Are you wondering about cold air intake and how it can help your Chevy Silverado 1500?
It is a piece of equipment that mounts onto the engine and increases the airflow to perform its combustion process properly and fully.
Better combustion means more horsepower and less harmful emissions. The Chevy Silverado is a truck that will benefit from a product like this.
That is why I have compiled this ultimate list consisting of the best cold air intakes for Chevy Silverado 1500, so you don’t have to research before buying.
These six products will give you excellent performance. So, without any further ado, let’s get straight into it!
Table of Contents
6 Top Rated Silverado 1500 Cold Air Intakes Comparisons
IMAGE | PRODUCT | EDITOR'S RATING | PRICE |
---|---|---|---|
TOP PICK | 9.7 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
BEST BUDGET | 9.5 | CHECK ON AMAZON | |
9.1 | CHECK ON AMAZON | ||
8.8 | CHECK ON AMAZON | ||
8.6 | CHECK ON AMAZON | ||
8.2 | CHECK ON AMAZON |
1. K&N Cold Air High-Performance Intake
Arriving in the first place is a product from a highly regarded brand by owners of vehicles of various brands.
K&N is a manufacturer whose products almost always earn the top spot on my articles. Their products are of high quality, just like this one made specifically for the Chevy Silverado 1500.
Compatible with the latest and greatest models of the Silverado, this K&N Cold Air High-Performance Intake can be installed in all 1500s released during 2014 and 2020.
In addition, the brand guarantees improved airflow by up to 50% compared to the stock engine.
This is a huge difference that translates to better horsepower and better acceleration and throttle response.
The improved engine sound will make you love you love your truck even more.
Thanks to the extreme airflow of the engine, the loud and booming sound is perfect for telling everyone around you that your vehicle is a beast.
The company believes in their efficient filtration so much that they say their product offers world-class protection.
Well, I second that. So do the 1500 people who were highly content with their purchase.
Combine that with the fact that this filter requires cleaning once every 100000 miles, which means that you won’t have to worry about it getting clogged for a long time.
This air intake is very easy to install. Thanks to the hard work of the engineers at K&N, this kit has been designed to have a bolt-on installation.
As a result, it can be installed within an hour and does not even require complex tools. You most probably have those tools lying around in your garage.
This makes owning this product very convenient. Moreover, the company also provides a million-mile/10-year warranty with this product.
This is an incredible offering as you won’t ever have to worry about your performance intake failing you.
This also tells you that the company believes that their product will surely outlive your truck.
If you are worried about that, I also suggest checking out the most positive ratings of this intake.
- 10-year/million-mile warranty
- Bolt-on installation
- The filter requires cleaning every 100000 miles
- 50% better airflow
- Improved sound
- Performance issues
This K&N intake is the excellent product available for the Silverado 1500 period. It will work in all conditions and will satisfy most users.
Furthermore, even if you do receive a unit that causes issues, you are covered by the warranty, which one could consider a lifetime one.
2. MooSun Cold Air Intake System
Don’t like the newer models of the 1500 and still drive an older one, perhaps one from 1999 and 2006?
Then you should check out this MooSun Cold Air Intake System which has gathered more than 1000 positive feedbacks.
Designed for the Silverado 1500, 2500, and 3500, this intake is compatible with most Silverados of that era.
The first thing the brand states about this product is the gains you can expect from this product.
You can expect around a 5-10% horsepower and a 10% torque improvement after installing this product.
That is quite a decent increase which surely means that you will have an excellent driving experience.
If you want to know how much more airflow you are getting to achieve this much performance gains, then the answer is 64%.
This is better airflow than even the previous product. The brand states that its product has been designed to reduce restrictions as much as possible.
The intake has been designed to ensure a smooth airflow that will not be restricted.
And as it is designed to replace the stock air intake, it has some pretty big shoes to fill. Well, the manufacturer was able to do that.
Do you think that your truck’s engine does not growl that much when accelerating?
That can be completely blamed upon the factory air intake, which does not let in enough air.
On the other hand, this one solves that problem. Whenever you push that pedal, you will hear the perfect sound from your engine.
Although this number may vary according to the driving conditions, this intake can be used for up to 100000 miles before needing any service.
This is just as good as the previous product by K&N filters. The number will drop if you drive in dusty areas. But, still, even 80000 miles is a lot.
This product comes as a complete package. You don’t need any extra parts to make this intake work. It is also very easy to install.
So, within an hour, you can be ready to experience a massive performance jump which you will never get from any sort of upgrade for your vehicle’s engine.
This is completely unacceptable and should be looked into by the manufacturer.
- 5-10% horsepower gain
- 64% better airflow
- It needs to be serviced every 100000 miles
- Growl while accelerating
- Easy to install
- Fitment issues
If the company would look and fix these fitment issues, so buyers would not face any problems, then it easily would have earned the top spot on this article.
3. SUPERFASTRACING Cold Air Intake System
So, you didn’t like the previous product because you don’t want to risk finding out if the unit you receive is compatible or not.
