I’ve tested various best cold air intake for Chevy Silverado 1500, and let me tell you, there are some affordable options that really deliver. A good cold air intake can provide a significant power boost and greatly improve your ride quality. Allow me to share my top picks, complete with authentic reviews.
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Top 5 Best Cold Air Intake for Chevy Silverado 1500
*Note: Score is based on our AI score (Editor’s choice and rating)
FYI, prices and ratings are accurate as of time of writing.
1/K&N Cold Air Intake Kit: High Performance, Guaranteed to Increase Horsepower: Fits 2014-2020 Chevy/GMC/Cadillac (Silverado 1500, Suburban, Tahoe, Sierra 1500, Yukon, Yukon Denali, Escalade) V8
Top-rated: 3,379+++ ratings | 349+++ answered questions
Highlight: K&N cold air intake systems guarantee a significant boost in horsepower and torque. By offering a less restrictive airflow path, these systems increase the volume of cool, oxygen-rich air into your engine. This can lead to an estimated increase of up to 11HP and up to 21.24 ft.lbs. of torque.
Reviews of customer
Helpful review: I recently made a modification to my 2014 Silverado 5.3L that I had been wanting to do. After buying and installing it, I noticed a decrease in my MPG by 2-3. Admittedly, I may have been a bit heavy on the gas to enjoy that amazing sound when the air is pulled into the intake. However, even after easing up on the throttle, I didn’t see much of a difference. Upon further research, I discovered that some people had experienced the same issue and attributed it to the oiled filters used by K&N. It appeared that during the first few hundred miles, some oil from the filter would get on the MAF, potentially causing the engine to consume more fuel to compensate for the perceived decrease in airflow.
To address this, I purchased MAF sensor cleaner and thoroughly cleaned the MAF. Over the subsequent miles, I noticed my MPG returning to normal. I want to make it clear that this is not a flaw with K&N; it is simply a characteristic of using an oiled filter. I recommend being aware of this potential issue and cleaning the MAF after driving with the filter for some time. Personally, I might clean it again soon to ensure everything is running smoothly. On another note, I also installed a catback exhaust shortly after, and I am absolutely thrilled with the sound combination. I highly recommend it. – Kindle Customer
Trending review: I was pleasantly surprised with my 2018 Chevy 1500 6.2L V8 Black OPS Badlander edition. Equipped with installed flow master dual exhaust, I was initially concerned it would be too loud and obnoxious. However, it proved me wrong. The truck sounds amazing on start-up and when I step on the gas pedal. At idle, it emits a pleasant, high-performance motor sound, rather than the annoying noise of a broken glass pack. In fact, my dyno test showed a noticeable increase in horsepower, from 489hp to 512hp. My truck is properly chipped and mapped, and the difference in both performance and sound is palpable. To put it to the test, I raced a 2019 Mustang 5.0 on a quarter mile, and I left it behind by 2 car lengths. All this with my jacked-up mud machine! – Jason
Reassuring review: After trying three different intakes on my 2015 Silverado 5.3L, I’ve finally found the best one. The first one I tried was the SLP Blackwing, but it was way too loud for my taste, so I had to remove it. Next, I gave the Airaid MIT a shot, which improved the low-end feel and provided a small boost in high RPM power, but didn’t make much of a difference in terms of sound compared to the stock intake.
Finally, I settled on the K&N unit, which turned out to be the winner. The chrome-ish finish of the tube adds a nice touch to the truck’s appearance. With the K&N intake, I immediately noticed an improvement in low-end throttle response, similar to the Airaid. Now, when I accelerate out of a corner, the tires want to break loose, which didn’t happen with the stock intake. The sound is just right – it’s pretty quiet during cruising, but under moderate to heavy throttle, it produces a satisfying growl that perfectly complements my OEM Borla muffler system. Overall, I’m extremely happy with the K&N unit and I plan to stick with it.
I haven’t encountered any issues with the truck running or any check engine lights coming on since installing the K&N intake. I’m not entirely sure why the SLP Blackwing was so loud, but I believe it may have been due to its plastic tube and the plastic tub surrounding the filter element, both of which created more resonance and volume compared to the K&N. – EB
Most-discussed review: The installation process for this kit is fairly simple if you have experience working on your truck. With a stated installation time of approximately 90 minutes, I was able to complete it in just around 50 minutes. The kit itself includes everything you need, except for tools. However, it’s worth noting that the rubber seal for the air box will need to be trimmed to fit properly, as it is initially shipped in a generic length. Aside from that, everything else can be directly installed out of the box.
