I have done some CAI work on my other cars so i recently thought i'd give it a try with the LS for a few reasons but mainly the little to zero cost involved. First off, those aluminum intake tube's look very cool if you spend alot of time with your hood open, otherwise the benefit is very minimal. I havent done any scientific testing myself but i'd be willing to bet the stock abs plastic intake has as good, if not better heat resistance than those aluminum tubes, therefore would have a better/cooler intake temp. Also as most point out about those cone filters there benefit is minimal because they too will suck in warmer/underhood air with only marginally better airflow than a stock paper filter. A heat shield may help alittle but depending on its contruction would start to absorb and radiate heat from the engine compartment anyway. I have decided to keep the stock intake and gutted out the bottom. This provides a nice opening that matches with the well known hole going behind the bumper. I believe the stock plastic intake does a great job with keeping the intake temp. down while providing plenty of airflow to the throttle body, a K&N or such type filter is replacing the stock paper type for easier maintenance and improved airflow. I have some old tubing and plastic that i am gonna run thru the bumper up into the opening and into the bottom of the airbox. I am going to fab a new "box" to accept this tubing and connect to the existing stock setup, this will allow only air from the lower intake straight thru to the filter and into the stock tubing. I dont expect too much difference but i am sure there will be some improvment along with some fun fiddling around.
Time to use that other piece of tubing, and start sucking air from the fender panel area.