Then you should take a look at this Cold Air Intake System by SUPERFASTRACING. Yes, the brand’s name is fully capitalized.
Plus, their name clearly states they deal in performance products, and judging by the ratings, it looks like they are a hit among consumers.
Just like the MooSun intake system, this one has been designed to provide you with gains in horsepower and torque by up to 10%.
Not only that, but you are also getting a loud growl from the engine, which will be loved by not only you but everyone around you.
Let me tell you beforehand; this engine sound never gets old. Every time you put your foot on the gas, the loud roaring sound will never seize to impress you.
The improved airflow not only improved horsepower and sound but also improves the acceleration and throttle response of the truck.
Increased throttle response means that you won’t get that delay when you press hard on the pedal.
Also the improved acceleration combined with the loud sound will give you an unparalleled driving experience.
The intake also comes with a heat shield which is there to protect it from the scorching temperature of the engine. Engines operate at very high temperatures, while intakes do not.
They will get damaged or will have a breakdown in those conditions. The included heat shield keeps them separated.
It is made from steel which is not only an excellent conductor of heat but dissipates it very quickly too.
It has been powder coated in carbon black color to ensure its protection from corrosion. Plus, the black color looks very cool too.
The filters on this intake are reusable and washable. This makes the intake extremely convenient to use. They are also easy to remove and reinstall.
All of this is possible, thanks to the expertise of the people behind the brand SUPERFASTRACING. They have made this product extremely easy to use.
Others complained that the included sensors were not fit properly and would fall off. This makes the product a bit dangerous.
- 10% horsepower and torque increase
- Better sound
- Improved acceleration and throttle response
- Included heat shield
- Missing mass air sensor
- Sensors falling off
The company should fix these issues ASAP as they can cause some serious issues for some vehicle engines. Other than that, most buyers were more than content with what they bought.
4. K&N Cold Air Intake Kit
If you are looking for intake systems that have been designed specifically with the truck of your year, then this Cold Air Intake Kit by K&N will surely please you.
This intake has been designed especially for the Silverado 1500, which was released in 2019. With it getting almost 40 five-star ratings, you are getting one beast of a product.
The intake gives you 50% more airflow than the stock intake. Although it is not as good as some other options on this list.
The gain is more than enough for a guaranteed increase in horsepower and torque. You are also getting better throttle response which is great for people who use their trucks for towing.
It looks like this filter is almost the same as the first one. Even the filter needs cleaning every 100000 miles.
However, this makes it very easy and convenient to use; why no just buy the other one, which not only has more ratings but a higher percentage of customer ratings too.
Regardless, this one is also every bit as good as the previous one.
It needs to be cleaned less and will protect the engine from anything you throw at it. Whether it be dust or any other contaminant, it will be stopped by this filter.
The high-density polyurethane tubing has been designed to increase the airflow and reduce friction and resistance.
This is one of the main reasons for such an increase in horsepower and torque with this product.
This product is also very easy to install. The bolt-on installation process has made the install process quick and efficient.
In order to install it, you need a maximum of an hour of your time and some basic tools, which most probably are already available in your home.
So, within an hour, you will be ready to experience your new performance gains, which will certainly be loved by you.
The intake also comes with a 10-year/million-mile warranty, just like the first one.
This limited warranty will expire before time only if you transfer ownership of the vehicle to someone else.
Other than that, you are getting an extremely long period that covers any faults that may occur during use.
They had no issues regarding the performance or any other common ones found in cold air intakes.
- Bolt-on installation
- 50% more airflow
- Needs less cleaning
- 10-year/million-mile warranty
- Only for 2019 Silverado 1500
Although this product is great, it will satisfy a very narrow proportion of the Silverado 1500 owners. If you own the 2019 models, then it is an excellent product for you.
5. KABOCHO Air Intake Kit With Heat Shield Replacement
Kabocho is yet another brand that I wanted to recommend.
Now, I know the name does not do wonders. But the brand has truly made a decent product that has been loved by the people who bought it.
This Kabocho Air Intake Kit is available for all Chevy Silverados manufactured between 2014 and 2019.
So, if you are one to own the latest variant of the truck, then this one should definitely be on your list of considerations.
The intake takes in cold air, which has oxygen in a condensed form. Not going into too much of the chemistry, but oxygen is the gas that burns fuel to produce power.
Being in a condensed form means you are getting greater volumes of it. Greater oxygen means better throttle response and more horsepower.
The brand guarantees an up to 10% HP increase and an up to 8% increase in torque. This is a decent gain and on par with other competitors on this list.
Two major things that you get from this intake are better acceleration and loud sound. Better acceleration means no more delay when you push on the accelerator.
Accompanying that acceleration is the loud growling sound which is the one that makes the car feel more powerful. It will surely be loved by anyone who hears it.
This intake, just like the one after it, improves fuel consumption. This is possible, thanks to it balancing the optimum fuel to air ratio.