In terms of performance, I personally noticed a difference, although individual experiences may vary. I paired this with a Borla exhaust on my 2015 Sierra, and I absolutely love the combination of sounds. After driving roughly 250 miles over the course of a week, I’ve observed an improvement of approximately 1.65 MPG according to the computer on my regular commutes. Additionally, I must mention that the open air box really makes the engine roar back between full throttle shifts.
Overall, this kit offers a straightforward installation process, significant performance enhancements, and an appealing combination of sounds for truck enthusiasts. – Britt Nelson
Updated review: I was initially very happy with this upgrade as it greatly enhances the sound of my Magna Flow exhaust. Even though I’m not a car enthusiast, I didn’t encounter much trouble during the installation process. However, I found following a video tutorial to be easier than relying solely on the instructions provided. One problem I encountered was the risk of cross-threading the plastic PC valve hose fittings on the sides of the air intake. Although there was a warning about this issue, I made the assumption that the thread should be flush with the pipe, which ultimately resulted in stripping the thread while attempting to hand tighten it. Thankfully, I managed to find some compatible brass fittings at Ace Hardware, which ended up working better. In terms of the sound difference, it wasn’t as noticeable as I had anticipated, but overall, I am still pleased with the upgrade. – JKH
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2/Spectre Performance Air Intake Kit
Top-rated: 467+++ ratings | 49+++ answered questions
Highlight: The Dyno-tested design is aimed at boosting horsepower and torque. With up to 50% more airflow compared to restrictive factory box air filters and intake tubes, it offers enhanced performance.
Reviews of customer
Helpful review: I heavily relied on others’ reviews for this purchase. Despite being on the fence, I decided to take the risk and make the purchase for only $154. And guess what? It paid off! I am completely satisfied with the product.
Not only was the kit in great condition, but it also wasn’t missing any pieces. And let me tell you, it looks and sounds AMAZING! My engine has transformed for the better, giving it a fierce growl. Not to mention, the acceleration has noticeably increased. The only downside is that it doesn’t save me any gas, but I’m willing to make that trade-off because I absolutely love the sound.
The installation was a bit challenging. I ended up disregarding the instructions because of their flawed order, which made it difficult to fit everything in properly. However, this is expected with aftermarket installations. Once I figured out that the instructions were useless, everything went much smoother.
Oh, and by the way, it has been over a week and my air filter has NOT popped off! Yes, you read that right – it hasn’t popped off at all. I did sand the bottom lip preemptively, as suggested by the reviews, and it seems to have done the trick. If you’re considering getting one, make sure to read the reviews and watch a great YouTube video on it. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.
I’m so impressed with this product that I want to get one for my wife’s truck too. Unfortunately, she finds it annoying, but hey, mission accomplished. – Jonathan
Trending review: I own a 2014 crew cab with a 5.3 flex fuel engine. While I haven’t observed any increase in fuel efficiency, there is a clear and satisfying throttle response when I step on it. The growl from the engine is absolutely incredible! I can’t stress enough how impressed I am with the quality of Spectre kits – this is my second one, as I had one installed on my previous truck. Don’t waste your money on K&N, go with Spectre and you won’t be disappointed. – Matt
Most-discussed review: After doing extensive research, I decided to purchase the GMC 5.3 with the K&N cold air system for just 14 GMC. Having used K&N’s in the past, I thought it was worth trying this one for less than half the price. To my surprise, it’s just as good, if not better! I drive 40 miles every day, and when using cruise control at the same speed (70mph), I’ve experienced a 4-6 mpg gain.
Not only that, the performance side of this cold air system is impressive. It gives my GMC a deeper sound and noticeably more power off the line and in the midrange. The shift sounds incredible too, reminding me of my childhood when I used to play with the old circular air boxes.
I highly recommend this cold air system. Just a tip, you can throw away the installation instructions and instead, watch the video on Spectre’s YouTube account for a better installation guide. – SCGWC
Updated review: When purchasing this item, I recommend thoroughly inspecting the inside of the pipe for any slag residue on the welds. Fortunately, I discovered this issue and easily rectified it using a file. It’s essential to be cautious as any debris could cause damage to the engine.
Comparing this intake to the K&N intake I bought for my Subaru two years ago, the overall quality falls short. The clamps, couplers, packaging, and overall construction do not match the standard of the K&N intake.
