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Head back to the bench to assemble
the new AIRAID airbox assembly. This step is relatively
self-explanatory: fit the two black metal halves together, bolting
them together with the provided 5/16" screws. After the two halves
are tightened together, mount the Billet Filter Adapter as
shown. |
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Now you're ready to drop the new airbox in
place. Place the air boot side in first, holding the factory air
boot out of the way. |
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Once the AIRAID unit is in place, bolt it down
with the provided bolts, or actually we prefered to use the factory
hardware; no reason for this, just personal preference. |
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The installation is almost complete. Slide the
AIRAID conical filter over the billet adapter. Grab a nut driver to
tighten down the hose clamp on the filter. |
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Finally, press the hood seal down on the
airbox firmly until it seats. |
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Thats it! And done easily in 30
minutes...... |
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Page
One -
Page Two |
So, What Did We Think?
Once we installed the kit, and took a step back to check out
our quick install, we immediately appreciated the clean look the
Intake System provides. BUT, that isn't the reason for the kit...we
wanted performance!
From here we jumped in
the truck and ran the 4.8 L to the test. What the 4.8 lacks is top
end power. When the truck drops into drive, it literally falls on
its face, creating a flat spot in the gas pedal. Did the AIRAID
unit cure this problem? No, but that really isn't what the AIRAID
performance add on is designed to do. What it did help was low end
to mid range. At 3500 RPM, the trucks screams into what seems like
a time warp. As the RPMs climb, the Chevy 4.8 L powerplant
continues to pull, netting a turbo-like feel that forces you in the
back of the seat. Was the AIRAID system the cause for all this? Not
all of it, many of the previously mentioned characteristics are due
to other factors, but there are definitely gains achieved from the
intake system. Remember as I have said before it is the details
that make the diference.
After testing the
truck with the AIRAID intake for a few days, we re-installed the
stock setup. There is a difference in the performance of the air
inducting products, although they may not seem that obvious in day
to day highway driving. But there are advantages in not only
performance, but in longevity also. The filter is pre-oiled from
the factory, and can be cleaned and re-oiled when necessary. This
saves you the $40-$50 dollars that will be spent when buying a
factory replacement.
In the end we were
happy with the overall performance and appearance of the AIRAID
Intake system. It provides admirable gains in horsepower, and
alleviates having to buy another filter, ever.
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The Good |
The Bad |
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The filter is able to be cleaned, re-oiled,
and used for practically the life of the vehicle.
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Trick high performance appearance
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Claimed 12 hp increase in power
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A little pricey for the performance gains
achieved
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