[Keith Seymore]

Looks.

I designed the engine air induction system for the initial release of the GMT800 models. Much of the system is still in use today.

We sized the system for the highest flow applications, specifically big blocks and diesels, with 1"Hg restriction (from ambient air inlet to throttle body inlet) at max airflow rates. What this implies is the system is over capacitized for all small block applications (because they have lower airflow rates).

Additionally, when you free up one end you find the cork in the system in the other (the exhaust). So we were pretty much always trading off restriction between me and the exhaust guys so that our parts wouldn't be the choke point.

Plus - typically the aftermarket systems draw underhood air, which is heated, rather than cool outside ambient air like the production setup. There is a performance loss associated with a hot intake charge vs a cool intake charge.

Bottom line: objectively you shouldn't see any performance gains, regardless of internet hype and anecdotal evidence.

K