To improve the appearance under the hood, I personally painted mine with truck bedliner as the chrome didn’t complement the surrounding components.
Once installed, the sound is impressive. It does not significantly increase noise on partial throttle, but provides a satisfying growl during acceleration. Additionally, I observed a one-mile-per-gallon improvement in fuel efficiency.
If you’ve recently purchased a new truck, I recommend investing a little extra for the K&N intake. – Scott
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3/Volant 15553 Pro 5 Filter Enclosed Air Intake System
Top-rated: 130 ratings | 39 answered questions
Highlight: Benefit from increased air volume and flow, resulting in a reduction in air temperature. Achieve higher horsepower and torque like never before.
Reviews of customer
Helpful review: As mentioned in another review, the air box has a noticeable gap and doesn’t seal properly against the inner fender fresh air opening. This seems odd considering the price of the item, especially when the factory box seals perfectly fine. I’ve reached out to Volant for their input and will wait for their response. Aside from this issue, everything else fits well. The sound is great at WOT and not too loud at idle. However, there is some noise when AFM engages, which is a bit strange. On a positive note, the throttle response is noticeably improved. As expected, the MPG has decreased due to the increased air intake requiring more fuel. It’s important to keep an eye on MPG to avoid running too lean. Overall, I have had great experiences with Volant systems, although I do wish this particular design was improved. – CGB
Trending review: I installed this on my 2018 Silverado 5.3l and I’m loving it! The installation was a breeze, and it made a noticeable difference in throttle response. Plus, the sound is amazing. While driving normally, you might not hear much of a difference, but when you really step on the gas, it sounds fantastic, especially at high speeds. Another great thing is that it remains quiet while cruising.
There was a minor issue with the air box not fitting properly when I first installed it, but after reaching out to the company with some pictures, they promptly sent me a replacement. It could have been a defect or a fitment issue with later models, but overall, I’m really satisfied with this product.- Samuel Jordan
Reassuring review: I chose this product over K&N and Air Raid for my 2014 GMC Sierra 5.3, and I have no regrets. It provided a significant boost of 15.5 HP and improved my highway mileage by about 2 mpg. The installation was straightforward, although it did take me about an hour. The sound it produces when I hit the gas is exhilarating, and you can truly feel the extra power.
In terms of aesthetics, it blends seamlessly with my truck and looks like an original factory component, thanks to its enclosure. Not to mention, it also improves airflow to the engine. Trust me, this product is a must-have for any car enthusiast! – Juan Gamino
Most-discussed review: I’m really impressed with this product! I installed it on my 2018 Silverado 5.3l, and it was a breeze. The throttle response has improved, and the sound is fantastic. Even though you might not notice a difference while driving at regular speed, once you put your foot into it, you’ll hear a significant upgrade. It sounds especially amazing when driving at high speeds on the highway. Plus, it remains nice and quiet when cruising. However, I encountered a minor issue with the air box not fitting properly, which seems to be a common problem according to other reviews. The good news is that when I reached out to their website with pictures of the issue, they promptly sent me a replacement. Not sure if it’s a defect or a compatibility issue with later models, but overall, I’m quite satisfied with my purchase. – Shea Lucero
Updated review: This is my 3rd purchase of a Volant intake. As usual, the fit and finish are superior. The closed hi flow design can’t be beat – it’s quiet when cruising but opens up with a great sound when you lay into the throttle. I couldn’t be happier! – Amazon Customer
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4/aFe Power Momentum G.T. 54-74104 GM Silverado
Top-rated: 88+++ ratings | 19+++ answered questions
Highlight: The upgraded intake outflows the factory intake by up to 35%, resulting in an added boost of 12 max horsepower and 15 lbs. x ft. torque.
Reviews of customer
Helpful review: I’ve owned the AFE brand intake for my 2018 Sierra for nearly a year now, and I figured it’s time to share my review. After extensive research on available intakes, I chose AFE over my usual preference for K&N, mainly because of its sleek sealed design.
Installation was straightforward and didn’t require any special tools. It took about 45 minutes, but I took my time to ensure everything went smoothly. The only difficult part was removing the stock setup since I wasn’t familiar with how it was secured.
Once installed, I was impressed by how clean everything looked. Upon starting the truck, I noticed a slight difference in sound, but not as much as some reviews had suggested. During a test drive with increased throttle, there was a noticeable yet not incredibly significant change in sound. I was expecting the reported “growl,” but unfortunately, it wasn’t evident.
