Top 8 Best Cold Air Intake For Chevy Silverado 1500
Are you unsatisfied with the current power of your Chevy Silverado 1500? You can just upgrade your cold air intake at an affordable price and achieve that extra performance you need!
We assembled this article to show you how cold air intake increases the horsepower, how it can be fitted in your engine, and also selected the top-rated products for you.
So stick to the end of this article and select the best cold air intake for your Chevy Silverado 1500.
Click here to skip to our recommended pick!
- Fitment: 2014-2020 Silverado
- Engine Compatibility: 2019 Silverado 1500 LD 5.3L V8 Gas All Models, 2014 - 2018 Silverado 1500 5.3L V8 Gas (Except Hybrid), 2014 - 2018 Silverado 1500 6.2L V8 Gas All Models
- Output: 318+ HP
- Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
- Purchase link: Buy your K&N Performance Air Intake System 63-3082 (2014-2020 Silverado) at Amazon!
- Fitment: 2014-2016 Silverado
- Engine Compatibility: 2014 - 2016 Silverado 1500 5.3L V8 Gas (Except Hybrid), 2014 - 2016 Silverado 1500 6.2L V8 Gas All Models
- Airflow Improvement: +40.16%
- Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
- Purchase link: Buy your S&B Filters Cold Air Intake 75-5069 (2014-2016 Silverado) at Amazon!
- Fitment: 1999-2004 Silverado
- Engine Compatibility: 1999 - 2004 Silverado 1500 4.8L V8 Gas All Models, 1999 - 2004 Silverado 1500 5.3L V8 Gas All Models
- Output: 238+ HP
- Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
- Purchase link: Buy your K&N Performance air intake 57-3021-1 (1999-2004 Silverado) at Amazon!
- Fitment: 1999-2006 Silverado
- Engine Compatibility: 1999-2006 Silverado 1500 / 1500 HD with 4.8L/5.3L/6.0L
- Brand: SUPERFASTRACING
- Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
- Purchase link: Buy your SUPERFASTRACING 4" Cold Air Intake System SU38043 (1999-2006 Silverado) at Amazon!
- Fitment: 1999 - 2006 Silverado
- Engine Compatibility: 1999 - 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 / 1500 HD with 4.8L/5.3L/6.0L Engine
- Brand: MOOSUN
- Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
- Purchase link: Buy your MooSun 4" Cold Air Intake System MS-06880 (1999-2006 Silverado) at Amazon!
- Fitment: 2014-2019 Silverado
- Engine Compatibility: 2014-2019c Chevrolet Silverado 1500 with 4.8L/5.3L
- Brand: Volant
- Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
- Purchase link: Buy your Volant 15553 Pro 5 Filter Enclosed Air Intake System at Amazon!
- Fitment: 2014-2019 Silverado
- Engine Compatibility: 2014-2019 Chevrolet Silverado with 1500 5.3L/6.2L
- Brand: Spectre Performance
- Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
- Purchase link: Buy your Spectre Performance Air Intake Kit SPE-9006 (2014-2019 Silverado) at Amazon!
- Fitment: 2017-2018 Silverado
- Engine Compatibility: 2017 - 2018 Silverado 1500 with 5.3L/6.2L Gas
- Airflow Improvement: +40.16%
- Value for money: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
- Purchase link: Buy your S&B Filters Cold Air Intake 75-5116 (2017-2018 Silverado) at Amazon!
Our Overall #1 Rated Pick
63-3082 K&N Performance Cold Air Intake System
Top Features
- Guaranteed horsepower and torque improvement
- Improved towing ability
- Better filter life and reusable high flow air filter
- Increased efficiency and fuel economy
- Higher lifespan and 10 years per million miles warranty for such a lower price
We have chosen this product as the best of its kind because it is dyno tested which guarantees the desired increase in horsepower and acceleration without the need for any ECU tune.
63-3082 K&N Cold Air Intake Kit is the best-performed product at such a low price. Its greater increase in horsepower amplifies uphill performance and improves acceleration by shortening throttle response time.
Usual cold air intakes increase the horsepower by about 5 – 12 hp. But this K&N Cold Air Intake Kit guarantees a 10.68 hp raise @5341 rpm which is in the upper end of the range.
Greater horsepower also generates more engine noise. But this product is said to improve the engine sound as well. It takes about 90 minutes to install and the filter needs cleaning every 100,000 miles in usual driving conditions.
Overall, all of these beneficial specs at such a value price make it the best cold air intake for Chevy Silverado 1500.
How Much Horsepower Does a Cold Air Intake Add to a Silverado 1500
Cold air intake will significantly increase the performance of your Chevy Silverado 1500 by increasing the horsepower and torque. Theoretically, this is due to the increase in oxygen level on the intake air. Most intake air kit brands claim around 5-20 hp increase by using their products.
