Which Cold Air Intake Performs Best?

Tired of internet debates about what intake makes the most power? So are we. That’s why we tested three popular intake systems—on the same truck, under the same conditions—to find out what actually works. The contenders:

• The new K&N NextGen intake

• A closed box competitor from a major brand

• A discount open airbox found online

We put them through three tests: airflow, dyno performance, and real-world acceleration. The test vehicle: a 2018 Chevy Silverado with a 6.2L V8. Let’s dive into the results.

Test 1: Flowbench Airflow

Using a Superflow 1020 Flowbench, we measured CFM at 1.5” and 15” of water restriction:

• Stock Intake: 155.1 CFM (1.5”), 527.6 CFM (15”)

• K&N NextGen: 231.4 CFM, 745.4 CFM ✅

• Closed Box Competitor: 216.8 CFM, 705.5 CFM

• Open Airbox: 211.0 CFM, 717.8 CFM

Winner: K&N delivered the most airflow across the board, beating both competitors and stock significantly.

Test 2: Dyno – Horsepower & Torque Gains

Tested on a Superflow SF880E dyno. Three runs per intake, using the most average pull for comparison:

• K&N NextGen:
  +27.1 HP / +39.0 lb-ft at 5,000 RPM ✅
  Consistent gains across the entire powerband

• Closed Box Competitor:
  +17.0 HP / +16.5 lb-ft at 5,300 RPM
  Lost 14 HP vs. stock in the mid-range

• Open Airbox:
  +6.2 HP / +6.3 lb-ft at 5,400 RPM
  Lost 6 HP below 3,500 RPM

Key takeaway: Only K&N showed power gains at every RPM, especially in the 2,000–4,000 RPM range where you drive the most. The competitors actually lost power in everyday driving RPMs.

Test 3: Track Testing – Real-World Acceleration

To test real-world gains, we hit the 1/8-mile drag strip. Three runs per intake, same driver, same truck.

• Stock Intake:
  10.32 sec @ 72.79 mph

• Closed Box Competitor:
  10.21 sec @ 73.05 mph

• Open Airbox:
  10.24 sec @ 72.63 mph

• K&N NextGen:
  9.98 sec @ 75.07 mph ✅
  Over 0.3 sec quicker and 2.5 mph faster than stock

Winner: Again, the K&N NextGen intake clearly outperformed the competition, delivering measurable track gains.

Why Did the K&N Intake Win?

K&N’s advantage comes from engineering. Each intake is designed specifically for the vehicle—tuned for optimal airflow and usable power across the RPM range. Before release, K&N intakes go through:

• Flow testing

• Dyno verification

• Road and track testing

• Filtration and durability analysis

If it doesn’t perform, it doesn’t go to market. Simple as that.

Final Verdict

K&N’s NextGen intake outperformed both the closed box and discount open airbox in:

✅ Airflow
✅ Peak horsepower and torque
✅ Power at usable RPMs
✅ Track acceleration

Most drivers aren’t living at redline. You want an intake that gives real performance you can feel—on the street, towing, or off-road. K&N delivered consistent, measurable gains where they matter most.