TEN's annual guide to performance air intake systems for your truck and SUV.
When truck enthusiasts decide to improve their vehicle’s performance, one of the first aftermarket items they bolt onto their engines is an air intake system. Aftermarket air intakes are designed to improve upon the factory air-inlet ducting and filter to provide an increased flow of air to the engine. In most cases, the result is improved horsepower and fuel economy from a system that utilizes a reusable high-flow filter element.
There are various types of intake systems that are manufactured from plastic, steel, stainless steel or aluminum tubing that delivers a smoother transition of air, over the stock intake, from the air inlet to the engine’s throttle body. The total amount of airflow that is provided and the materials that the system is manufactured from are what separate the designs of the various manufacturers. Although tubing length, bends and the type of air filter used are different from one manufacturer to the next, there are essentially three types of air intake systems.
Open element designed intakes reduce lots of restriction and flow large amounts of air by using a cone-style filter. The reason is that cone Filters offer a larger surface area, so getting the maximum amount of air is unrestricted. These intakes typically consist of a three-inch diameter tube, some silicone or rubber sleeves, and hose clamps to hold it all together.
Heat shielded air intakes take the open element design a step further and provide a heat-shield that blocks out engine heat and allows colder air to enter into the intake system from under the vehicle or from ducting that is provided in the kit. Sealed element air intakes are much like the factory system. What makes them different is that they use a high-flow filter in a sealed air box, that is larger than the factory air-inlet box. This provides more air volume and protects the filter from moisture, dirt and engine heat.
With an abundance of aftermarket air intake systems, we decided to put together a guide to acquaint you with the various manufacturers and designs that are available. Take note that some manufacturers are vehicle specific while others make Air Intake Systems for a variety of make and model trucks and sport utility vehicles. The amount of horsepower and torque that is developed also varies and some manufacturers use extensive dyno testing to ensure that their systems develop the amount of power that they claim.
360-Degree AirIntakez 
Style: Open element, air intake system that is available for Ford, Chevrolet, Jeep and Dodge Ram applications.
Editor’s comments: The system is manufactured from a four-inch steel tube that is powder coated and uses a nine-inch long, cotton-gauze cone filter and heat shield. Many members of the www.DodgeTruckWorld.com website find that this intake works very well on the Hemi Dodge Ram. Some members claim 10 horsepower and 19-lbs.-ft. of torque from this unit. Info: 9040 Manalang Road, Las Vegas, NV 89123 (702) 458-6034; Fits: Ford, GM, Dodge, Jeep, Gas, Diesel
AEM 
Style: Brute Force, shielded open element design. These intakes are designed specifically for large displacement engines found in popular Ford, GM and Dodge trucks and SUVs.
Editor’s Comments: The systems are manufactured from a polished aluminum tube that is clear coated to maintain a great appearance without the need to constantly polish. The company also recently introduced its Dryflow filter media that can be reused but does not require oiling. The Dryflow media features increased air-flow over paper element Filters and improved filtering capabilities. The company takes its time to specifically test and tune each system, and all are 50-state emissions legal. Info: 2205 W. 126th St., Hawthorne, CA 90250 (310) 484-2322; Fits: Ford, GM Dodge, Nissan, Toyota, Gas, Diesel.
AFE 
Style: Magnum Force, shielded open element designs for Ford, GM, Dodge, import truck and SUV applications.
Editor’s Comments The intake tubes on AFE’s systems are made from steel and are powder coated with a black finish on the outside of the tubing. The company also uses its own design of cotton-gauze, high-flow Filters and has recently concentrated their efforts in Diesel applications. Many diesel owners on www.DieselTruckWorld.com like to use this company’s specific diesel Filters as they feel it provides additional protection with improved air flow. Info: 191 Granite St., Corona, CA 92879 (909) 279-4050; Fits: Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Nissan, Toyota, Gas, Diesel
Airaid 
Style: Shielded open element designs for Ford, GM, Dodge, Import and Jeep car and truck applications.
Editor’s Comments: AIRAID air intakes feature an open element design that utilizes the company’s own cone-style, cotton-gauze air filter. The company features two types of Air Intake Systems that replace the entire factory air intake, and a line of Quick Fit systems that only replace the factory air filter housing and utilize the vehicle’s Original intake tubing. Many consumers like the performance gains from AIRAID making it one of the more popular systems on the market. Info: 14840 N. 74th Street, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 (480) 443-3333; Fits: Ford, GM, Dodge, Jeep, Nissan, Toyota, Gas, Diesel.
Air Force One 
Style: Open element and shielded open element designs for Ford, GM Dodge, Lincoln, Jeep, cars and trucks.
