I am stuck between buying a new AEM Brute Force Intake with a synthetic air filter or a volant cold air intake. Most people say that the brute force set up is one of the best and their new synthetic oil free filters are really good, but I would like to here some more input. Cost isnt really a factor b/c I've found them for about the same price. Thanks.

Most people are thinking that these aftermarket intakes don't really improve performance and some let lots of dirt into your engine. The stock element is an excellent filter and seems to give the engine all the air it needs. There are several options in the works to get cold air into the stock airbox check the Vararam thread for more info as there are two options mentioned there that will be available shortly.

Of course if you want the intake for the coolness factor or the turbo sound then have at it. The Proguard element supplied with the AFE intake is supposed to be the best in terms of filtering and airflow. Don't know about the two you are considering though.

I know after much reading here, my K&N is going in the trash once I decide what to replace it with - probably one of the options that allow a stock filter to get cold air.

AEM has a nice looking product. That being said the diameter of their intake is to small. The air velocity is increased in the smaller diameter pipe and messes with the MAF sensor parameters when running anything over stock. This will throw codes for both the MAF sensor and turbo overboost due to the way the calculations are worked out in the ECM. I use this intake and am satisfied with the exception of the occasional codes.

If there is somone from AEM that reads this post I would like a PM if you're interested in talking.

AEM has a nice looking product. That being said the diameter of their intake is to small. The air velocity is increased in the smaller diameter pipe and messes with the MAF sensor parameters when running anything over stock. This will throw codes for both the MAF sensor and turbo overboost due to the way the calculations are worked out in the ECM. I use this intake and am satisfied with the exception of the occasional codes.

If there is somone from AEM that reads this post I would like a PM if you're interested in talking.

I took mine off because all it did was throw codes relating to the MAF sensor. P101 code. Sensor is too far down stream. Poorly designed product.

mp2 (formally KB) and Tx are also working on air box mods. Look for that info also. We are still hoping someone gets a chance to get the 06 box and run it on the older trucks for testing.

So I'm guessing you guys would go for the volant system over the AEM brute force system. Or how about the AFE system, but its really pricey.

I think it depends on what are you trying to acheive with this investment?

I think it depends on what are you trying to acheive with this investment?


I just want a littler bit better, maybe colder airflow and hopefully some slight power. I know that these intakes dont add the power claimed. I was just really liking the idea of the synthetic air filter cause its oil free and you dont run into the problem of maybe adding too much oil and ruining your sensors, but I first have to find out for sure if I will get error codes on my 05 duramax with the aem brute force. If I'm theres a chance that I'll get error codes I will consider something else most likely Volant, Airaid, or AFE. I would also like opinions on which set up is the best.

Can get the AFE for $245 at http://www.consperformancechips.com/catalog.htm

Some are reporting that the intake in motion helps with cold air and can add to power others just get one because it looks cool and makes the turbo sing louder. The Stage 2 is the one you want if you are going to go this route. The Proguard filter element is their top-end element. Do a search for AFE Stage Proguard adn you will get lots more info from folks that have these units.