I am sure that this has been asked many times, but I am looking for an aftermarket air box for my Duramax. What is a good one? K&N or what?

Thanks, Ben
www.BenHedrick.com (http://www.BenHedrick.com)

There is lots to read on the subject :) My understanding is the factory air filter is one of the best there is.. There is a test floating around here somewhere that show it beat out all the aftermarket devices.

Now there is a problem with all the air boxes in that they take in VERY hot, over 180 degree, air from the engine compartment. In a poor attempt to "cure" the overheating problem GM has given some people the Factory 06 air box.. That has helped the engine in that it is now getting cooler air , not helped the overheating though... The biggest problem, I see, with the 06 air box is the greatly increased filter price.. Your going to spend at least 20 bucks more for that filter over your current filter... That adds up!

I kept my filter box and standard filter and added the aftermarket CAI shown in my sig... That CAI works very well and pays for itself in just three filter changes...

Another issue your going to run into is the Mass airflow sensor getting oiled or having the incorrect values if you use an aftermarket air box. They have to flash your truck if you have the 06 air box installed.

And then there is the warranty issue. Some people have had warranty worked refused if they show up with an aftermarket air box....

I like the method I am running,, It's a simple design that never has to be serviced and will not need repairs. It will pay for itself in three filter changes and keeps the air intake temps ~ ambient temps when running down the road. Best of all I have no problems taking my truck in for service with it in place :)

Good Luck
Steve

swatkins, Thanks for the information. My truck is out of warranty so that shouldn't be an issue. I have a K&N filter in the stock box now and have it for 50K miles or more and the dealer never said anything bad about it, so that's ok for now. I was just thinking that a cold box or a more advanced air box would help me in performance and possibly mileage. I certainly don't want any air sensor issues or a re-flash... Maybe I should stick with the factory box with the K&N filter element...

Ben

Here is EVERYTHING you would want to know about filters ! http://dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=117009&highlight=air+filter+test+results

My advice would be to match my setup... The filter works well, has no oil to screw up the sensor and is not that expensive... The hot air is what you need to take care of... Here is a report on my testing of the product... http://dieselplace.com/forum/showthread.php?t=45284