Editor’s Comments: The AFO intake systems are made from polished stainless steel. This grade of stainless is aviation grade and will never rust or corrode. These systems also utilize an open element air filter but several newer applications use a heat shield to prevent the system from taking in engine heat. The company has developed a following with Ford truck and SUV enthusiasts and although many of their systems make power on the dyno, many enthusiasts like the appearance of the system as well. Info: 17225 West Sierra Hwy., Santa Clarita, CA 91350 (888) 788-4648; Fits: Ford, GM, Dodge, Lincoln, Jeep, Gas, Diesel
American Products Company 
Style: Open element design for a variety of GM, Ford, Dodge applications.
Editor’s Comments: APC manufactures its own line of Intimidator Air Intake Systems that are made from chromed steel tubing and feature a conical air filter at the end. Some of the truck applications use plastic tubing but all of the Intimidator intakes are of an open element design and come with all of the necessary hardware for easy installation. Info: 22324 Temescal Canyon Rd., Corona, CA 92883 (909) 898-9840; Fits: GM, Ford, Dodge, Gas
BBK 
Style: Open element design for Ford, Dodge and GM trucks and SUVs.
Editor’s Comments: The company’s cold-air-induction systems utilize a high-flow washable conical cotton element filter and depending on the application, are manufactured in chromed steel or polished aluminum. Info: 1871 Delilah Street, Corona, CA 92879 (909) 735-2400; Fits: Dodge, GM, Ford, Gas
Bully Dog 
Style: RFI shielded open element design for Ford, Chevy and Dodge diesel applications.
Editor’s Notes: The RFI (Rapid Flow Intake) systems feature an open element, cotton-gauze, cone filter that is situated into a heat shield. It replaces the factory air box and uses the OEM intake tubing to provide cooler and additional airflow to the Turbo diesel engines, providing improved boost and performance. Info: 2854 W 2200 S, Aberdeen, ID 83210 (208) 397-3200; Fits: GM, Ford, Dodge, Diesel
CGS Motorsports 
Style: Open element design for GM, Ford, Dodge and Import applications.
Editor’s Notes: CGS Motorsports intakes are made from steel tubing that is mandrel bent to eliminate kinks or depressions in the bending process. Each intake is double powder coated, once with ceramic silver, then with a clear coat for a nice-looking finish. Info: 3227 Producer Way, Suite 134, Pomona, CA 91768 (909) 444-5536; Fits: Ford, GM and Dodge, Nissan.Gas.
DJ Motorsports 
Style: Open and shielded intake designs for Dodge, Ford, GM, Lincoln and import applications.
Editor’s Notes: The systems are manufactured from a composite plastic and feature a high-flow cotton-gauze air filter. The DJ Motorsports intakes also come with stainless steel hardware and high-temperature silicone hose. It does have a rubber seal around the heat shield but we are not aware of any defect or problem with the system. Info: 23019 Antonio Pkwy., Rancho Sta. Margarita, CA 92688 (949) 635-0164; Fits: Dodge, Ford, GM, Lincoln, Nissan, Gas
Fram Boost 
Style:Sheilded element design for Dodge, Ford, GM and import applications.
Editor's Notes: The Fram Boost Air Intake Systems are designed with the company's own high-flow synthetic, oil-less filter element that is attached to a polished aluminum intake duct that replaces the factory unit to improve horsepower and throttle response. Info: (800) 890-2075. Fits: Ford, Dodge, GM and import applications, Gas and Diesel
Granatelli Motor Sports 
Style: Shielded open element designs for Ford, GM, Dodge, applications.
Editor’s Notes: Granatelli is more widely known for their aftermarket mass airflow meters, but they also manufacture high-flow Air Intake Systems that feature an open element design and use a heat shield. The Filters are a cone-style cotton-gauze and the tubing is made from a composite plastic. Info: 1000 Yarnell Place, Oxnard, CA 93033 (805) 486-6644; Fits: Ford, GM, Mopar,Gas
Green Filter 
Style: Open and shielded filter element designs for GM, Ford, Dodge Lincoln applications.
Editor’s Notes: This company manufactures its own high-flow filters, which has a green color to the element. It too is a cotton-gauze design and Green has developed a line of open-element air-intake systems that utilize a heat shield when necessary. Most of the Green Filter intake designs however, replace the factory air filter box and use the factory inlet duct to improve airflow.
Info: 714 Braddock View Drive, Mt. Braddock, PA 91762 (724) 430-2068; Fits: Dodge, Ford, GM, Lincoln,Gas.
K&N 
Style: FIPK and 77-Series open element and shielded designs for GM, Dodge, Ford, Import car and truck applications.
Editor’s Notes: Description: The FIPK kit, which stands for fuel injection performance kit, is well known throughout the automotive aftermarket industry. The K&N Engineering FIPK kits use a plastic intake tube and are an open element style intake system. K&N uses a plastic or steel heat shield in many of their truck systems and they are all 50-state emissions legal. The company’s 77-Series kits are similar in design but utilize a polished aluminum tube to improve the appearance of the unit in the engine compartment. K&N designs their air intakes systems from dyno testing and the company is well known for its introduction and development of the cotton-gauze air filter. The air Filters come with a million-mile warranty. The company also includes a bottle of Air Filter Cleaner and oil in most of their intake systems. Info: P.O. Box 1329,Riverside, CA 92502-1329. (800) 858-3333; Fits: Ford, Chevy, Dodge, Toyota, Nissan, Honda, all popular gas and diesel engines.