However, I did encounter an odd rattle. This turned out to be caused by the air-box rubbing against the firewall due to a tight fit, as mentioned in some forums. I resolved the issue by inserting a square piece of rigid foam between the box and the firewall, completely eliminating the rattle.
In terms of performance, I haven’t noticed any significant changes. My gas mileage remained the same, and I didn’t experience any noticeable increase in horsepower during regular driving or towing. While it definitely improved upon the restrictive stock setup, I’m not entirely convinced it made a substantial difference. That being said, it does add to the visual appeal of the truck.
Despite the lack of notable performance gains, I still genuinely like the AFE intake and do not regret my purchase. It has been reliable, even during cold winter months. I haven’t had to clean or oil it yet, so I can’t comment on that aspect. I appreciate the inspection window, although it is still challenging to get a clear view of the filter’s dirtiness. Opening it up for inspection is still the better option.
Overall, I consider this intake to be a solid investment, and I would recommend it over the K&N option simply because it offers a more sealed unit while still allowing for improved airflow compared to the OEM system. – From other countries
Pros:
-Easy install
-Good looks
-Slight growlCons:
-had to fix rattle against firewall
-inspection window not clear enough to get a good picture of filter condition
-opening it up take tools
Trending review: The fit and design of this product are excellent. Not only does it provide great sound, but it also addresses the issues I had with the previously installed K/N filter. With the K/N, the filter was located in the engine bay, resulting in excessively high intake air temperature and engine pinging during acceleration. However, after switching to this product, I noticed a significant improvement. It features a design that allows cooler air to be drawn from inside the fender well, similar to the factory intake system. This not only lowers the air temperature but also enhances overall performance. – Murphy’s Small Engine Repair
Most-discussed review: My husband purchased this awesome intake for his 2014 Silverado High Country 6.2. Installation only took about 20 minutes, and he was able to reuse the two quick disconnects from the OEM intake on the engine side. For now, he has placed the plug on top of the box. It looks way cooler than the stock one! And to top it off, it was a great bargain – we got $100 off the retail price because someone returned it for some reason. It’s a win-win situation for us!
He plans to do a data log file with the Autocal and send it to Blackbear Performance to check if the tune needs any adjustment. – Amy swedell
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5/Cold Air Intake System with Heat Shield Kit + Filter Combo RED Compatible
Top-rated: 113+++ ratings | 16+++ answered questions
Highlight: Enhance your engine’s performance with the air intake kit. By drawing in more cold air, it improves throttle response, resulting in a higher explosive horsepower output.
Reviews of customer
Helpful review: I installed this on my 2004 GMC 1500 and, although it didn’t come with instructions, it was manageable if you have some prior knowledge. It took me around 2 hours, but the only way it fit was by cutting the fan shroud, which was surprisingly easy. The results were impressive, taking my exhaust to a whole new level and adding a satisfying snap. Plus, it looks great under the hood, so I couldn’t be happier with it. –From other countries
Trending review: Initially, the product lacked instructions, causing installation to take significantly longer and the assembly process to be confusing. Furthermore, the fit was subpar, not meeting expectations. On a positive note, the throttle produces a pleasing sound when engaging. Nevertheless, there is a drawback when washing the vehicle in an automatic car wash—water spraying on the filter causes the engine to momentarily stall. However, this issue resolves itself within a minute or two. Overall, the product enhances the appearance of the engine. – GERRY H.
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Cold air intake pros and cons details
Chevy Silverado Cold Air Intake – More Info on Each year
-Cold Air Intake for 2014 Silverado 5.3
The K&N 63-3082 Intake Kit reigns supreme as the best cold air intake system for your 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500. Not only do these systems amplify engine performance, but also improve fuel economy.
By simultaneously boosting the volume of cool air directed to the engine and increasing airflow, this system creates an unparalleled driving experience. In addition, the high-flow air filter and targeted air duct design prevent large debris and contaminants from entering your engine, thus extending your car’s lifespan.
So if you’re looking to supercharge your truck, a cold air intake system is just what you need. Join the ranks of informed Chevy Silverado 1500 owners who have already experienced the enhanced performance of this popular upgrade.
-Cold Air Intake for 2015 Silverado 1500
Our top pick for the best cold air intake system for a 2015 Chevy Silverado 1500 is the K&N 63-3082 Intake Kit. What sets apart the cold air intake system of a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is its ability to improve engine performance through enhanced cool air intake.