Yes, that’s right! You don’t need a tuner to do that—no need for any expensive recalibration after installing this intake kit.
The intake, just like all other ones on this list, is very easy to install. It can be installed in an hour, tops.
You won’t have to worry about getting a mechanic or new tools to get this bad boy working with your car.
Common household tools will do the job. This makes this product an extremely convenient one. It also saves you a lot of money in terms of installation and recalibration.
Everything can be done from the comfort of your home.
- 10% HP increase and 8% torque
- Easy to install
- Balances fuel to air ratio
- Improved acceleration
- No warranty
If you are willing to risk it and buy this intake system, then chances are you will love the product. The real risk comes if you receive a faulty product and how the brand handles it.
Regardless, the product itself is great, and you will surely love it.
6. Airiaid Cold Air Intake System
Finally, arriving in the sixth and final place is a product by the Brand Airiaid.
Now, I must confess that I have never heard of this brand before. But when I checked out their offerings, they really put up a competition.
So, let’s see what made this intake system earn a spot on this article!
Compatible with the 2019 and 2020 versions of the Silverado 1500, this one guarantees improvements in horsepower.
Thanks to the specially designed intake tube, which has been engineered aerodynamically, you get very little resistance. This allows the air to flow in a more efficient manner.
More air in the engine means a better a fuller process of combustion. The brand labels its filtration system superior.
It not only keeps the air cool, which condenses the oxygen, allowing for a better combustion process but also prevents any and all contaminants from reaching into the engine.
These contaminants lessen the engine’s life and also reduce performance. The whole kit is also very easy to install. You can get it up and running within a matter of 30 minutes.
After that, you will get an unparalleled experience, nothing like you have ever experienced before.
Combine that with the fact that this intake system does not require any calibration after installation. It automatically balances the air to fuel ratio.
This is a great feature and not found in most intakes on the market. The best thing about this product is, it is manufactured in the USA.
What this means is that you won’t have to worry about poor quality control and risk receiving faulty units. The chances of that happening are still there but considerably low.
The brand is so confident in its product that it has also provided a no-hassle limited lifetime warranty with this intake system.
This is the excellent warranty offering on this list, even beating K&N’s 10-year one.
The warranty will become void only if or when you transfer ownership of your truck. As far as you are concerned, it is unlimited.
It is unknown how the product will perform in the long term or under different driving conditions. This makes buying it a bit of a risk.
- Made in the USA
- Excellent filtration
- Automatic adjustment of fuel to air ratio
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Fewer buyers
Airiaid has created a fantastic product. Although it earnedthe last place, it certainly isn’t the least.
Earning the sixth spot, it still provides some pretty fantastic features which rival other brands.
If you do decide to take the risk, then I would request that you leave a detailed rating for future buyers to know what they are getting into.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. How Do I Install A Cold Air Intake?
Installing a cold air intake is an easy task. Some might find it complicated. But the process has been detailed in several videos on YouTube.
You could follow them as there is nothing better than visual representation. I will be outlining the process in a basic manner.
- Disconnect the battery.
- Remove your stock intake.
- Attach the silicone coupling to the throttle body.
- Secure the coupling.
- Slide the intake tube into the silicone coupling.
- Tighten the silicone coupling and secure all brackets on the tube.
- Plug the mass airflow sensor into the new cold air intake system (if provided).
- Reconnect the battery.
- Enjoy your newly gained horsepower.
Q2. Do Cold Air Intakes Really Make A Difference?
Yes, they do. You can expect minimal to massive improvements in horsepower and torque after installing one in your Silverado.
Q3. What Are The Cons Of A Cold Air Intake?
Apart from an intake being expensive, the installation might get a bit trickier. But the end result is absolutely worth it.
Q4. Can A Cold Air Intake Damage The Engine?
Yes, it can. A cold air intake may turn on the engine check light. More air also means more emissions, which may clog the engine.
So, this must definitely be kept in mind while purchasing one.
Conclusion
Choosing the right type of intake system is a crucial decision.
A wrong one can completely make your engine useless. Plus, repairs are always expensive.
That is why it is always advised to follow guides which have been written with a lot of research—for example, this one; the best cold air intake for Chevy Silverado 1500.
I compared products and chose them not only due to their features but also based my choice on how much did people like them.
From the list, the K&N Cold Air High-Performance Intake is a pretty clear winner.
Starting with the performance and ending with the warranty, you are getting a pretty fantastic product.
I am Tahir Azam, and I have been writing amazing articles for TaxiHack for as long as I can remember. I know everything that is to know when it comes to automobiles and is always on top of industry news and developments. While I am not an expert by any means, I pride myself on knowing the ins and outs of many different problems and, of course, their solutions. The articles on our website are some of the best and well-researched content that you will find, and I spend countless hours making sure this remains to be true. This is why I ask you to take your time out and read some of my articles, especially if you find a topic that resonates with you or is something you are looking into. This way, you will find the perfect mix of information and tips on your desired topic. Learn more about Tahir.