Mopar Performance Parts 
Style: Shielded and open element designs for Jeep, Dodge, truck and SUV applications.
Editor’s Comments: Mopar manufactures a variety of performance air intake system for Jeep Grand Cherokee and other Dodge truck and Chrysler car models. The systems are made from a composite plastic and some of them are open element while other models are shielded. Many Dodge and Jeep enthusiasts have found that the systems provide good power gains. Info: 26311 Lawrence Ave. CMIS 423-07-05, Center Line, MI 48015-1241; (810) 497-1366; Fits: Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep vehicles only.
Envisia Technologies 
Style: Outlaw Performance sealed element system for GM, Ford, Dodge, Import applications.
Editor’s Comments: Envisia Technologies manufactures its Outlaw Cold Air Intake System for trucks and SUVs. The intakes are complete and fully enclosed systems that pull cold outside air through the factory location. The Outlaw Performance systems utilize a new type of air filter design that is a cotton-gauze matrix, but uses a patent pending velocity stack in its filter base. The inside of the cone design also features a bulb top that amplifies the air intake velocity, thus producing greater gains in performance. Info: 760 Central Ave #4, San Bernardino California 92408 (619) 342-4133; Fits: GM, Ford, Dodge, Toyota, Gas.
Pacesetter 
Style: Air F/X open element filter design for Ford, Chevy Dodge and Jeep applications.
Editor’s Notes: Pacesetter manufacturers the AIR F/X Performance Air Induction Systems, the company manufactures their intakes from 3.5-inch diameter tubing that is powder coated silver for a clean appearance. Info: 2841 W. Clarendon Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85017; (602) 266-1964; Fits: Ford, Chevy, Dodge, and Jeep applications.
S&B 
Style: Sealed element design for GM, Ford, Dodge, Import applications.
Editor’s Notes: S&B manufactures a line of sealed intake systems utilizing a larger enclosed air intake box with a clear lid. The systems are made from a polyethylene plastic and are designed to grab air from the factory locations and improve air-flow using S&B’s unique cotton-gauze filter element. Info: 787 S. Wanamaker Ave
Ontario, CA 91761; (800) 358-2639; Fits: Ford, GM, Dodge, Import, Gas and Diesel.
Steeda 
Style: Open element design intake system for Ford truck applications.
Editor’s Notes: Steeda Air Intake Kits are specifically designed for Ford, high-end specialty trucks. They include an aluminum intake tube that eliminates the factory air box and uses a large cone-style, cotton-gauze filter to improve airflow into the engine. The aluminum tube is powder coated silver and attaches to the factory mass airflow meter. The system still gathers air from the factory location on the fender and is easy to install. Many member of the FordTruckWorld.com website like the performance and appearance of the Steeda intake systems. Info: 1351 NW Steeda Way, Pompano, FL 33069 (954) 960-0774; Fits: Ford Lightning, F-150 and Harley Davidson Edition pickup trucks only.
True Flow 
Style: Sealed air intake design for GM, Ford, Dodge, Import applications.
Editor’s Notes: True Flow intakes are different from other air intake systems. The company takes a minimal approach and uses factory components when necessary and incorporates their high-flow, foam element air Filters that trap more dirt than cotton-gauze filters. True Flow manufactures systems for a multitude of make and model truck and SUV applications and are 50-state emissions legal. The units are easy to install and they are designed on the dyno to deliver substantial gains in performance over the factory intake system. The company’s claim to fame is their foam Filters which flow large amounts of air but also filter better than cotton-gauze element units. Info: GCA Industries 21602 North 2nd Avenue, Suite 1, Phoenix, AZ 85027 (623) 780-3885; Fits: Dodge, Ford, Chevy, Toyota, Nissan, Gas, Diesel
Volant 
Style: Sealed intake designs for GM, Ford, Dodge, applications.
Editor’s Notes: Volant takes a different approach to making power with this air intake system. Volant uses a patented design using a sealed box that houses its own high-flow air filter. The air box is larger than stock and often has provision for a ram-air scoop that is routed from the bumper. The system is manufactured from polyethylene and the company uses a stainless steel lid or carbon-fiber style lid to enhance the beauty of the unit in the engine compartment. This company is also dedicated to developing new products through dyno testing and makes a wide assortment of intakes for domestic and import trucks and SUVs. Many members of the FordTruckWorld, ChevyTruckWorld and DieselTruckWorld.com websites testify to the power and reliability of the Volant air intake systems. Info: 8759 Lion Street, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730; (909) 476-7225; Fits: Ford, Chevy Dodge and import trucks and SUVs.