This system increases airflow, resulting in better engine performance, increased fuel efficiency, and a more aggressive engine sound that amplifies the driving experience.
Additionally, the system’s top-quality air filter protects the engine from dirt, debris, and other contaminants, prolonging its lifespan and reducing the risk of damage.
The unique features of this cold air intake system differentiate it from previous years and make it a popular upgrade for truck owners.
-Cold Air Intake for 2016 Silverado 1500
Our top pick for the best cold air intake system for a 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500 is the K&N 63-3082 Intake Kit.
Picking up on its previous 2015 model, the cold air intake system stands out by providing a cooler air stream to the engine, leading to improved performance and fuel efficiency.
The high-flow air filter and air duct design maximize the engine’s potential and subsequently enriches the driver’s experience with an aggressive engine sound.
By protecting the engine from dirt, debris, and other contaminants, the high-quality air filter helps to prolong the engine’s lifespan.
These unique features differentiate the 2016 Chevy Silverado cold air intake system from the rest, making it a top contender in the industry.
-Cold Air Intake for 2017 Silverado 1500
Our choice for the best cold air intake system for a 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500 is the K&N 63-3082 Intake Kit. The 2017 model boasts two critical advances over the 2016 version: improved engine performance and an even more aggressive engine sound.
The high-flow air filter and air duct are finely tuned to provide optimal airflow and superior engine performance while improving fuel efficiency. The engine sound becomes more invigorating, creating a more thrilling driving experience overall.
In addition, the top-quality air filter guards the engine against dirt, debris, and other contaminants, ensuring longevity while reducing damage risk. As a result, many truck owners upgrade to this cold air intake system to enhance performance and driving pleasure, setting the 2017 Chevy Silverado apart from its predecessor.
-Cold Air Intake for 2018 Silverado 1500
We highly recommend the K&N 63-3082 Intake Kit as the best cold air intake system for the 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500. This system powerfully enhances engine performance and fuel efficiency by incorporating a high-flow air filter and optimized air duct design.
The engine performance increases and the sound deepens, producing more bass and providing an excitingly aggressive driving experience. Moreover, the top-quality air filter protects the engine from dirt, debris, and contaminants, extending its lifespan.
Upgrading your cold air intake system to the 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 guarantees an incomparable engine performance that differentiates it from the 2017 model. Pick up your K&N 63-3082 Intake Kit today and become the king of the road with your pimped-out Chevy Silverado!
-Cold Air Intake for 2019 Silverado 1500
The K&N 63-3082 Intake Kit reigns supreme as the top cold air intake system for a 2019 Chevy Silverado 1500. Its superior design boasts two key features that put it ahead of the competition.
Firstly, this system delivers exceptional engine performance by increasing cool air intake. The high-flow air filter paired with a well-designed air duct maximizes airflow. This, in turn, boosts engine performance and enhances fuel efficiency.
Secondly, the innovative filter housing design protects the air filter from hot temperatures created under the hood. This ensures a constant supply of cool air to the engine, further enhancing its performance.
The 2019 Chevy Silverado cold air intake system stands out from its competitors. Unsurprisingly, this upgrade is a popular choice for truck owners seeking increased performance.
Chevrolet Silverado K&N Kit FIPK 5.3L/6.2L 1500 2014-2018 Installation
- youtube.com/watch?v=d30oPvqIhRc
- https://chevroletforum.com/forum/silverado-fullsize-pick-ups-21/cold-air-intake-48273/
- https://www.r8talk.com/threads/cold-air-intake.177056/
- https://www.airaid.com/air-intakes
- https://www.caranddriver.com/car-accessories/a37212205/cold-air-intake-filter-cleaning/
I’m Timothy Ballard, owner of a used car dealership in Springfield. I love just about everything automotive, but I have a special place in my heart for trucks. I’m an ASE Certified Master Technician, so I know my way around a car. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling with my family and hiking new trails.
Hey guys, I’ve got a 2020 5.3 and I’m interested in getting a cold air intake. Since I’m in New York, I need one that’s “carb-approved.” Do any of you have any recommendations? I’ve been checking out cold air inductions and the classic K&N cold air intakes, but I’m not sure which one to go for. I want to avoid any inspection issues. Thanks in advance, guys!
Following! I’ve seen the S&B brand be really good. Anyone else have input?