Now we will show you the cold air intake hp gain for top-rated products from different brands. Different experimental tests are performed before and after installing a cold air intake and we can see a difference between the power reading.
S&B 75-5116 cold air intake
For our best-selected product, S&B 75-5116 cold air intake the tests performed on a 2017-2018 Silverado 1500 are linked here.
Here between the 5.3 Vortec cold air intake and stock intake, there is a 40.16% airflow gain and the efficiency rate jumped from 99.45% to 99.74%. Although the hp gain is not measured the airflow gain signifies a massive jump in hp.
K&N 57-3021-1 cold air intake
Some other tests are performed on different top-rated products such as 57-3021-1 K&N cold air intake and 9006 specter air intake.
Run Title: Stock 00 1500, 5.3L, auto, 2G
Run Notes: Stock as delievered. 55846 miles. 2
nd gear run
Run Date: 10/8/2001 2:26:38 PM
Stock.001: 77.68 °F, 29.07 in-Hg, SAE: 1.02
Run Title: FIPK 00 1500, 5.3L, auto, 2G
Run Notes: 57-3021 FIPK installed. 55846 miles. 2
nd gear run
Run Date: 10/8/2001 3:05:02 PM
K&N.002: 80.10 °F, 29.05 in-Hg, SAE: 1.03
Horsepower gains based on specific or similar vehicle dynamometer test. Results will vary. For more information, lookup vehicle and/or testing protocols at KNFilters.com
From the K&N manufacture site, dyno testing on a Silverdo 1500 5.3 cold air intake hp gain is 9.12 hp and torque gain is 8.95 lb-ft @5.52 rpm. The SpectrePerformance also shows a significant hp gain.
Hence you can increase around 5-20 hp on your Chevy Silverado depending on the brand.
Best Cold Air Intake For Chevy Silverado 1500
In choosing the best air intake for Silverado, you may look for different traits by your liking. In this article, we reviewed different varieties of top-rated cold air intake especially for Chevy Silverado 1500.
The top best product [hide]
K&N Performance Air Intake System 63-3082 (2014-2020 Silverado)
This product has the #1 seller rank on both Automotive performance air intake filters and Automotive performance emission systems, making it the best seller intake system.
The cold air intake system has a tested hp gain of 10.68 hp for a 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500 5.3L and 13.78 hp increase for a 6.2L version. It has a Roto-molded HDPE intake tube and the air filter material is high quality oiled cotton.
It has a wide range of vehicle compatibility. Easily fits Chevy, GMC, Cadillac 2014-2020 models which makes it the best cold air intake for 5.3 Vortec engines.
Serves as: 2014-2020 cold air intake for Chevy Silverado
S&B Filters Cold Air Intake 75-5069 (2014-2016 Silverado)
It has guaranteed maximum performance by ensuring 40.16% more airflow than the stock intake and has an efficiency rating of 99.15%. The product is modeled for 2010s trucks making it the best cold air intake for 2012 chevy Silverado and the following models.
Serves as: best cold air intake for 2012 chevy Silverado
K&N Performance air intake 57-3021-1 (1999-2004 Silverado)
This product has a wide range of testing results and Installation procedures provided on the manufacturer’s site making it the most practical product of our article.
From the Dynamometer test charts, this product has a 9.12 hp gain. The filter is the same as other products of the same brand, made of oiled cotton, and will run for 100,000 miles without replacement.
You will see a significant change in your engine sound after installing this product. Smoother sound will always feel nice while driving your truck.
Serves as: 1999-2004 cold air intake for Chevy Silverado
SUPERFASTRACING 4" Cold Air Intake System SU38043 (1999-2006 Silverado)
This product can increase your truck performance by 8-10% hp and 6-10% more torque gain. Also, the filters are easily cleanable and reuseable.
Best replacement for older 1999-2006 GMC/ Chevy V8 4.8L/ 5.3L/6.0L trucks. If you own one this is the budget product for you.
Serves as: 1999-2006 cold air intake for Chevy Silverado
MooSun 4" Cold Air Intake System MS-06880 (1999-2006 Silverado)
The heat shield is made of durable steel and coated with carbon black powder with a sleek look.
A 5-10% horsepower and 6-10% torque increase for such an inexpensive product and also grant your truck with a soothing engine sound.
Serves as: 1999-2006 cold air intake for Chevy Silverado, 1999-2004 cold air intake GMC
Volant 15553 Pro 5 Filter Enclosed Air Intake System
The product can increase your power up to 18 horsepower, torque up to 40 lbs, and also provide better mileage. It also comes with two filter options high performance one or the high maintenance one. Your choice!
These variant features make the product worth your money. You will not regret buying such a high valued product.
