71 is getting 20 mpg with hard driving and all ive done is take the lid off and a k&n. im slow on progress with the truck

i thought about taking the cove off of mine did you have any trouble or any thing? thanks

[LoneStarZ71]

I just took the plastic box off mine and used two zip ties to hold it in place, and it doesn't look redneck either.

[nerraw117]

i am unable to find a 3 and 1/2 coupler anywhere. even online. anyone got any suggestions.

[305c1500ext]

hi all.this is my first post.i have a k@n std filter and took the cover off the air box,but when i drive i get trouble codes saying both o2 sensors are rich.i also have a jet mass air sensor in the truck.any help....philip

[CKTA]

hi all.this is my first post.i have a k@n std filter and took the cover off the air box,but when i drive i get trouble codes saying both o2 sensors are rich.i also have a jet mass air sensor in the truck.any help....philip

Put the stock MAF back in...those aftermarket ones su(k IMHO.

[CKTA]

i am unable to find a 3 and 1/2 coupler anywhere. even online. anyone got any suggestions.

If your local Depot or Lowes carries anything from Fernco they can get it. If not you can buy from Fernco direct.....look up there site on Google.

[scrammersam]

i thought about taking the cove off of mine did you have any trouble or any thing? thanks

no probs unless you go into a lot of water

[kenman1717]

I wanna see a good pic of how you guys are mountin these things and if I can use my stock air filter.
yes you can use the stock air filter, its the same size as that K&N filter they are using. the reson i know, is lots of people i know use that same K&N filter in the stock airbox. i tried the K&N filter didn't care for it much, i can make a stock one last 2 years, and its still as clean as the day i bought it.

[east1la]

thanks for the homemade air intake instructions.

[ROLLIN'CEN-CAL]

i have a 99 NBS with the vortec 5.3 the whole intake looks different than yours mine has some weird tube that sits above the fan shroud. i dont know what its for but will this setup still work for wut i have?

[madman96]

I like it

[mark land]

CKTA, I did a similar mod using your information but wanted to eliminate the accordian hose and make a more straight thru, restriction free system and also be able to untilize the stock filter as well. I used the 3" Fernco coupler to attach the MAF to the stock intake pipe then got a Fernco 3" Qwik ELL to attach to the MAF and go to my filter end which I attached a 4" section of 3" PVC. My stock filter was rather loose on the 3" PVC so I put a clamp around it and tightened it down snug to the pipe. I drilled a 11/16" hole in the Qwik ELL to attach my IAT sensor and then got 2-3" pipe hangers to secure the MAF to the engine dipstick holder mount and the other to secure the PVC pipe to the firewall. I also eliminated the large square box on the back of the intake portion(the one that has Vortec on it) by using a 2" Fernco Cap on it. The whole installation looks really clean and clears up alot of room on top of the engine. Came in very handy when I replaced the distributor on my truck! I can use stock or any other clamp on cone filters with this system. The noise is slightly higher, but can definitely feel the pick up and more power on the road. Like it so far! Also,Lowe's was the only place I could find the pipe hanger at, nobody else could find it. I have pics of the finished system but cannot seem to find a way to post any pics. e-mail me if you would like those pics. mark@muzzy.com Mark

[LBS]

Not sure what a fernco coupler is, but I just used a 3" Rubber coupler (forgot the name brand, it didnt even need to be 3/12") and it worked perfect. Very good mod, throttle response is so much better!

[CKTA]

Not sure what a fernco coupler is, but I just used a 3" Rubber coupler (forgot the name brand, it didnt even need to be 3/12") and it worked perfect. Very good mod, throttle response is so much better!

The rubber coupler you used is a Fernco. :aniteef: Fernco is the company that makes them.:cool: Glad you liked the "mod".

[JJonesey]

Originally Posted by 133
I wanna see a good pic of how you guys are mountin these things and if I can use my stock air filter.

Just wanted to add some info on mounting. I bought one of these pipe hangers (black plastic coated) at Lowes. They come in various sizes. You just bend the bottom and mount using the holes.

Image here : http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=80205-1816-L26090&lpage=none

[N0DIH]

I am not running anything holding mine down and it rattles at times and sucks.... I'll be looking for one, Lowes is down the street, across from Home Depot!

[WetPaintYukon]

I went to the home depot in durham, nc and asked where the fernco couplers where and some asshat pretty boy that had no business working in the hardware section started laughing and asked me what in the world I was talking about. Needless to say he had no idea even when I explained in out in fvcktard terms and they didnt even have 3.5" to 3.5".

So now im gonna get off my a$$ and just order it on the net.....

[N0DIH]

They are commonplace in the plumbing section, they are with the white PCV stuff.

We have Menards as a local home improvement place too, of HomeBase out west, or Lowes or even a small hometown local like TrueValue, they should have them.... Very common parts.

[theunforgivenll]

just to help clear somethings. alot of ppl are looking for 3.5 to 3.5 couplers and not finding them. keep in mind that when they refer to pipe being 3" that is the inside diameter so the outside diameter is 3.5. they being said when you buy a coupler that is for 3" pipe it is going to have a 3.5" inside diameter, witch we need to slipe over the maf. so when i pick up my coupler it said 3" but it had a 3.5" inside diameter that fit the maf perfect
just thought i should add that b/c i too went out looking for a 3.5 coupler

[lowbravada]

I got mine done yesterday and went 100 miles and it is getting around 2mpg more. Thanks for the info. Oh yea and i just used the stock maf coupler it worked fine for me. I'll get pictures up tommorow

[CKTA]

:cool:

[lowbravada]

Once i get a k&n it will jump higher im sure. It's just the stock filter right now. Ithink alot of it is getting rid of that tight 90 right after the maf

[Maduag]

its a decent mod. I did the EXACT same thing to my truck 4 years ago though