If you’ve got a Chevrolet or GMC with the L5P Duramax and are looking for a bit more power and performance, Cold Air Inductions has you covered! In addition to cold air intake systems for GM cars and trucks equipped with four, six, or eight-cylinder engines, we make one for the workhorse Duramax engine. 

In this video by CFarmer, he installs a CAI cold air intake on his workhorse Chevy Silverado that he’s put through all kinds of abuse. He decided he wanted to get rid of the stock intake with all of the “junk” that comes with it and install something to clean up the airflow. 

Let’s follow along and find out what he thinks of our Duramax intake system! 

A Cool-Looking High Quality Air Intake 

Unboxing the Chevy Silverado kit, CFarmer comments on the quality of the packaging as well as the quality of the parts for the air intake. The airbox, tubing, air filter, hardware, and even its packaging are all high-quality. From the video, it’s clear he appreciates our attention to detail, not only the parts of the kit but also how well it was wrapped to prevent scratches or damage during shipment. 

Like other YouTubers, CFarmer comments on the size of the large air filter and appreciates that it’s reusable. He also appreciates the thorough instructions but says that the kit itself is “super simple” to put together. Before long, he’s got the old intake out for the CAI cold air intake.

“Guys, this thing is going to be super simple to install. There’s only a couple of connections. This is a 10-minute install, probably 20 at the most.”

– CFarmer

The Results: Better Fuel Mileage And Real Savings At The Pump

After two weeks and 4,800 miles on the road, going cross-country and towing everything from campers to broken-down trucks, CFarmer has noticed a difference in fuel economy. In fact, on one trip from Indiana to San Diego, he conservatively saved about $200 in gas thanks to the CAI cold air intake. As a 20-year driver, he knows results like this matter.

He also noticed a difference in performance, saying his truck now has smoother and more crisp acceleration. Seeing how he uses his Chevy for towing, he’s also noticed an additional benefit – the engine stays noticeably cooler. On one trip to Las Vegas, when it was 110 degrees Fahrenheit on the interstate, he said the engine stayed 10 degrees cooler than normal. Avoiding heat soak matters.

As a result, he’s become a believer in CAI’s products and believes the intake kit will pay for itself in better fuel mileage and less wear on the engine:

“I’ve never really been a big believer in cold air intakes, but this one has made a believer out of me.”

– CFarmer

Take Your Truck To The Next Level With A CAI Cold Air Intake!

If you’ve got a Chevrolet or GMC with a Duramax engine, CAI has a kit for you. We also make kits for other GM engines, from the 2.7-liter TurboMax to an assortment of V8s. No matter what GM vehicle you drive, check out our selection of cold air intakes to find the perfect fit! With CAI, you’re not just upgrading your car or truck; you’re getting the following benefits that will enhance your driving experience:

• Proven  Performance: Our intakes are dyno-tested with results to support our claims.
• Quality Materials: Only the highest quality materials are used to ensure durability and efficiency.
• Easy Installation: Designed for a straightforward install, getting you back on the road faster.

You’re not alone if you’re wondering how to improve a truck’s gas mileage. After all, that’s one of the biggest downfalls of owning a truck. Most of them aren’t super friendly on your bank account when it comes time to fill the tank. In a way, that’s the unfortunate price of admission. If you want the benefits of a big truck (e.g., towing, ground clearance, power), you have to deal with less-than-optimal gas mileage.

While modern fuel-efficient trucks are getting better in this area, there are some ways to increase Chevy Silverado fuel efficiency, even in an older model.

5 Easy Ways To Increase Chevy Silverado Fuel Efficiency

There are several ways to tackle the fuel efficiency problem that most trucks experience. None of them will be miraculous – they won’t double your Silverado’s MPG – but if you combine them, you can achieve a noticeable difference for your Chevy. If you use your truck daily, you know it’s all about the small gains that, when combined, create long-term results.

1. Basic Maintenance

Image Credit: PaulsTravelPictures

One of the easiest things you can do to increase Chevy Silverado fuel efficiency is just to maintain your truck well. When you keep up with basic maintenance (i.e., changing the fluids regularly, keeping your tires properly inflated, keeping air filters clean, etc.), your truck can perform more efficiently.

2. Install A Cold Air Intake

Swapping out your stock air filter with a cold air intake system will definitely make a noticeable difference in your truck’s gas mileage. (Check out CAI’s Silverado 1500 cold air intake kits here.) This system pumps a higher volume of cooler air into your engine, which increases the oxygen content and produces a cleaner, more efficient combustion cycle. In the video below by YouTuber Lonestar Hawaiian, you can see how he intends to tackle the MPG problem with his 2007 Chevy Silverado – by upgrading to a Cold Air Inductions intake system. Check it out:

In the video above, you saw that Lonestar Hawaiian was installing a cold air intake on his 2007 Chevy Silverado, aiming to increase miles per gallon. With his 2020 Trail Boss (which he already updated with a CAI cold air intake), he noticed a significant increase in fuel efficiency (16.5 to 21 mpg).

“When I installed the Cold Air Inductions intake on the 2020 trail boss I was really impressed with the quality of product, the fit and finish, and actually the performance that came out of it.”  – Lonestar Hawaiian

And remember Item 1 above – “Basic Maintenance?” With a CAI intake system, you get a clear, plexiglass window to monitor how dirty the air filter is and see when it needs to be recharged with a CAI Cleaner and Recharge Kit. It’s a win-win.

3. Reduce Drag

Most people don’t realize how much drag an average pickup truck creates when it moves down the road. This friction with the air makes the engine work harder. Installing a tonneau cover over your truck bed is one way you can reduce the drag on your truck. It will help you be a little more efficient. Plus, it keeps your gear or cargo secure and dry.

4. Use An Engine Programmer/Tuner

You can use an engine tuner or programmer on many modern vehicles, including the 5.3 or 6.2L Chevy Silverado. Keep in mind that when you purchase a vehicle from a dealer, the engine is programmed to perform at a level that will appeal to a broad audience. Mainly providing:

• Soft, smooth shift points. Most drivers prefer this over quick shifts, even if faster shifts improve performance.
• Fuel systems that are optimized to maximize fuel economy and minimize emissions, even if such settings lessen performance.
• Shift points and fuel maps are both tuned for stock air intake and exhaust systems.

This little plug-in computer can help you dial in how you want your engine to run to increase fuel efficiency or power – especially if you’ve made modifications.

5. Slow Down

Yeah, it’s obvious and probably a little annoying to hear, but it’s true. When you hit the gas to hear that beautiful engine roar (especially after installing a cold air intake or aftermarket exhaust system), you’re consuming much more gas than if you reasonably accelerate. If you want to see a boost to your fuel efficiency, take it easy on the gas pedal – you’re probably not on a race track. If you are, well…then let her rip.

If you’re ready to install a superior cold air intake on your truck, trust Cold Air Inductions for the highest quality intakes. CAI is a Tier 1 OEM supplier manufacturing cold air intakes since 2004. CAI intakes are made from the highest quality materials and crafted right here in the USA, delivering real power and great quality. Shop Cold Air Inductions online or contact us today!