Serves as: 4.8 Vortec cold air intake, 5.3 Vortec cold air intake
Spectre Performance Air Intake Kit SPE-9006 (2014-2019 Silverado)
The 50% increased airflow is Dyno tested so you don’t need to yourself. Dyno testing results deduce increased horsepower, torque, and acceleration both for cruising on a flat path and uphill towing.
Only easy-available hand tools are needed to install the air intake kit. This Product is the best cold air intake for the newer models of Chevy Silverado 1500. Also compatible with GMC, Cadillac, and all other Chevy models.
Serves as: best cold air intake for GMC sierra 1500, best cold air intake for 2019 Silverado
S&B Filters Cold Air Intake 75-5116 (2017-2018 Silverado)
Same as other S&B products it is tested with a 40.16% increase in airflow making it less restrictive than the stock air intake. Also, a sharp drop in intake air helps the engine achieve greater horsepower.
You can even run your engine with enhanced tuning and stock calibration. You won't find your check engine lights automatically turning on while using this product. You can easily assume that this is the best cold air intake for 2017-2018 Chevy Silverado.
Serves as: best cold air intake for 2017 Silverado, best cold air intake for 2018 Silverado 1500
Cold Air Intake For Chevy Silverado Benefits
Before selecting the product you first need to know what the cold air intake does to increase the performance of your truck.
Power is generated in an engine by burning the fuel and air mixture. By installing a cold air intake system instead of a stock one you can ensure more airflow, thus increased efficiency.
Cold air intake decreases the inlet air temperature of your engine which in turn carries more oxygen into the combustion chamber. Thus increasing the combustion efficiency of the fuel.
For more detailed info you can watch this video
This systematic operation will benefit you by:
More Horsepower Generation
The increased flow rate of oxygen ensures complete burning of the fuel thus generating more power.
Improved Efficiency and Fuel Economy
The cold air intake increases the air-fuel ratio thus generating more power at a lower fuel usage with an increase in the milage.
Environmental Friendly
The more complete combustion ensures less fuel particle exits through the exhaust. Also, cleaner air generates a smoother sound. Thus installing a cold air intake will lessen both air and sound pollution. You can watch this short video of with and without the cold air intake sound of Chevy Silverado.
Low Cost and Easy Installation
Easier installation and less price than other intake systems make cold air intake the best air intake for Chevy Silverado.
Surely with such benefits, your Chevy Silverado will get an outstanding performance change.
Cold Air Intake For Chevy Silverado 1500 – Buyer’s Guide
Now that the performance gain is clear to you, surely you would like to get the best air intake system for Chevy Silverado. We will tell you some features to consider before choosing one.
Compatibility and Size
Not every product will fit on your on the trunk. Some newer model Silverado is not compatible with older products. So it is always the first and foremost thing to check the affinity. Usually, on the manufacture’s site or amazon, you will find an option to check if the product fits on your model.
Filter Maintenance and Type
There can be dry filter or reusable filter, changeable or unchangeable one. Different types of filters affect efficiency differently. So for the best type, you should look for long filter life and an easily changeable one.
Price and Durability
In every Silverado cold air intake review, you will find the price as the fundamental cause of selection. Usually, the performance and durability have an opposite relationship with price. If you crave the best of the best you will have to buy something pricey. Also, cheap products come with a handicap. So it is better to choose something middle range.
Increased Airflow and Efficiency
The working mechanism of the cold air intake is to increase the performance by sucking in more oxygen. So greater airflow is always a great point to evaluate a cold air intake. Also, the efficiency differs product by product and part by part. An example is a dry filter is more efficient than a cleanable one. It’s your choice to choose the efficient one or easily maintainable one.
Heat Resistant Barrier
Some products have a heat resistant barrier to reduce the airflow temperature. Some come in a closed container, others fairly open. But it is always better to have a built-in thermal barrier build in with the product.
How to Install Cold Air Intake for Chevy Silverado 1500
If you found your desired cold air intake you don’t necessarily have to take it to the car mechanic. All our Mentioned products in this article don’t even take more than 90 minutes of installation time. You can install it yourself only with basic hand tools!
- Screwdriver kit
- Pliers
- Ratchet
- Allen wrench set
- Socket
Installation steps
First wear some safety gear such as goggles, gloves, etc. Be sure to turn off your truck and disconnect the battery.
Locate the stock intake and remove it usually with a socket or wrench. Take out the new air intake and check the manufactures instructions so you don’t void any warranty.
Using a Hose clamp lock the air filter onto the air tube. Slide the non-filter part of the intake tube in the airbox. Slip the silicone tube on both sides of the tube.
Connect the MAF sensor to the new air intake system and bolt the cover with a wrench. Connect the battery and turn on your truck. You can now take a test drive with your new improved truck!
Follow this short instructive video for the practical experience! You can also follow together step by step!
