Although L5P Duramax has a decent throttle response time, HP, torque, and towing capacity, many drivers want to push them a little more for better performance.
Installing a cold air intake is the first step that you can do for better acceleration, torque, HP, and overall engine performance.
But installing a cold air intake worth it or not?
Let’s find out.
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Types of Aftermarket Cold Air Intake for Duramax L5P
There are two types of aftermarket cold air intake, low-budget cold air intake and high-budget cold air intake.
Low-budget cold air intake costs less than 100 bucks.
High-budget cold air intake costs more than 300 bucks.
Which Cold Air Intake Should I Install in My Duramax L5P?
You don’t need to install an aftermarket cold air intake unless you need extra power from the engine.
But if you choose to install, always select the high-budget cold air intake.
K&N, S&B, Banks Power, etc., spend a lot of money on research to increase HP, torque and overall engine performance.
On the other hand, low-budget cold air intakes will disappoint you because they can’t ensure to enhance the HP, torque or overall performance.
So, installing a low-budget cold air intake is a complete waste of money.
Go for the high-budget and well-known CAI brands.
L5P Duramax Cold Air Intake Worth It or Not?
The answer is no unless you need extra engine power for specific reasons like increased throttle response time, HP, torque and towing capacity.
Choose the high-budget aftermarket cold air intake.
Never buy a cheap one; it will disappoint you.
The first benefit of high-budget aftermarket cold air intake is the noticeable throttle response increase immediately.
You will be able to hear the turbo whistle from your L5P engine.
Duramax L5P is a very powerful engine with 445 horsepower and 18700 lbs towing capacity.
So, the L5P engine won’t disappoint you in terms of power delivery.
But there will be a little power increase after installing an aftermarket CAI.
Some brands, like Banks Power, claim to increase up to 20+ HP.
You may not notice the power differences cause it’s not a huge HP increase.
There will be a noticeable change in engine sound.
But if you want a noticeable HP increase, you need to combine the CAI with the L5P Derringer inline tuner.
It will increase to 81 HP, which will help to tow and provide a more smooth ride.
The sound quality will be better than the stock air intake, and you will love it.
The CAI will supply 50% more airflow to the engine, and the extra airflow will reduce the engine heat.
Pros of High-Budget Duramax L5P Cold Air Intake
- Noticeably increases the throttle response.
- Increases horsepower.
- It saves fuel and increases fuel mileage a little bit.
- Much better turbo sounds.
- The air filter of aftermarket cold air intake doesn’t require cleaning.
- Enhances the airflow up to 50%.
- Looks better than the factory air intake system.
- Cleanable air filter.
- Reduces engine heat by supplying 50% more air to the engine.
- Reduces soot output more than factory air intake.
- Decent warranty period.
Cons of Aftermarket Duramax L5P Cold Air Intake
- The only con is most of the branded cold air intake is pricy.
The following video will help you find out the best “cold air intake” for your Duramax L5P:
Dyno Test Result After Installing a Cold Air Intake
You can easily know a cold air intake worth it or not.
You just need to do a Dyno Test.
A Dyno short-form of Dynamometer is an electronic device that can measure your engine’s torque, rotational speed and power.
After doing a Dyno Test, the result proves an increase in the engine’s Torque, HP, and rotational speed.
So, there is no doubt a cold air intake worth it if you want to enhance the performance of your engine.
FAQs
Does a cold air intake help a Duramax?
Yes, a cold air intake helps Duramax to improve its performance. But it is only possible if you choose the right one.
So, buy high quality air intake if you want to enhance your Duramax engine’s performance.
How much horsepower does a cold air intake add to a 6.6 Duramax?
Maximum research says a cold air intake adds 20 hp to a 6.6L Duramax engine.
However, the exact amount varies depending on the engine model year and specific intake.
High performance air intake with some other modifications can enhance 20-plus horsepower.
Is a cold air intake worth it on a diesel?
Yes, cold air intake is worth it on every type of diesel engine. Generally, cold air intake increases the oxygen density and helps the engine to burn fuel more efficiently.
Therefore, the engine will produce more power.
Depending on the vehicle’s model and engine’s dimensions, the amount of power output varies.
However, after installing cold air intake to the vehicle, it requires more frequent maintenance than usual.
Which is better, Duramax LLY or Duramax L5P?
Duramax L5P is clearly better than Duramax LLY, even in its class. Duramax LLY produces around 605 lb-ft of torque and 310 horsepower.
In contrast, Duramax L5P has records of producing 910 lb-ft of torque and 445 horsepower.
The L5P is the latest engine with advanced features. Therefore, its reliability and longevity are also better.
Final Thoughts on Does a CAI for L5P Duramax Really Worth It or Not
It is definitely worth it if you decide to install a high-budget aftermarket CAI on your L5P Duramax.
Branded CAI has many pros, and high price is the only cons of an aftermarket CAI.
You don’t need to change your factory air intake if you are satisfied with the performance.
Change the factory air intake if you want to push the L5P engine to its limit and enjoy the enhanced performance.
