Which Intake?

Blastmeister · 07-30-2008, 07:22 PM

I've decided to upgrade my stock '04 rather than buy a new truck (it only has 150,00km / 90,000 miles on it). It just got new injectors courtesy of GM, so I think the next step is an intake and exhaust upgrade.

Out of the 5 or 6 intakes out there, I'm leaning towards either the afe or a Banks but I'd like to see what others have to say, especailly on the Banks since there doesn't seem to be that much info on it. I like the idea of a dry filter but are the oiled filters that hard on the MAF?

I'm kinda new to this, especially engine upgrades, so any / all opinions are appreciated. FYI, I use this truck pretty much exclusively for pulling our 16k lb tow hauler.

Cheers,

Daryl.

**aggar** · 07-30-2008, 07:27 PM

I"ve got a AEM Workhorse intake and it does good. As long as it is a dry filter you'd be good to go. I don't know much about the others but mine does great. Never have a problem with the Filter sucking in.

**pONSi** · 07-30-2008, 07:27 PM

No need for an aftermarket air intake unless you plan on increasing your hp above 500...You need to start with an aftermarket exhaust for better flow and lower egt's...I would then get gauges and a tuner from there.

**aggar** · 07-30-2008, 07:29 PM

ALso for lower EGt's is the BD Full bore driver side exhaust manifold. Might look into it.

Blastmeister · 07-30-2008, 07:35 PM

I read about the l/h exhaust manifold in one of the diesel mags and it is also on my short list. Dunno why GM didn't make it like the right side in the first place, since from what I remember the BD manifold doesn't cause any interference with the steering shaft. Is the manifold something I can do at home with basic tools, or should I pay to have it done? I'm moderately mechanically inclined and have a pretty good selection of tools.

Thanks.

**aggar** · 07-30-2008, 07:38 PM

You can do the manifold yourself. I did mine. Make sure you spray some PB blaster or something on the bolts a little bit before you do it and give yourself plenty of time. Mine took me longer b/c we were missing some tools at our shop.

88_trex · 07-30-2008, 08:59 PM

i have been hearing the afe dry systems are pretty much the best you can buy.

mromoney · 07-30-2008, 09:09 PM

I have a K&N filter now in the stock airbox (oil). I looking at the Amsoil airfilter (Dry) and what I know so far is dry is better. So I would go with the Amsoil Air filter my self. Go to the Amsoil website and check it out, amsoil.com. Plus run FULL Syn oil thru and thru your truck. motor, both diffs, Trany and Tranfer case. It helps with adding a little mpgs.

**Tow Master** · 07-30-2008, 11:45 PM

I bought the AFE for my truck and its ok. I just got a S&B for my powerstroke and I was impressed! I'd defiantly look into the S&B you cant beat the system especially for the price!! If you do decide to go with afe DONT get the stage II with the "torque tube" that is the most pointless thing I have ever put on my truck. IMO save the $100 and put it in the tank! Also I'd say the banks system is a little overpriced for what it is!

For the manifold. I removed my passenger side when I installed my gauges and it want to bad. The easiast thing to do is remove the wheel and inner fender then everything is right there!

**gr8shot** · 07-31-2008, 07:53 AM

If you get the BD manifold it's already tapped for an egt gauge, so just as well plan on buying your gauges at the same time.

You don't need an intake, the stock one flows pretty darn good, and the stock filter is great. If you are dead set on an aftermarket intake, I would go with S&B. They have the next highest filtration efficiency, stock filter is the only one higher, I think.

If it were me, I'd do the exhaust, BD manifold & gauges, and programmer. Probably in that order. And I'd save myself a couple tanks of fuel and use the stock intake.