2006 Yukon Denali 6.0L Cold Air Intake

[1986swb]

Recently picked up a one-owner, low-mileage, non-smoking, no-dog, 2006 GMC Yukon Denali that is fully optioned from the factory, including its 335 HP, 6.0L Vortex engine.

I would like to replace the OEM airbox with an aftermarket cold air intake system. However, I'm not sure which route to go with respect to brand, filter type, etc.

Any thoughts (and photos) you can share are greatly appreciated.

Initially, I read about Volant's cold air intake system and it "sounds" good from all of their marketing collateral. However, I am unsure if an oiled filter is better than a non-oiled filter. http://www.autoanything.com/air-inta...aspx#community

Again, let me know your thoughts.

In the meantime, here are some pics of the new gurl.

[biggsteve97]

Nice Denali! I do not know anything about the Volant intakes but I do know about the K&N intakes. On the stock exhaust system the K&N seems to cause a slight loss of power from about 1300-2300 when compared to the stock air box but picks up massively in the mid to upper rpm. I do not know exactly why but even K&N dyno chart and air flow charts show the loss but it also shows about an 18hp gain in the higher rpm. Banks makes an awesome cold air kit that seems to flow a little better and looks alot better than the K&N but costs more. The only drawback to an oiled filter is when you clean a re-oil the filter it is easy to put on too much oil and that could cause problems with the mass air flow sensor over time. You would gain alot more from an exhaust system especially if you get headers too. but cost drives the purchase anymore. good luck.

[1986swb]

Thanks bigsteve97 for the insights. I knew there were some performance difference among the different brands of cold air intake systems. I heard about K&N's issues on the low end so thanks for the confirmation. I'll look into the Banks system as well. The perfect system will provide me with the correct performance and great underhood looks.

With respect to oiled/non-oiled filters, I'll probably go with the former -- less work and less chances for issues.

My Denali is still under factory/extended warranty for another 2 years so I need to check to see if replacing the OEM air box (and other engine/suspension modifications) will void the warranty. If so, well, I'll just have to wait a little. Or not.

[1986swb]

BTW - I picked up some mint 20" OEM GMC optional rims this weekend for my gurl. I check with my local GM dealer and these are discontinued. List about about $565 each rim and about $46 for the center cap. I got these at a fraction of the list price. The sale also included the chrome lug nut caps. I just lucked out -- I was at the right place at the right time. I plan to replace the existing 17-inchers with these once I decide on the proper tire brand and sizing.

[biggsteve97]

sweet wheels and awesome deal. its too bad they are discontinued that is always my issue it seems everything i want or need is discontinued anymore.
good luck

[BP68]

I put a GM Performance parts cold air intake on my 06. Not sure about hp gain, but seems to have improved throttle response and I think it looks nice and it uses a dry filter.

[truckdude239]

get a dry filter if you over oil the filters it get sucked into the mass flow senor and ruins it

[1986swb]

Originally Posted by BP68

I put a GM Performance parts cold air intake on my 06. Not sure about hp gain, but seems to have improved throttle response and I think it looks nice and it uses a dry filter.

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Nice. Didn't know GM made these. I'll check it out. One thing though. I read the that the air intake duct (for lack of a better description) should not be of a metal material as it will absorb heat from the engine bay, defeating the purpose of cold air flowing into the engine. Hence, these ducts are made from "plastic" or poly materials. Anyone can vouch for this? Kind of makes sense.

Your thoughts?

[1986swb]

Originally Posted by truckdude239

get a dry filter if you over oil the filters it get sucked into the mass flow senor and ruins it

That's what I heard as well. Thanks for the qualification. Dry it is.

[biggsteve97]

Originally Posted by 1986swb

Nice. Didn't know GM made these. I'll check it out. One thing though. I read the that the air intake duct (for lack of a better description) should not be of a metal material as it will absorb heat from the engine bay, defeating the purpose of cold air flowing into the engine. Hence, these ducts are made from "plastic" or poly materials. Anyone can vouch for this? Kind of makes sense.

Your thoughts?

I have heard that too. also the route that metal tube takes seems like it would restrict air flow even worse than the stock one. just a thought. Looks awesome though.