Spectre Cold Air Intake? Good or Bad?

[guitarplayr92m]

Hi everyone,
I was in Autozone the other day, just looking around, and I came across Cold Air Intakes. It was made by Spectre....I think thats how you spell it. Anyway, I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with this systems, and if so are they worth the money.

Thanks!

[glfredrick]

Spectre is not exactly known as a high performance supplier. More along the lines of tacky add-on goodies.

Stick with a dyno-proven supplier. K&N, AirRaid, True Flow, Vollant, etc.

[guitarplayr92m]

Spectre is not exactly known as a high performance supplier. More along the lines of tacky add-on goodies.

Stick with a dyno-proven supplier. K&N, AirRaid, True Flow, Vollant, etc.

Thanks! Out of all of the ones that you just listed, which one would you say is the best?

[SBUBandit]

Definitely kind of subjective. Performance wise there is probably not a great deal of difference in the ones listed. I know alot of folks on here have K&N. I myself don't have one yet but if I get one it will probably be a True Flow. But its just a preference thing.

[glfredrick]

I have the True Flow. You can see my step-by-step install as a sticky in the air intakes section of the forum.

Amazon still has a great price on these! $127.45

http://www.amazon.com/True-Flow-10500-Air-Intake/dp/B0009N4O7S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=automotive&qid=1246305350&sr=8-1

Next set of questions...

Did it make a difference? Yes. It boosted my mid-range to wide-open throttle response.

Has it changed my mileage? Not much -- perhaps 1/2 to 1 mpg.

Make more noise? Some, especially when you punch it.

Worth it? Do the PCM for Less tune first, then yes. The True Flow dyno sheet (posted in my thread) indicates that it makes about 8 more horsepower. That is about what I experienced. With the tune, CAI, exhaust resonator delete, new plugs, and Amsoil synthetic, my 03 is now much snappier than it was when I bought it 35K miles ago. It is FUN on the freeway. Much more drivable.

[guitarplayr92m]

Thanks guys, as always prompt feedback, is greatly appreciated! I think I will do a bit more research, it is a big decision, since they are not that cheap, but not overly expensive aswell! Anyway I appreciate it, I think i have narrowed it down to K&N and Trueflow.

Thanks again.

[04BlkCountryVoy]

I was forced to install one on my 5.3 a few weeks ago. Intake tube that the filter clamps to decided to colapse, and dirty air was being let past. With the time being 7pm, and dealerships closed, it was the better of the two options I had, either build my own or spend the money for one already pre-fabed. Unfortunately all Autozone had was a kit for the Tahoe/1500/Burban, so a little modification had to be made. After trimming about 6" off the tube and not being able to utilize the so call "heat shield", it was installed cleanly. All in all, if the time was provided I would've spent the extra dough on a Airaid kit, but that wasnt quite an option for me. Have I noticed an increase in power? negative. Every manufacturer claims they add 10 or 15hp. I havent found one yet that makes a difference you can feel. Sounds awesome though, especially mixing a magnaflow in the rear. You definetely will get those "Oh $hit, what the hell is in that thing" looks from the mustang boys(and gals), camaro's as well.

[AIRAID]

Thanks! Out of all of the ones that you just listed, which one would you say is the best?

Hello guitarplayr92m,

The "Best" can be very suggestive. What constitutes the best?

If you are looking for the Best Overall Quality of Components, the Best Fit & Finish and Performance, and If you are looking for a system that is Made in the USA by a company that stands behind it's systems 100% with our Lifetime "No-Hassle" Warranty, then the choice is very clear.

The AIRAID Intake System.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll307/AIRAIDFilterCompany/200-206-1.jpg

Any other questions, please feel free and let me know.

Thanks,
David