Does a CAI really improve engine performance ?

[NathanJax]

Really? I noticed my mpg's slightly went down when I did added an Airaid CAI to my Tahoe I had... it had improved response when stepping on the gas pedal and it sounded cool but def didn't help my MPG's :/

that's because you stomp on the gas to hear it all the time...

 

[felixgun]

LOL that's probably slightly true but I tried not to stomp on it for a whileeee and I NEVER saw an mpg increase. Regardless, it's a sweet mod... just don't want people thinking they are gonna get all kinds of mpg gains with just a CAI. I also had magnaflow muffler and BB 87 economy tune... still no mpg increase.

 

[MACHO]

Really? I noticed my mpg's slightly went down when I did added an Airaid CAI to my Tahoe I had... it had improved response when stepping on the gas pedal and it sounded cool but def didn't help my MPG's :/

I hear yah about being realistic on the MPG gains. I def noticed it on mine ESP with all the in town grocery getting type driving. Plus the fact that it stays in v4 longer! Longer in v4 means it HAS to be getting better mileage right? Even with me getting on it I still have better mileage when I previously would have to do a long road trip to get my MPG Average increased to the range it's maintaining right now.

 

[felixgun]

That's awesome that you are getting such results. What year is your Tahoe? Mine was an 08.

 

[07whitetahoe]

My truck is a 98 k-1500 with a L-31. I changed out the intake with a 3" tube and k&n air filter. Made my own box. It helped a little. I then changed it out to a 3.5" tube and it made a huge difference. You can really tell a huge difference when the air temp is cooler, as it pulls stronger. Then I ported and polished my TB, that made my throttle response a lot snappier, although I didn't remove the TB diffuser, it really helped off the line.

Remember to always reset your PCM for maximum results when modding engine related components.

 

[MACHO]

that's awesome that you are getting such results. What year is your tahoe? Mine was an 08.

2011

My truck is a 98 k-1500 with a L-31. I changed out the intake with a 3" tube and k&n air filter. Made my own box. It helped a little. I then changed it out to a 3.5" tube and it made a huge difference. You can really tell a huge difference when the air temp is cooler, as it pulls stronger. Then I ported and polished my TB, that made my throttle response a lot snappier, although I didn't remove the TB diffuser, it really helped off the line.

Remember to always reset your PCM for maximum results when modding engine related components.

My understanding is the newer electronics on the NNBS (and most newer vehicles) adjust based upon the increased airflow as well as learn your driving habits. I understand this wouldn't apply to your '98 and Im getting a BBP Tune so it doesn't really affect me, but was curious. Also, how do you reset the PCM for those that this would apply to?

 

[07whitetahoe]

Just pull the fuses and wait about 15 minutes, till the residual power bleeds off that circuit.

 

[Rockytfox]

Just pull the fuses and wait about 15 minutes, till the residual power bleeds off that circuit.

Which fuses?

 

[07whitetahoe]

They usually say PCM1, and or PCM2. Which is for powertrain control module.

Or in case for the OBS there is also ENG1, ENG2. It won't hurt to pull them all

 

[Zed 71]

I did not notice any gains (power or mpgs) from CAI or exhaust alone. The throttle response was better and it sounded awesome, but no noticable gains. Yes the engine is like an air pump, but if you increase the amount of air flowing through the fuel will also be increase to keep the sustain the factory A/F ratio. A tune would be required to truly take advantage of the mods...